The increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) necessitates innovative power solutions to support private EV charging. Various EV Energy Management Systems (EVEMS) have been developed in response to alleviate strain on the grid. Load switching and Dynamic Load Balancing are two leading EVEMS that consumers should know about. Understanding how each system functions and why we at Variablegrid use Dynamic Load Balancing is crucial for building owners deciding on the best EVEMS system to maximize their electrical capacity for EV charging.
What is Load Switching?
As the name suggests, Load Switching functions like a light switch with two modes: on and off. There are two types of load switching. The first type allows you to manually choose between loads, such as a dryer or an EV charger, by flipping a switch to select which one operates at a time. The second type involves load switching with feed monitoring. This system tracks an uncontrolled load, providing power to the EV charger when there is sufficient capacity. If the electrical panel reaches a threshold where it cannot support the EV charger at full power, the system automatically turns off the charger to prioritize essential appliances like hot water heaters, stoves, or laundry machines.
The unintended consequences of this system are that a lot of power capacity is wasted because only two inflexible settings are allowed for EV charging. As well, the “hard switch” nature of this Load Switching puts a lot of wear and tear on the system and sometimes fails to resume charging the car after powering down. In buildings with low electrical panel amperage, interrupting charging can mean wasted potential and insufficiently charged vehicles, disrupting users’ daily routines.
What is Dynamic Load Balancing?
Dynamic Load Balancing (DLB) offers a more sophisticated approach. DLB intelligently adjusts the power supply to EV chargers based on real-time utility demand. It communicates with electrical systems through load-sensing technology to harness and optimize all available power, adjusting EV charging levels as needed. This system increases or decreases power to EV chargers dynamically, optimizing the efficiency of the electrical system and ensuring sufficient EV charging.
DLB allows for the use of nearly 100% of your electrical capacity through its ability to intelligently adapt charging based on your requirements. This removes the need for costly infrastructure upgrades while allowing for multiple chargers to run on the same system.
How we Optimize Dynamic Load Balancing
Several companies have smart charging systems with monitoring features to prevent electrical loads from exceeding capacity and causing blackouts. However, only Variablegrid’s patented technology can modulate EV charging without switching it off entirely and wasting energy potential. The dynamic abilities of Variablegrid’s products set us apart as a unique solution that ensures no amount of power is lost. Additionally, we are the only company using DLB that is CSA approved by BC Hydro, emphasizing our reliability and safety.
Dynamic Load Balancing allows homes, multi-unit residences, and commercial buildings with low service capacities to meet future EV charging demands. Without this technology, planning for instantaneous peaks would require installing an expensive new service. This approach is more cost-efficient, eliminates the need for electrical service upgrades, and allows for efficient, waste-free energy usage.
We believe our EVEMS technology can bring to life our vision of a world where private EV charging is available to everyone. While Load Switching is limited to binary solutions, DLB is able to optimize power usage and ensure reliable charging. By rigorously refining this product to offer unparalleled energy optimization and affordability, Variablegrid is shaping the EV landscape. DLB out as a solution for future energy demands that alleviates strain on our grid.
By Danielle Shefley