摘要：Static, passive, filters present an economic and simple solution to the harmonic distortion at the distribution level and at the same time supply the required reactive power for voltage support and/or power factor correction. Applying these filters to a distribution network, if not properly designed, may have an adverse effect on the network. This paper presents analysis of the effects of using passive harmonic filters in a power distribution networks. The driving point impedance at the node where the filter installed, as a measure of how harmonic currents would produce harmonic voltages, is determined as function of the filter parameters. Hence, effects of filter parameters on the system impedance, parallel resonant frequency and impedance at resonance are illustrated. The effects of using more than one filter are also examined. A method for the optimal design of a passive filter considering the component limits, harmonic distortion limits and parameter tolerances is also presented. The proposed optimization model has proved its effectiveness through application to measurements at a real distribution feeder.