What is the difference between Static and Dynamic Load Balancing?
Static load balancing distributes a fixed, predetermined amount of power to each EV charger, while dynamic load balancing automatically and intelligently adjusts power distribution in real-time based on current demand and available capacity. Dynamic systems are more efficient and cost-effective by preventing overloads and optimizing energy usage, but they are more complex and require advanced management systems, whereas static systems are simpler and cheaper to set up but are less flexible and can lead to underutilized power.
Static load balancing
- Power distribution: Power is distributed evenly or in fixed portions to each charger.
- Static Power Limit: You set a maximum power limit only for the chargers.
- Flexibility: It does not take the grid availability of the whole site into account, so it is less flexible than Dynamic load balancing.
- Scalability: Add more charging stations without exceeding your grid capacity.
- Requirements: Less expensive to install and maintain because it requires simpler hardware and software.
- Use case: Best for situations with consistent, low-demand charging, or where simplicity is the priority.
Dynamic load balancing
- Power distribution: Power is allocated based on real-time factors like current grid capacity, the charging status of other EVs and on site electricity comsumption of other machines.
- Dynamic Power Limit: You set a limit for the whole site, not only the chargers.
- Flexibility: It is highly adaptive, continuously monitoring and adjusting power distribution to meet changing demands.
- Efficiency: More efficient as it optimizes power usage across the entire system, reduces the risk of power peaks, and lowers energy costs.
- Scalability: Extra chargers, solar panels (PV) and batteries (ESS) can be integrated and increases the site capacity, without upgrading the grid connection.
- Requirements: Installation work required for advanced management systems and sensors/meters.
- Use case: Ideal for sites with a highly fluctuating electricity consumption. This is also interesting when dealing with variable energy sources like solar and batteries.