What Load Balancing means for EV Chargers?

Load Balancing also referred to as Load Matching or Daily peak demand reserve refers to the use of various techniques to store excess electrical power during low demand periods for release at a later stage when demand rises. Blink Charging utilises load-balancing solutions/systems across the entire family of chargers in our portfolio.

The types of load balancing

Standard Load Balancing

Some EV chargers have dual sockets allowing them to charge two vehicles simultaneously. If there is sufficient energy to the charger bringing two supplies to these chargers, they essentially operate independently, allowing each socket to charge at the maximum kW rate.

Smart Charge Network

Several chargers can be connected to a Local Area Network (LAN) without the need for an internet connection or additional hardware. This allows the system to be reactive without a central point of failure and allows for a maximum charger rate to be applied to the network to avoid overloading the supply.

A smart charge network’s primary function is to charge vehicles as quickly as possible; power distribution is only when needed otherwise any vehicle plugged into the charger will charge at the maximum kW rate. When vehicles reach fully charged the extra power is then redistributed, increasing the charge rate to the next vehicle, and reducing charge time.

Dynamic Load Balancing

This type of load balancing can be used on a single charger or a smart charge network allowing it to be connected to a metering device that measures the electrical load that EV Chargers may be sharing at any given time. This application can be found in an office building or factory setting, if the energy demand from the building increases, then the meter will register this and reduce the load to the charger/network of chargers. When the demand on the facility/building reduces the limit is increased so that there is always an optimum safe lever of power supplied to the EVs charging.

Vehicle-to-Grid

EV Chargers with built-in vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities, allowing bidirectional charging from the grid to the car and vice versa enabling consumers/users to store the excess energy used during peak times and then replenish it during off-peak times.

 

For more information on how Blink Charging can support all your EV Charging needs contact one of our industry experts today.