Advantages And Disadvantages about APF in Power System
Feb 19, 2025| The advantages and disadvantages of APF/AHF(Active power filter or Active harmonic filter) in power systems are as follows:
Advantages：
1.Strong dynamic compensation: Tracks and compensates for harmonic and reactive power changes in real time, suitable for dynamic loads.
2.High compensation accuracy: Generates opposite-phase currents to precisely filter 2nd - 50th order harmonics.
3.Multifunctional: Compensates for harmonics and reactive power, and some can suppress three-phase imbalance.
4.No resonance risk: Safe as it won't resonate with grid impedance.
5.Compact & flexible: Small modular design, easy to install in various places.
Disadvantages：
High cost: Complex technology leads to higher investment than passive filters.
High maintenance: Needs professional care, and device lifespan adds to costs.
Limited capacity: Single unit has low capacity; parallel use increases complexity.
Power loss: 2 - 5% loss affects long-term energy efficiency.
Device-dependent: IGBT performance limits high-frequency and high-voltage use.
In short, APF is key for power quality but faces cost and maintenance issues.