Installing a multi-unit Charging Station, whether at a corporate campus, a multi-family residential building, or a public hub, is a significant step towards supporting electric mobility. However, simultaneously powering multiple high-demand chargers can place a substantial burden on the local electrical infrastructure. Optimizing energy distribution is the key to a cost-effective and grid-friendly installation.
The Challenge of Peak Demand
The primary concern for any multi-unit Charging Station is peak power demand. If several vehicles plug in and begin charging at maximum power simultaneously, the sudden surge can exceed the site's contracted power capacity, leading to tripped breakers or costly demand charges from the utility company.
Dynamic Load Balancing: The Core Solution
Dynamic Load Balancing (DLB) is an intelligent software solution that acts as the brain of the Charging Station. It continuously monitors the total electricity consumption of the entire property (including the building's base load). The system then dynamically allocates the available spare capacity to each active charger.
For example, if the site's capacity is 100kW and the building is using 40kW, 60kW is available for charging. If three vehicles plug in, the DLB system might allocate 30kW to the first, 20kW to the second, and 10kW to the third. If one vehicle finishes, its power is automatically redistributed to the others, speeding up their sessions without ever exceeding the 100kW limit.
Prioritization and Power Sharing
Beyond basic balancing, advanced systems allow for configurable prioritization. In a fleet depot, certain vehicles can be prioritized for faster charging to meet operational schedules. In a residential setting, power can be distributed equally among all users. This flexibility ensures that the Charging Station operates in alignment with the owner's specific business rules.
Mitigating Demand Charges
For commercial entities, utility demand charges are based on the highest 15 or 30-minute power draw in a billing cycle. By smoothing out the power consumption and preventing sharp peaks, a DLB system directly reduces these charges, significantly lowering the operational cost of the Charging Station.
Implementing a smart energy management system is not an optional extra for a multi-unit Charging Station; it is a foundational component that ensures stability, controls costs, and maximizes the efficiency of the installed power capacity.