Considering the detection principle that "when load current is periodic current, the integral in a cycle for absolute value of load current subtracting fundamental active current is the least", harmonic current real-time detection methods for power active filter are proposed based on direct computation, simple iterative algorithm and optimal iterative algorithm. According to the direct computation method, the amplitude of the fundamental active current can be accurately calculated when load current is placed in stable state. The simple iterative algorithm and the optimal iterative algorithm provide an idea about judging the state of load current. On the basis of the direct computation method, the simple iterative algorithm, the optimal iterative algorithm and precise definition of the basic concepts such as the true amplitude of the fundamental active current when load current is placed in varying state, etc., the double linear construction idea is proposed in which the amplitude of the fundamental active current at the moment of the sample is accurately calculated by using the first linear construction and the condition which disposes the next sample is created by using the second linear construction. On the basis of the double linear construction idea, a harmonic current real-time detection method for power active filter is proposed based on the double linear construction algorithm. This method has the characteristics of small computing quantity, fine real-time performance, being capable of accurately calculating the amplitude of the fundamental active current and so on.