The expected increase in electric vehicles necessitates an expansion in charging stations. However, this increase could introduce issues to the power grid, such as the deterioration of voltage stability and an increase in microgrid loading. To address these issues, innovative solutions are imperative. One potential solution is the implementation of charging control mechanisms. This paper analyzes the impact of a residential charging station on a low voltage microgrid from the power quality point of view using a one-year operation simulation. Thirty-seven charging station scenarios with different locations within the network were examined, including instances with no charging control and various combinations involving charging control, photovoltaic power plant, and battery energy storage system. The simulation results of the charging station without charging control show a decrease in some power quality indicators, such as exceeding voltage change thresholds after charging station connection and increasing power losses. On the contrary, the scenarios implementing charging control and local resources effectively mitigate the adverse effects of charging stations on the microgrid.
In recent years, power quality has deteriorated due to the widespread use of modern electronic devices. Office buildings employ a variety of devices, such as computers and LCD monitors, contributing to a decrease in power factor and an increase in harmonic distortion. These commonly used devices, typically based on power electronic components, draw distorted current from the grid containing higher-order harmonics. This distorted current impacts the voltage at the point of connection, further degrading power quality. This article examines the impact of total harmonic distortion of voltage on the power consumption parameters and thermal performance of common office equipment. The study focuses on two types of computer power supplies and LCD monitors, evaluating how distorted voltage affects reactive power, power factor, and device temperature. Experimental measurements were conducted under varying levels of voltage distortion to assess changes in electrical parameters and thermal behavior. The results indicate that increased voltage distortion results in higher reactive power consumption, a decrease in power factor, and a significant increase in device temperature. These findings highlight the impact of power quality on the performance and durability of office equipment, underscoring the importance of managing voltage distortion in low-voltage networks.