 Harmonic filters reduce distortion by diverting harmonic currents in

low impedance paths. Harmonic filters are capacitive at the

fundamental frequency, so they are also used for producing reactive
power required by converters and for power factor correction.
 Active power filters (APF) are filters, which can perform the job of
harmonic elimination. Active power filters can be used to filter out
harmonics in the power system which are significantly below the
switching frequency of the filter. The active power filters are used to
filter out both higher and lower order harmonics in the power system.
Harmonic filters come in many “shapes and sizes.” In general, harmonic filters are “shunt”
filters because they are connected in parallel with the power system and provide low
impedance paths to ground for currents at one or more harmonic frequencies. For power
applications, shunt filters are almost always more economical than series filters (like those
found in many communications applications) for the following reasons:
1.Series components must be rated for the full current, including the power frequency
component. Such a requirement leads to larger component sizes and therefore costs.
2.Shunt filter components generally must be rated for only part of the system voltage
(usually with respect to ground). Such requirements lead to smaller component sizes and
therefore costs.
Shunt filters are designed (or can be purchased) in
three basic categories as follows:

1. Single-tuned filters,

2. Multiple- (usually limited to double) tuned filters, and

3.Damped filters (of first-, second-, or third- order, or newer “c-type”).

 The single- and double-tuned filters are usually used to
filter specific frequencies, while the damped filters are
used to filter a wide range of frequencies.
 In applications involving small harmonic producing
loads, it is often possible to use one single-tuned filter
(usually tuned near the fifth harmonic) to eliminate
problematic harmonic currents.
 In large applications, like those associated with arc
furnaces, multiple tuned filters and a damped filter are
often used.
In active harmonic technology with over 3000 ADF filters
installed across the world. on ships, drilling rigs and
industrial and commercial applications.
Within the ADF range is the World’s fastest harmonic
active filter (ADF P200) which also mitigates harmonics to
the 120th order.
Comsys’s patented optional ADF sensorless control
permits elimination of background harmonic voltage
distortion and operation without current transformers.
Active filters are very low impedance (<1%), electronic
harmonic current sources which provide non-linear
loads, including AC and DC drves, the harmonic currents
they require to function.
Without such devices, the harmonic currents drawn from
the generator or transformer would result in excessive
harmonic voltage distortion in the power system.