Reduction in distribution system harmonics and improvement in power factor with current control in power converters

The problem of harmonic pollution of distribution system and the lowering of system power factor by power converter equipment has been studied by computer simulation of an electric vehicle battery charger, used as an example. The results of an extensive series of simulation runs illusttate that the severity of the problem is dependent on the technique for controlling charging current. The results pint out that it is possible to design chargers which will inject less harmonics and operate at near power factor. By mixing chargers with different current control technique, it is possible to achieeve a required overall operating condition in a cluster of chargers.