Choosing dynamic vs static load balancing for your EV network

Load balancing vs managing loads

First, let’s take a look at the difference between load balancing and load management. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they are distinct concepts that play different roles in EV charging station operation.

Load balancing — Getting power supply just right

Load balancing focuses on safely distributing the optimal amount of grid power to EV stations without overloading the grid, while also preventing cars from charging too slowly. Effective load balancing ensures that EVs charging simultaneously receive adequate power without exceeding the capacity of electrical infrastructure.

Load management — Staying efficient

On the other hand, load management takes a broader focus with a goal to optimize a charging site’s overall energy consumption and efficiency. It involves not only balancing the load but also incorporating techniques such as peak shaving, demand response, and integrating renewable energy sources. A strong load management strategy can help CPOs maximize their site’s operational efficiency, reducing energy costs, and supporting the sustainable growth of EV infrastructure.

Understanding how load balancing and load management work together helps create a resilient and future-proof charging network.

Static vs dynamic load balancing

Load balancing can be performed in two ways: static, where power distribution is fixed, and dynamic, where power is allocated based on real-time demand and usage patterns.

Static load balancing

Static load balancing works by distributing the available electrical power from the grid evenly across all EV chargers based on a configuration determined ahead of time. Each charger is allocated a fixed portion of the total available power, regardless of the number of vehicles being charged or their individual power requirements. For example, if an EV charging site has a total power capacity of 100 kW and ten charging stations, each charger might be allocated 10 kW.

Dynamic load balancing

Dynamic load balancing, in contrast, is a “smart” approach that requires advanced management systems to adjust power distribution in real-time based on the actual demand and usage patterns of the charging stations. This involves continuously monitoring the power requirements of connected electric vehicles and adjusting the allocation the available power to ensure optimal charging and reduce energy costs. For instance, if one vehicle is nearing the end of its charging session and requires less power, the excess power would be redistributed to another vehicle that needs more.

Each approach has its pros and cons. Choosing the right one depends on various aspects of your EV charging business.

Considerations for selecting a load balancing approach

To determine if static or dynamic load balancing is best for your network, consider the following aspects to ensure alignment with your operational goals and constraints.

• Site size and usage patterns: For smaller sites with consistent and predictable usage patterns, static load balancing might be sufficient and more cost-effective. However, for larger sites or those with fluctuating demand, dynamic load management can offer significant advantages in terms of efficiency and flexibility.
• Upfront costs and budget: Static load management systems are generally less expensive to get going and maintain because they require simpler hardware and software. Dynamic load balancing, while offering greater efficiency, involves higher initial costs due to the need for advanced monitoring and control systems. It’s important to evaluate your budget and weigh the long-term benefits against the upfront investment.
• Power availability and infrastructure: Think about the capacity of your existing electrical infrastructure. If your site has limited power availability, dynamic load balancing can optimize the use of available power and prevent overloads. On the other hand, if the infrastructure is robust and can handle consistent power distribution, static load balancing might be enough.
• Scalability: Consider your plans for future expansion. Dynamic load balancing systems are more scalable, allowing for easier integration of additional charging stations and adapting to increasing demand. Static load balancing may require significant reconfiguration if you plan to expand your charging infrastructure.
• Customer experience: Dynamic load balancing can enhance user satisfaction by reducing charging times and ensuring a more reliable and efficient charging experience. If customer experience and minimizing wait times are top priorities, investing in dynamic load balancing could be worthwhile.
• Complexity and maintenance: Dynamic load balancing systems are more complicated and may require ongoing technical support and maintenance. Ensure that your team is prepared to manage this complexity, or consider outsourcing to a third-party provider. Static load management, being simpler, may require less technical expertise and lower maintenance efforts.

Dynamic load balancing and safety

Safety is a whole concern of its own to consider when choosing a load balancing system, and tends to favor adopting dynamic load balancing to best protect your site as well as the grid.

For instance, dynamic load balancing systems are typically better at preventing overloads because they continuously monitor and adjust the power distribution based on real-time demand. This can help avoid situations where the electrical infrastructure is pushed beyond its capacity, reducing the risk of overheating and electrical fires. Static load balancing, with its fixed power distribution, might not respond as effectively to sudden changes in energy demand, potentially leading to overloads if not properly managed.

Also, dynamic load balancing can enhance the overall stability of the electrical system by ensuring that power is distributed efficiently and equitably among all charging points. This helps to maintain consistent voltage levels and reduces the risk of power surges or dips that could damage both the charging infrastructure and the vehicles being charged. Static load balancing us simpler but may not provide the same level of stability, especially under variable load conditions.

Dynamic load balancing systems often come with advanced monitoring and alerting capabilities, enabling operators to detect and respond to potential safety issues more quickly. This includes identifying faulty EV chargers, irregular power consumption patterns, and other anomalies that could indicate safety risks. Static load balancing systems may lack sophisticated monitoring, relying more on periodic inspections and manual checks.

Both dynamic and static load balancing systems must comply with relevant electrical safety standards and regulations. However, complex dynamic systems might be subject to more stringent requirements and certifications. Ensuring that your system meets all applicable safety standards is essential for protecting users and avoiding legal issues.

The safety of users while they charge their vehicles is a top priority. Dynamic load management can help by providing a more reliable charging experience, reducing the likelihood of unexpected power losses or fluctuations that could inconvenience or endanger users. Static load balancing needs to be carefully managed or you might face risks if users attempt to charge at full power when the system is already near capacity.

With these considerations in mind, you can decide which approach to load balancing will work best in light of your resources and what you are trying to achieve.

Smart energy management is key

If you’re thinking about dynamic load balancing, remember that this method uses advanced monitoring and control systems. A smart energy management system can allow communication and control among site devices, optimizing energy deployment and energy consumption. Electric vehicle smart energy management systems consist of several components including sensors and meters, a controller and cloud-based software. All of these hardware and software components work together in an EV energy management platform to provide optimized, automated control of all site assets. Smart energy management is key to deploying load balancing across your site to keep grid balancing and continuous operations.

Smart energy management improves load balancing on EV charging sites by integrating advanced technologies and data-driven strategies to optimize power distribution and overall efficiency. Firstly, smart energy management systems leverage real-time data analytics to monitor the demand and supply of electricity across the charging network. By continuously analyzing the power consumption patterns of each charging point, these systems can dynamically allocate power based on the current requirements and the overall capacity of the infrastructure. This real-time adaptability ensures that power is distributed efficiently, preventing overloads and ensuring that all vehicles receive the necessary charge without straining the grid.

Finally, smart energy management can enable the integration of renewable energy sources and energy storage solutions into your load balancing strategy. By incorporating solar panels, wind turbines, or battery storage systems, these smart systems can switch between different energy sources based on availability and cost-effectiveness. For example, when solar or wind is producing a lot of energy, the system can prioritize the use of renewable energy for EV charging, reducing reliance on the grid and lowering operational costs. Additionally, energy storage systems can be charged during off peak hours and discharged during peak demand, further enhancing the load-balancing capabilities and ensuring a steady supply of power. Bringing renewables and storage into the mix both improves the sustainability of the charging site and provides greater resilience and flexibility in managing energy loads.

Dynamic balancing is the future

Of the two approaches, dynamic load balancing is the preferred solution for most EV charging sites due to its safety advantages and potential to fully use all available grid power. Having smart EV management helps foster this dynamic electricity grid by allowing for flexibility, stability and efficiency.

The future of EV site load balancing technologies promises significant advancements driven by continued innovation in smart energy management, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy integration. Emerging technologies such as vehicle-to-grid systems will enable bi-directional energy flow, allowing EVs to act as mobile energy storage units that can supply power back to the grid during peak demand periods. Advances in AI and machine learning will enhance predictive analytics, enabling even more precise forecasting of energy demand and optimal power distribution.

Take Sparkion’s AI-driven smart energy management software, which directs its proprietary controller to facilitate seamless and continuous communication between all onsite assets and the grid for multiple use cases—performed automatically and simultaneously—resulting in maximum value and peace of mind for site owners.

Sparkion can help balance loads, incorporating techniques such as peak shaving, demand response, and integrating renewable energy sources. Sparkion’s SparkCore™ energy management system helps align your business operations with grid conditions, ensuring your battery charges before and deploys during your peak demand times to reduce your grid consumption and avoid extra utility costs for the highest profit margins. Also, Sparkion is the only solution that integrates with all your site assets and uses real-time insight to automatically bid into demand response programs when opportunities arise, so you can generate additional revenue while seamlessly maintaining your everyday operations. SparkCore™ can also communicate with your onsite renewable energy and storage systems for maximum benefits.

Optimized automated control of all site assets

Chen brings a wealth of expertise in mechanical and systems engineering to his role at Sparkion, where he has been pivotal since 2021. His work focuses on advancing energy management systems and battery energy storage solutions, including second-life batteries. With a Master’s degree in Energy Systems from the University of Oxford, Chen is dedicated to driving sustainable innovations through breakthrough technologies.

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