Evolution of control and optimization strategies for shunt active power filters in photovoltaic systems: A systematic review

Abstract

This systematic review focuses on the advanced control and optimization strategies of shunt active power filters (SAPF) used in conjunction with photovoltaic (PV) systems, highlighting the improvements in power supply quality and energy efficiency of these systems. As PV systems become more widespread, problems such as harmonic distortion and reactive power are expected to occur. This study highlights how the SAPF can help reduce voltage and current distortions caused by fluctuations in photovoltaic energy generation. A thorough literature review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA framework, encompassing studies between 2015 and 2025 indexed on Scopus, ScienceDirect, Elsevier, and Google Scholar. Finally, 50 high-quality empirical studies were selected for inclusion in this review. Here, a systematic review of 50 journal articles from the SCI integration of the SAPF in photovoltaic systems is presented, with a focus on the management of energy quality in the modern power grid. The results revealed that more than 85% of the papers reviewed employed only simulation-based validation, primarily in MATLAB/Simulink, and fewer than 15% included any experimental verification. Most of the reviewed papers, which were prepared according to IEEE standards, highlighted significant positive effects on power quality, with the THD usually reduced to less than 5%. Approximately 60% of recent contributions have focused on advanced control methods, such as predictive control, artificial intelligence, and metaheuristic optimization.