Dynamic power management

Dynamic power management is one of the most significant features of AgeVolt EMS, allowing the available energy resources to be used optimally in real time. This article explains how dynamic power management works, the differences between static and dynamic control, and how this control can be used in practice.

Static vs. dynamic power management

Static power management is a basic form of control in which the maximum charging power is set to a fixed value. This approach is straightforward and suitable for situations where consumption is expected to remain steady and dynamic power adjustments are unnecessary.

• Advantages: Simplicity, predictability
• Disadvantages: Inefficiency when demand varies; no optimisation for current conditions

Dynamic power management uses advanced algorithms and real data to adjust charging power in real time according to the building's current consumption, solar power generation and other factors.

• Advantages: Efficiency, optimisation for current conditions, potential to maximise the use of available resources
• Prerequisites: correctly configured limits and available data. If a circuit supplies only charging stations, control can use their measurements. Where other appliances share the supply, data about their load is also required.

The principle of dynamic power management

Dynamic power management in AgeVolt EMS continuously monitors and adjusts charging power. Its main elements include:

1. Monitoring consumption and generation:
   • The system continuously monitors the building's current energy consumption and solar power generation. This data is essential for dynamically adjusting charging power.
2. Allocating power according to priorities:
   • Charging stations and connectors are organised according to configured priorities. The system prioritises charging for vehicles with a higher priority while dynamically adjusting charging power.
3. Cascaded control:
   • The system supports cascaded power management: charging stations are controlled according to the total power available as well as individual phases and bottlenecks in the building's electrical installation.
4. Responding to external inputs:
   • External inputs: control can receive a limit from the building's system or use available measured surplus power. Price and time modes must be checked against the functions and configuration of the particular controller.

An illustrative office building example

A building with solar power and a shared supply can use measurements from both the building and charging stations. This configuration allows power to be distributed according to the available capacity and measured surplus. The following steps illustrate this example:

1. Monitoring consumption and generation:
   • The system monitors the building's current energy consumption and generation from solar panels. This data is sent to the central control system.
2. Adjusting charging power:
   • When solar generation produces a surplus, the system increases charging power to maximise the use of renewable resources. When the building's consumption is high, charging power is reduced to avoid overloading the electrical installation.
3. Priority-based control:
   • Priorities: company vehicles can receive priority when the available power is allocated. If there is insufficient power, their charging can also be limited or suspended.
4. Responding to external inputs:
   • Price and time configuration: if the particular controller supports it, charging can be adjusted according to available price data or a schedule. The resulting costs depend on the tariff, consumption and available capacity.

Conclusion

Dynamic power management in AgeVolt EMS allows electric vehicle charging to be adjusted efficiently and flexibly to current conditions. Through advanced algorithms and continuous monitoring of energy consumption and generation, the system can optimise the use of available resources and minimise charging costs.

The next article explores the compatibility and integration of AgeVolt EMS with other systems and devices, including practical examples and options for integration with BMS and other building systems.