What is EV Charging Load Management?

With the increasing number of electric vehicles (EVs) being adopted, the need for electric vehicle supply equipments is also growing at a corresponding rate, which may lead to a strain on the electrical grid. The growing demand shows that there is an urgent need for EV charging load management strategies that will help keep power supply stable and efficient. This article will introduce what EV charging load management is and how to effectively manage the EV charging load.

What is the EV Charging Load Management?

The term “EV charging load management” refers to the technology that monitors and controls the electrical resources with a charging station or network with the purpose of balancing the power supply with multiple charging demands. One of the main features of this management approach is the redistribution of the power in order to cope with the different demands at various times and charging points, which, in turn, prevents the electrical grid from facing overload problems. Load management implementation can help in preventing wastage of power and keep the grid safe by ensuring that power is delivered to each car as needed.

Types of EV Charging Load Management

There are two primary types of EV charging load management: static load management and dynamic load management.

Static Load Management

Static load management, which is known as load sharing, is a simple yet efficient way of managing electric vehicle charging systems to distribute electricity to electric vehicles. It is based on the idea of assigning a fixed or average level of power consumption that each charging station or charger is allowed to draw, and this can be adjusted according to the type of charging facility and its management objectives.

In static load management, power can be allocated in two primary ways:

Fixed Allocation

Every charger is given a defined amount of power that is unchanging, regardless of the number of cars that are charging or how much electricity is in total demand. This pre-set allocation of power guarantees that the total power consumption does not exceed the local network capacity, preventing overloads and maintaining grid stability. But, during peak demand times, the system may not be able to accommodate the charging needs beyond these fixed limits, resulting in the losing of customers or the delay of charging sessions.

Average Allocation

Power is equally distributed load sharing among the chargers that are connected based on the number of vehicles currently charging. This method uses real-time charging data to determine the actual usage at the charging station, thereby promoting more efficient electricity usage especially during off-peak hours when fewer vehicles are charging. Nevertheless, this could lead to less power available per vehicle at the peak times, and therefore it could increase the time of charging.

Static load management is a reliable and easy-to-use approach to EV charging station power distribution management. It is ideal for a charging environment with a stable and predictable demand. It has the advantages of cost and simplicity but its inflexibility and potential for underutilization make it less suitable for places with unstable energy needs or in the larger and more complex charging environments where dynamic load management would be more appropriate.

Dynamic Load Management

Dynamic load management, commonly called charge management, smart charging or load balancing, is a more advanced and intelligent way. Unlike static load management, which allocates power in a fixed or average mode, the dynamic load management dynamically tracks the charging sessions. Sensors and smart meters measure power demand and energy consumption in real time and adapt the flow of electricity to chargers by taking into account the current grid conditions and predefined rules. This process is supplemented by the use of load management software so that the energy is used in the most efficient way possible and to avoid grid overload. This, thus, yields shorter charging times during periods of low demand and smoother energy usage during peak hours. At peak hours when energy is costlier and grid congestion is high, DLM can lessen demand by lowering the charging rate or temporarily pausing charging for some vehicles.

Through dynamic load management, higher energy needs EVs or those that have been charging for a longer period can be given priority. This approach allows EVs to be charged optimally as well as using the available electrical capacity in an efficient manner.

For example, if a station has a maximum capacity of 100 kW and three EVs are connected (one requiring 20 kW, one requiring 30 kW, and one requiring 50 kW), dynamic load management might allocate 50 kW to the third vehicle, 30 kW to the second vehicle, and 20 kW to the first vehicle, optimizing charging for all three.

Here is a simple table for quickly grasping the differences and applications of each type.

Advantages of an Efficient Load Management

With the increased pace of adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), it becomes crucial for charging service providers to prioritize efficient load management. Adequate load management is a prerequisite for the longevity and dependability of charging services by not overloading the existing electrical infrastructure. Implementing an effective EV charging load management solution offers several benefits:

• Maximized Utilization of Existing Infrastructure: Load management enables the connection of multiple charging stations to a single electrical circuit. This approach can optimize the use of existing electrical infrastructure and avoid the need for expensive infrastructure upgrades or expansion.
• Cost Savings: Through the proper management of power distribution, load management systems contribute to the decrease of energy costs and peak power consumption charges.
• Improved Customer Satisfaction: EV drivers get to enjoy a seamless and quick charging process because load management prevents power shortages that may cause the charging sessions to be interrupted or delayed.

Implementing Load Management in Different Environments

The implementation of EV charging load management systems may vary from one environment to another, and specific requirements might be different.

Residential Settings

The need for load management in residential settings largely depends on specific power capacity and charging demands. In certain homes, especially those that have low demand for electric vehicle (EV) charging (e.g., one or two charging points), it may be enough to manage the system using simple electrical management practices like appropriately rated circuit breakers, and following wiring specifications.

But in the case of the residential environment such as apartment buildings or multi-unit dwellings where chargers are always in use, a load management solution is a must. It makes sure that the electrical system is able to meet the charging requirements of many electric vehicles without causing overloads or interruptions. The residential charge management systems usually come along with the Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) or the property management software giving the apartment managers or the home owners the ability to effectively monitor and control the charging infrastructure. Besides, these systems could also have advanced functions like scheduling and prioritization, allowing occupants to set up charging times during off-peak periods or set charging priorities according to their personal requirements or preferences.

Commercial and Industrial Settings

Commercial and industrial settings, such as office buildings, retail centers, and manufacturing facilities, often have larger and more complex electrical infrastructure. Load management solutions in these environments must be scalable and flexible to accommodate varying charging demands and potential future expansions.

In addition to optimizing the power distribution, load management systems in commercial and industrial settings may incorporate features like access control, billing integration, and usage analytics. These features allow facility managers to monitor and manage the charging infrastructure more effectively, ensuring efficient operations and optimized resource utilization.

Furthermore, load management solutions in these settings may need to integrate with other building management systems, such as energy management systems (EMS) or building automation systems (BAS), to provide a comprehensive and cohesive approach to energy management.

Best Load Management EV Chargers

The chargers which are equipped with Dynamic Load Balancing (DLB) technology are the most advanced and efficient ones among the available EV chargers. DLB enables the real-time adjustments and optimization of power distribution, thereby ensuring that the existing electrical capacity is used efficiently without the need to upgrade the building’s electrical infrastructure for costly upgrades. This smart load management system is particularly appropriate for environments that need to control charging stations that are numerous, both in residential and commercial settings.

It is such as BENY’s EV chargers that employ the latest DLB technology. These chargers are not only capable of supplying a wide range of powers from 3. The power rating of the system is between 7kW and 22kW, and also with multiple safety features to increase the charging security. The DLB system of the BENY chargers can monitor and intelligently direct current to each charger depending on the usage of each, thus ensuring efficiency and stability in both individual homes and complex commercial facilities.

Also, BENY’s commercial monitoring devices are able to track the usage of every charging station in real time and redirect the flow of currents through smart optimization algorithms. This not only leads to the reduction of operational costs of the charging stations but also allows for the stabilization of the power grid. These chargers are also equipped with connectivity options like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and they are in compliance with the OCPP protocol which allows remote monitoring and management of the chargers.

Conclusion

EV charging load management is a critical component of a sustainable and efficient EV charging ecosystem. By intelligently managing the power distribution among multiple charging points, load management solutions enable property owners, service providers, and facility managers to maximize the utilization of their existing electrical infrastructure, reduce costs, and provide reliable charging experiences for EV drivers.

As the adoption of EVs continues to grow, the importance of load management will only increase. Implementing effective load management strategies not only addresses current challenges but also futureproofs the charging infrastructure, ensuring it can accommodate growing demands without the need for costly upgrades or expansions.

Choose BENY Dynamic Load Balancing EV Chargers

BENY is a leading provider of innovative EV charging solutions, offering advanced dynamic load balancing chargers that deliver unparalleled performance and efficiency. BENY’s dynamic load balancing chargers are designed to optimize power distribution among multiple charging points, ensuring maximum utilization of available electrical capacity while providing reliable and efficient charging experiences.

Choose BENY’s dynamic load balancing EV chargers and experience the future of intelligent and efficient EV charging today. Contact BENY to learn more about their innovative solutions and how they can help you maximize the potential of your EV charging infrastructure.