Effects of Charging Battery of Electric Vehicles on Distribution Transformers

This research examines the effects of electric vehicle battery charging on distribution transformers. Since charging the battery is considered as a non-linear load, it results in harmonics within the power system. Conventional transformers are not designed to handle a large load of this type. This may cause the transformer to fail before the expected time. The harmonics arising from the battery charging can cause the transformer temperature to be higher than normal while the transformer supplies the same load. This is because core losses or iron losses are directly proportional to the squared frequency. Prediction of the temperature of transformers connected to electric vehicle batteries is therefore important to monitor transformer conditions and calculate transformer dimensions. This research will improve our understanding of the effects on transformers.