Performance enhancement of shunt active power filter using advanced multilevel inverter driven by intelligent control strategy

In this paper, a novel multilevel inverter (MLI) topology is presented that significantly enhances the performance of Shunt Active Power Filters (SAPFs). The proposed MLI addresses major drawbacks of conventional inverter structures such as high power loss, excessive heating, and the complexity arising from diode-based configurations by reducing the number of switches and eliminating diodes. The inverter setup improves efficiency, reduces conduction losses, lowers power dissipation, and minimizes thermal stress, thereby enhancing system efficiency, dependability, and durability. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed inverter, an existing Artificial Neural Network (ANN)-optimized Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM) technique integrated with a Synchronous Reference Frame (SRF) control loop is employed for system control. The ANN-SVPWM method enhances accuracy by 31.7%, boosts dynamic response by 32%, and reduces computational complexity by 35.6% compared to traditional control techniques. The simulation outcomes are confirmed with a hardware prototype managed by a Tru-Control advanced real-time controller. A 26.1% decrease in harmonic distortion and improved reactive power compensation and grid stability are achieved. The strong agreement between simulation and hardware outcomes confirms the precision and efficiency of the proposed method.