Load balancing at charging stations refers to the distribution of electrical load among multiple charging stations or between one charging point and household consumption. The goal is to evenly distribute the available electricity among connected vehicles or residences, preventing the total load from exceeding the capacity of the electrical grid.
Different approaches to load balancing can be applied at charging stations, depending on the type of charging infrastructure and network requirements. Here are some commonly used methods:
- Static Load Balancing: In static load balancing, the load is predetermined and distributed among the charging stations based on predefined rules or settings. For example, if there are four charging stations and the available power capacity is 40 amperes, each charging station can be set to a maximum of 10 amperes.
- Dynamic Load Balancing: Dynamic load balancing adjusts the load distribution based on real-time demand and power availability. This can be achieved through the use of smart charging management systems that communicate with the charging stations and the electrical grid. The system can monitor the available power capacity and automatically adjust the load to maintain grid capacity.
- Priority Assignment: Priority assignment gives certain charging points priority access to the available power. This can be used, for example, to prioritize charging points for electric vehicles with low battery levels or vehicles belonging to specific users, such as emergency services or corporate fleets.
Load balancing is essential to manage and optimize the electrical load of charging stations, ensuring the reliability of the electrical grid and preventing overloads. It also ensures a fair distribution of available power among all connected vehicles.