An Analysis of Electromagnetic Disturbances from an Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Abstract

The electric vehicles (EVs) could potentially have a significant impact on power quality parameters and distribution networks as they are non-linear loads and their charging might result in tremendous power demand. When connected to the utility grid, a large number of EV charging stations from different manufacturers might create significant harmonic current emissions, impact the voltage profile, and eventually affect the power quality. Nevertheless, practical examples of disturbances from charging stations have not been made public. This paper aims to clarify the characteristics of conductive disturbances and levels of current harmonics generated by charging station and their severity on the quality of electric energy. The analysis was based on tests of a prototype station of an EV charging station integrated with a LED street light. The tests concern the determination of current harmonics and the values of conductive electromagnetic disturbances in the 150 kHz–30 MHz range. The test results of the prototype charger with observed exceedances of current harmonics (25th–39th range) and conducted interference exceedances are comprehensively described. After applying filtering circuits to the final version of the station, retesting in an accredited laboratory showed qualitative compliance.