Impact of electric vehicle charging on distortion levels in distribution networks (Results from simulation and measurement)

The number of Electric Vehicles is expected to increase significantly in the next decade. Both, on-board and off-board chargers utilize modern power electronic rectifiers based on self-commutating topologies, which can be a significant source of harmonics and interharmonics in distribution networks in the frequency range up to 150 kHz (distortion). Measurements in networks with high penetration of Electric Vehicle have shown that the charging clearly dominates the existing distortion levels. Due to design differences (converters™ architecture and control), the emission of different cars usually deviates significantly from one to another, which is a major challenge from modelling and simulation perspective. This panel gives a systematic overview of the distortion characteristics of Electric Vehicle charging and its possible impact on the distribution networks.