Impact of reference conditions on the frequency coupling matrix of a plug-in electric vehicle charger

Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEVs) are progressively penetrating world markets. A significant impact on harmonic distortion in distribution networks is expected due to large-scale charging of PEVs at homes. Therefore, models that accurately predict the individual current injections are needed to perform harmonic studies, in particular frequency domain models such as those based on Frequency Coupling Matrices (FCM). In this paper, Fourier descriptors are used to estimate and compare the FCMs of a commercially available on-board PEV charger. Two models were calculated for two different supply reference conditions, namely, a sinusoidal voltage with no distortion, and a flat-top voltage. To that end, extensive laboratory measurements were carried out. Results show similar values in the parameterized admittances for both reference conditions. These results indicate a wide linear range in the coupled Norton model for this load, and should be probably attributable to the active power factor correction topology of the charger.