Energy Saving Tips for Residential EV Charging

Energy Saving Tips for Residential EV Charging

Tom Orvei

04. Oct 2023 | 6 min read

Smarte energistyringsverktøy

At a time when environmental awareness and sustainable development are in focus, the transition to electric car charging in apartment buildings is an important and positive change. At the same time, it is equally important to explore ways to optimize energy consumption and reduce costs. This article will give you an in-depth overview of how smart energy management tools can help save energy through residential EV charging and how Current Eco can help you implement these measures.

  

1. Dynamic load balancing

Dynamic load balancing is one of the most effective ways to optimize the energy consumption of residential EV charging. This technology continuously monitors power consumption and intelligently distributes available power to the charging stations. This ensures that the charging stations receive sufficient power without overloading the electrical system, which can lead to costly power outages. 

Dynamic load balancing adapts to changes in power consumption in real-time. If multiple occupants start charging at the same time, the system adjusts to prevent overloading. This helps minimize the need for expensive upgrades to the electrical infrastructure.

 

2. Static Loadbalancing 

Static load balancing is a more basic approach to distributing power to the charging stations. It involves distributing power equally between all charging stations regardless of individual charging processes. While this is not as advanced as dynamic load balancing, it can still help prevent overloading and reduce electricity costs.

  

3. Spot price-based charging

Spot price-based charging is a smart strategy that involves adjusting the charging price in the housing cooperative in relation to market prices in real-time. Spot price charging is an effective energy-saving measure that promotes charging at lower electricity prices during periods of low demand. This allows residents to schedule their charging according to the lowest electricity prices. This approach helps to relieve the grid during periods of high demand and promotes energy efficiency.

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4. Peak Shaving 

Peak shaving is another effective energy-saving technique for EV charging. This approach involves limiting electricity consumption during periods of high demand, also known as 'peak load times'. Energy management tools can schedule EV charging outside of these times or use energy storage systems to avoid higher prices and help relieve the grid.

  

5. Cueue management

EV charging queue management plays a critical role in optimizing energy consumption in apartment buildings with limited power capacity. By sharing the available energy fairly between all the EVs connected to the network, we ensure that each car has sufficient power in its battery. This not only provides a smoother charging experience for residents but also helps to avoid overloading the grid during critical periods. By prioritizing charging stations based on need, you achieve more efficient and sustainable EV charging, while saving energy and costs.

  

6. Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) 

Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) is an innovative approach that enables electric vehicles to contribute to the grid when not charging. The EVs can exchange power with the grid, helping to stabilize the power supply and generating revenue for the apartment building by selling power back to the grid.

  

Summary

The implementation of EV charging in apartment buildings is an important step towards a more sustainable future. Using smart energy management tools such as dynamic and static load balancing, spot price-based charging, peak shaving, queue management, and V2G technology, the residents can optimize their energy consumption and reduce their costs.

Current Eco is your trusted partner when it comes to implementing these energy-saving tools. Our expertise in energy management and EV charging can help apartment buildings achieve a more efficient and cost-effective charging infrastructure. Together, we can help promote a more sustainable and energy-efficient future for residential EV charging. 

Book a demo with one of our experts to learn how CURRENT can help you save energy with EV charging in your apartment building!