ISSN (Print) : 2320 – 3765 ISSN (Online): 2278 – 8875 International Journal of Advanced Research in Electrical, Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering (An ISO 3297: 2007 Certified Organization) Vol. 3, Issue 12, December 2014 10.15662/ijareeie.2014.0312048 Copyright to IJAREEIE www.ijareeie.com 13506 A Methodology for Low-Cost Optimization of Energy Efficient Passive Filters in Distribution Networks H.K.M. Youssef 1 , A.M. Ibrahim 2 , S.H.E. Abdel Aleem 3 , E.M.M. Abdel Hady 4 Professor, Dept. of Electric Power and Machines, Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt 1 Assistant Professor, Dept. of Electric Power and Machines, Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt 2 Lecturer, Dept. of Mathematical, Physical & Life Sciences, 15 th of May Higher Institute of Engineering, Cairo, Egypt 3 Master Student, Dept. of Electric Power and Machines, Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt 4 ABSTRACT: In power distribution networks, nonlinear loads produce harmonic currents that can pass through other sensitive locations in the power system and eventually back to the source. Harmonic currents can produce a variety of effects that are harmful to a power system structure. Consequentially, the deployment of new cost and energy efficient passive, active and hybrid filtering techniques is important for the utilities and consumers alike. This paper presents an application of the Genetic Algorithm toolbox (GA) provided by MatLab software in order to find the optimal sizing of parameters of C-type passive filters based on minimization of the total investment cost of the proposed filters. Load power factor (PF), load voltage total harmonic distortion (THD V ) and supply current total demand distortion (TDD) are considered as the main constraints in this paper. Besides, capacitor loading duties are taken into account in compliance with IEEE Standard 18-2002 guidelines. Various numerical results are presented to validate the proposed approach. KEYWORDS: Harmonic Distortion, Optimization, Passive Filters, Power Quality, Economics. I. INTRODUCTION Electrical power generation, transmission and utilization theories are designed to function at the fundamental industrial frequency which is 50 or 60 Hz. In power distribution networks, nonlinear loads produce harmonic currents that can pass through other sensitive locations in the power system and eventually back to the source. Harmonic currents can produce a variety of effects that are harmful to a power system structure. Harmonic currents are a result of the nature and characteristics of these loads. As long as we have to employ those loads in all the industrial commercial and residential sectors, we have to deal with the reality that harmonic currents will exist to a degree dependent upon the loads. The degrees and magnitudes of the harmonics created by the nonlinear loads are function of the load design and the interaction of the nonlinear load with the distribution system impedance [1]-[6]. In this paper, the recently introduced C-type passive filter is presented for reducing harmonics distortion and improving the load true power factor based on minimization of the total investment cost of the proposed filter under non- sinusoidal conditions. In this paper, optimal sizing of C-type passive filter parameters is presented based on minimization of its total investment cost under non-sinusoidal conditions, while taking into consideration the following constraints [7]: Maintaining the load power factor (PF) at an adequate range, i.e. 90%≤ PF ≤ 95%. Maintaining the voltage total harmonic distortion (THD V ) at an acceptable range according to the system voltage level, i.e. THD V ≤ 5%. Maintaining the current total demand distortion (TDD) at an acceptable ra nge, i.e. TDD ≤ max %TDD. The maximum %TDD is determined according to the system strength as clarified in [3]. Maintaining the individual harmonics of the voltage and current measured at the point of common coupling between the utility and the consumer at their specified ranges according to the limitations given in IEEE standard 519-1992 [3]. Maintaining the shunt power capacitor loading duties at their specified ranges according to IEEE Standard 18-2002 [8].