The Impact of EV/PHEV Chargers on Residential Loads — A Case Study

Electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles typically utilize multi level chargers which are powered by solid-state converters. These converters increase harmonic levels which can potentially impact adjacent residential loads as well as the local distribution grid. Such impacts will become more prevalent in the near future as electric vehicle adoption increases. This paper investigates the harmonic impacts generated by an electric vehicle charger on residential distribution systems within a controlled lab environment. The outcomes from this research will be utilized to identify mitigation plans in support of utilities' smart grid implementation programs.