When using traditional harmonic current detection control strategy, a conflict occurs between the harmonics compensation performance and the system stability of a series hybrid active power filter(SHAPF). This paper presents a novel control strategy by adding a proportional plus derivative control unit to the traditional control. The system stability and the harmonics compensation performance are improved at the same time. Furthermore, the possible resonance between the grid internal impedance and the paralleled passive power filters is damped out. Simulation and experimental results validate the proposed method.