How we charge EVs is just as important as how we drive them – if not more so, both in an environmental sense and for our bank balance.
Load management is all about making sure our electric cars charge efficiently and without causing problems for the power grid.
It helps to think of the power grid as a giant battery that keeps our homes, schools, and businesses running. Charging a large number of electric cars at once could put a strain on this battery, leading to overloads or even blackouts.
To avoid this, load management uses smart charging technologies and special pricing to encourage people to charge their EVs during off-peak hours. This helps balance the demand on the power grid and keeps everything running smoothly.
In this article, we’ll look at the two different types of load management – static and dynamic. We’ll explain how they both work and the pros and cons of both types.
Optimize energy costs and depot planning with our EV Charging Simulator, or discover how Ampcontrol can transform your fleet operations by requesting a demo.
Static vs Dynamic Load Management – Choosing the Right Charging Strategy
When it comes to charging electric vehicles, it's important to understand the different approaches to load management. There are two main types: static load management and dynamic load management.
In this section, we’ll explore the ins and outs of each to help you choose the right charging strategy for your EV or fleet of EVs.
Static Load Management – Keeping It Simple
Static load management is all about fixed charging rates. No matter what's happening with the power grid, the rates stay the same for all EVs at all times. This approach works best for smaller charging stations with limited capacity.
However, sticking to a one-size-fits-all charging rate can lead to overloads or underutilization of charging stations during busy or quiet hours.
Pros of static load management – simple, cost-effective, and great for small charging networks.
Cons of static load management – can't adapt to changing demand and may not make the most efficient use of charging stations.
Dynamic Load Management – Adapting to Change
Dynamic load management is a smart charging system that adjusts to the power grid in real-time. It's perfect for larger EV charging networks with high demand. Changing the charging rates based on the available capacity helps to optimize the charging process and reduce energy costs for EV owners and utilities.
Pros of dynamic load management – takes into account factors like battery level, time of day, and energy prices to prioritize charging for certain EVs. This means you're always getting the most efficient charge possible.
Cons of dynamic load management – more expensive and complex, requiring larger and more advanced EV charging networks.
Cost Considerations
When it comes to cost, there are both hardware and cloud-based solutions for dynamic load management. Hardware solutions need installation and maintenance, while cloud-based systems like Ampcontrol use smart charging profiles (OCPP) and don't require additional hardware. To learn how smart charging and OCPP work together to optimize charging, check out our report, "What Is OCPP and How To Use It For Smart Charging."
Overall, static load management is a straightforward and cost-effective option for smaller EV charging networks, while dynamic load management offers greater efficiency and adaptability for larger networks with higher demand.
How to Choose Between Static and Dynamic Load Management
In this section, we’ll compare the key differences between the static and dynamic load management and help you decide which one is the right fit for your EV charging needs.
Key Differences – Flexibility, Optimization, and Network Size
- Flexibility – Static load management sticks to fixed charging rates for all EVs at all times, while dynamic load management is all about adapting charging rates in real-time, based on the grid's available capacity.
- Optimization – Dynamic load management shines when it comes to optimizing the charging process, as it can prioritize charging for certain EVs based on factors like battery level, time of day, and energy prices. Static load management, on the other hand, doesn't offer this level of optimization.
- Network Size – If you have a smaller EV charging network with limited capacity, static load management is your best bet. But if you're dealing with a larger, more advanced EV charging network that has high demand, dynamic load management is the way to go.
When to Choose Static or Dynamic Load Management
Go Static If:
- You have a smaller EV charging network with limited capacity.
- Your demand for EV charging is predictable and consistent.
- You're looking for a cost-effective solution, especially if your EV charging stations have fixed electricity rates.
- Keep in mind that static load management may not work well for larger networks with high demand or variable electricity prices.
Choose Dynamic If:
- You have a larger, more advanced EV charging network with high demand.
- Your demand for EV charging is variable and unpredictable.
- You want to optimize the charging process and reduce energy costs for both EV owners and utilities.
- You’re prepared for the fact that dynamic load management requires more advanced technologies and a more complex infrastructure, which can come with higher costs.
Choosing the Right Load Management Method for Your EV Charging Needs
Static and dynamic load management are two different approaches that help manage the charging of electric vehicles in different ways. It's essential to choose the right load management method for your specific EV charging network, as it can have a significant impact on efficiency, costs, and the overall user experience.
Remember, static load management is best for smaller networks with limited capacity and predictable demand.
On the other hand, dynamic load management is ideal for larger, more advanced networks with high or variable demand, as it can optimize charging processes and reduce energy costs.
No matter which load management method you choose, Ampcontrol can support you in optimizing your charging management practices. Ampcontrol's cloud-based charging solution allows you to leverage real-time data and smart charging technology to optimize your fleet yard management, ensuring a more efficient and eco-friendly EV charging experience. For more information on how Ampcontrol can help you get the most out of your EV charging network, click here.
