Interaction between harmonic current injections from residential loads and electric vehicles in low voltage networks

The widespread penetration of electric vehicles (EVs) and power electronic-based non-linear residential loads (RLs) in low voltage distribution networks has raised interest in investigating their harmonic interactions and the possibilities for power quality improvement. Harmonic distortion levels in residential feeders are significantly influenced by the phase angle interactions among various harmonic sources, the distribution and locations of harmonic sources, and the intervals of harmonic current aggregation. This paper offers a multi-point analysis of the interactions between harmonic current injections from RLs and EVs, investigating how these interactions can contribute to mitigating harmonic distortion levels in low voltage residential networks. Field measurements, including harmonic current phasors (magnitude and phase) and active and reactive power demands, were conducted for 21 dwellings and 14 different EVs being charged in parking facilities over a one-week period with a temporal resolution of 1 minute in Madrid, Spain. To evaluate the effects of case studies on the harmonic distortion levels and to ensure compliance with power quality benchmarks outlined in the EN50160 standard, these field measurements are injected into the low voltage European test feeder, referred to as LVN#3 - Feeder 5.