A Guide to Static vs Dynamic Load Management in EV Charging

In the rapidly evolving landscape of electric vehicles (EVs), managing the power demands of charging infrastructure efficiently is incredibly important. This is particularly true in the UK, where we’re seeing an accelerating transition to electric mobility.

Two key strategies for managing these power demands are static load management and dynamic load management. This blog delves into what these terms mean, how they differ, and why they matter for EV charging in the UK.

What is Load Management?

Keeping it simple, load management is how we control the amount of power used in EV charging at any one time.

This is relevant to EV charging installations at buildings that have multiple chargers, for example, hotels, flats, and workplaces. These buildings could have anywhere from 2 to 15+ units, so we need to make sure that we can balance the charging needs of EVs with the electrical needs of the building. The last thing any of us want is to have an EV that can’t charge and an apartment block under a full blackout.

Note: This usually won’t be an issue with home charging solutions, because the power needed to charge an EV is just taken from the home’s mains instead!

What is ‘Static’ Load Management?

Static load management is a fixed approach to distributing electricity among EV chargers. It involves setting predetermined limits on the amount of power each charger can draw from the grid. This method makes sure that the total power consumption never exceeds the capacity of the local electrical infrastructure.

Advantages of Static Load Management

The arguable biggest benefit of static load management is how straightforward it is to get going with it. Setting up EV chargers using static load management is relatively low maintenance with simple configuration.

Setting fixed power limits also makes it an incredibly easy setup. Energy usage will have predictable patterns which will simplify future planning and budgeting for energy costs.

With Ratio EV chargers (such as the new io8) using static load management, chargers manage this power supply by evenly distributing the load between them as more sockets are utilised. We allow this to be done at Cloud level (using back-office software) or locally through the charger platform.

Disadvantages of Static Load Management

Despite its simplicity, static load management will have its downsides. Because of its set up, it traditionally lacks the ability to adapt to real-time changes in energy demand or supply, potentially leading to underutilisation of available resources.

Without the ability to adjust to actual usage, there's also a risk of over-investing in infrastructure to meet peak demand scenarios that might never happen.

What is ‘Dynamic’ Load Management?

On the flip side, dynamic load management employs intelligent systems to actively manage and distribute power among EV chargers in real time. It adjusts the power allocation based on current demand, availability of renewable energy sources, and grid capacity. For example, as heavy machinery in a building is turned on or off, the io8 Sense will increase or decrease the power available to the io8 chargers that have been installed.

Advantages of Dynamic Load Management

This strategy is incredibly efficient, as it optimises the use of available power, reducing waste and improving the overall efficiency of the charging network. Dynamic load management’s response to fluctuations in demand and supply makes it much better suited for integrating renewable energy sources and handling variable loads.

Disadvantages of Dynamic Load Management

Implementing dynamic load management requires sophisticated hardware and software solutions, increasing the initial setup complexity and cost. While dynamic load management is a configuration available to Ratio EV chargers, not all EV installations will be able to offer this.

The system will probably need ongoing maintenance and updates as well to ensure optimal performance and security, so it’s not as predictable as static setups.

The Importance of Load Management in the UK

The UK is going to need a robust and efficient charging infrastructure if it wants to meet its ambitious targets for transitioning to EVs. Both static and dynamic load management play critical roles in achieving this goal.

While static load management offers simplicity and predictability, dynamic load management provides the flexibility and efficiency needed to cope with the growing demand for EV charging, especially when it comes to business solutions.

Choosing between static and dynamic load management depends on specific needs, including the scale of the charging operation, budget constraints, and long-term sustainability goals. As the UK continues to invest in its EV infrastructure, embracing these techniques will be essential for ensuring a reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly charging network.

Looking to find out more about our business charging solutions? Get in touch today.