Power quality performance of fast-charging under extreme temperature conditions

Exposing electric vehicles (EV) to extreme temperatures limits its performance and charging. For the foreseen adoption of EVs, it is not only important to study the technology behind it, but also the environment it will be inserted into. In Europe, temperatures ranging from −30 ◦C to +40 ◦C are frequently observed and the impacts on batteries are well-known. However, the impact on the grid due to the performance of fast-chargers, under such conditions, also requires analysis, as it impacts both on the infrastructure’s dimensioning and design. In this study, six different fast-chargers were analysed while charging a full battery EV, under four temperature levels (−25 ◦C, −15 ◦C, +20 ◦C, and +40 ◦C). The current total harmonic distortion, power factor, standby power, and unbalance were registered. Results show that the current total harmonic distortion (THDI) tended to increase at lower temperatures. The standby consumption showed no trend, with results ranging from 210 VA to 1650 VA. Three out of six chargers lost interoperability at −25 ◦C. Such non-linear loads, present high harmonic distortion, and, hence, low power factor. The temperature at which the vehicle’s battery charges is crucial to the current it withdraws, thereby, influencing the charger’s performance.