A Multilevel Power Factor Correction Rectifier for Charging of Electric Vehicle

Electric vehicles have become an important part of the present energy transition era. A highly efficient and reliable battery charging system is one of the most essential requirements of an electric vehicle. The conversion from AC to DC forms the first stage of the electric vehicle charging interface. This conversion is performed using rectifiers, which falls under the category of non-linear loads. Non-linear loads can affect the quality of power in the distribution network mainly due to the non-linear current drawn by them from the grid. This can result in the injection of harmonics into the grid, leading to a lower power factor. Hence correction of power factor is essential at the input side of the electric vehicle charging interface. A multilevel rectifier offers several benefits over a conventional two level rectifier such as the reduction of total harmonic distortion as well as an efficient utilization of the converter. Hence, the main objective is to design a multilevel rectifier, with the capability of correcting power factor, for charging an electric vehicle.