Power Quality Test Procedures for Plug-In Electric Vehicle Chargers J2894/2_201503

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4271/J2894/2_201503

Issuing Committee: Hybrid - EV Committee

Publisher: SAE International

Pages: 36

Rationale: In 2011 SAE issued power quality requirements for plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) chargers in response to rising sales of PEVs and concerns about their potential impact on utility systems and on other devices connected adjacent to them. Electrical power is delivered upon demand, and utility systems are impacted by demand, or power, and the duration of that demand. Distinctions must be made about real power, which does work, and apparent power, which is the impact on the electrical system. The integration of transportation and the electric grid imposes concerns about not only serving demand and making sure that not only are existing deliveries made, but the additional load of vehicle chargers as well. Utilities must work to ensure reliability and quality of service. Computer equipment and controls are impacted negatively by distortions such as harmonics, so PEV chargers, like most all electronics, must limit potentially disruptive effects. In addition to impacts of equipment on the grid, the equipment itself must be reliable and effective when presented with effects impressed upon it, as can occur with the wide variety of loads and conditions that could emerge on the modern grid. Therefore, criteria were established to ensure that PEV charging equipment could continue to operate after encountering such grid events. These recommendations were presented in SAE J2894/1, Power Quality Requirements for Plug-In Electric Vehicle Chargers. This recommended practice provides the test procedures for measuring the criteria. Since the power quality recommended practice was issued, interest has emerged for measuring and regulating energy efficiency of battery charging systems, on state and federal levels. Battery chargers have historically only been judged for efficiency instantaneously on a power conversion basis, as battery charging systems also include a battery, which is a variable energy reservoir, and a vehicle with auxiliary systems and controls. However, recent efforts have established energy efficiency measurement methods based on a systems approach. With these methods, grid energy input is measured against useful output. As there is not yet clear direction on things like “allowable” auxiliary loads, this recommended practice maintains the measurements in separate bins and provides suggested limits.