Power Quality Analysis of EV Chargers for Electric Forklifts and Vehicles

This article presents an in-depth analysis of the impact of industrial forklifts and Electric Vehicle charging stations on power quality, in distinct operational environments. Power quality data was collected from a forklift in an industrial setup and also from 15 kW and 25 kW EV chargers located in a public charging station. The study examines key power quality parameters, including voltage fluctuations, harmonic distortion and current imbalances, as well as their potential effects on electrical systems and equipment. Our findings indicate that forklift operations introduce significant harmonic distortions. Likewise, EV charging, particularly at higher capacities, contributes to voltage dips and elevated harmonic levels, which may affect the distribution power grids. This analysis highlights the importance of implementing mitigation techniques, such as power factor correction and harmonic filters, to improve power quality and ensure system reliability. The results provide valuable insights for industries, EV charging infrastructure developers and utility operators aiming to optimize power quality in their operations.