The market share of electric vehicles is increasing at a rapid pace. EV grid balancing services can assist operators in avoiding overloading their existing grid system, resulting in lower peak loads. In the intelligent auto charging station, EVs can transmit their excess charges back to the grid, balancing the system.
So, with cautious planning and execution, electric vehicles can become the future battery banks. Intelligent charging technology might promote a green cycle, making the transportation system cleaner while also relieving demand on the current grid.
Current EV infrastructure developer services aid utilities manage their grid systems by deploying this technology and postponing any additional costs. In this blog, we will discuss the basics of EV Grid Balancing and how it works.
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What is EV Grid Balancing?
In light of the recent inflow of renewable electricity into the energy grid and the capacity of electric vehicles to assist or put even more strain on the grid, EV grid balancing has become particularly prominent.
In general, grid balancing is the method of providing the correct quantity of electricity to the electrical grid. It ensures that the energy supply meets the energy demand. When local grids are not regulated, utilities are forced to buy electricity on the open market. With the advent of e-mobility, charging electric vehicles will play an important part in future power grid management.
How Does EV Grid Balancing Work?
Grid balancing’s major goal is to ensure that the electrical grid runs smoothly and at the right frequency. Traditional grid balancing employs two main approaches.
- Changing the way electricity is produced
The first strategy is to control and alter electricity production in order to level out power supply and demand. When demand is strong, this usually involves scaling up fossil fuel (coal, gas) powered power plants. It is effective, but it is not environmentally friendly.
- Differentiating between peak and off-peak electricity rates
The second approach used by power utility companies for grid balancing is to “smooth the curve.” This is best accomplished by paying users for utilising electricity during times of low supply by differing electricity costs between peak and off-peak hours.
How Can Service Providers Help Achieve EV Grid Balancing?
The EV sector is concerned about maintaining grid balance since the demand for EV charging has placed undue pressure on the system. There are many benefits of EV Load Management. Alternative measures are being taken by eMobility providers in order to avoid substantial investments in power infrastructure upgrades.
Three main techniques are used by EV charging service providers to maximise energy use and achieve grid balancing:
- Managing Electric Vehicles as a Distributed Energy Source
- Intelligent energy management
- Including renewables
Key Takeaway
The ability to use high-quality renewable energy is critical when it is available. To satisfy peak energy demand, high-carbon sources such as coal should be avoided. EV charging, when properly controlled, can considerably aid in regulating power supply and demand.
EV charging systems, on the other hand, must use cloud-based software. Users can set up their charges to automatically charge when charging prices (off-peak hours) are cheap using the in-built flexible EV Charging load management and EV Charging load balancing. So, EV grid balancing is essentially a strategy for “smoothing the curve” with EV charging.