Why AC/DC Converters Are Important For Charging Stations

Whether you drive an electric vehicle every day or operate an electric golf cart recreationally, you can benefit from a readily available charging station. To speed up the process and get you back behind the wheel, charging stations implement a fast-charging system that gets assistance from AC/DC converters. Today, BigBattery is here to explain why AC/DC converters are important for charging stations and how their functions expedite the charging process.

What Are AC/DC Converters?

AC/DC converters, also known as “rectifiers,” are electrical circuits that transform alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC). Alternating current comes from traditional electrical systems and outlets. We use AC power when we plug something into an outlet on our wall. Direct current is typically what we get from a battery or other storage device like those in an electric golf cart or forklift.

Why Converters Are Important

We use AC electricity to power most charging stations, while the batteries inside of an electric vehicle use DC power. So, a conversion throughout the charging process is necessary. The converter will rectify the highest positive and negative parts of the alternating current’s sine wave and convert it into a manageable voltage that powers batteries. The main reason why AC/DC converters are important for charging stations is that they act as a current shaper on all incoming power to aid in harmonic reduction and power factor correction.

Drawbacks of Current AC/DC Converters

Many modern charging stations utilize 2L voltage-source converters (VSCs). The problem with most VSCs is that they have limited power ratings and create harmonic pollution. They use filters to bypass these limitations, which make the systems more expensive. These stations may also have a high switching frequency, which makes them suffer and even burn out from abnormally high voltage and currents.

If you’re looking to learn more about proper charging techniques and system components for your lithium battery packs, BigBattery is here for you. We have batteries for electric golf carts, recreational vehicles, solar panel systems, and more. Our blog also contains helpful maintenance tips to help you get the most out of your investment. If you have any additional questions, comments, or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us anytime. A member of our staff will be happy to assist you!