What value does the load balancer provide?
It ensures that the demand does not overload the system and protects the facility’s main fuses during EV charging.
Why is load balancing necessary for EV charging?
EV charging consumes a lot of current and may overload the facility’s main fuses if not controlled. A load balancer prevents blown fuses by dynamically adjusting charging power.
What data does the system use?
It uses real-time household consumption data from a smart meter (per phase), the main fuse size provided by the end user, and control access to a connected charging station via API.
What happens if the smart meter connection is lost?
If the connection is lost for an extended time, a failsafe activates and charging continues at the minimum possible current (6 A).
How quickly does the load balancer react to overload?
From overload to command being sent, less than 15 seconds under normal conditions. From command sent to actual adjustment, a few seconds to several minutes, depending on charging station brand and connection type.
How often does the load balancer send commands?
Not more often than every five minutes, to account for charging station delay.
How long until charging power can increase again after being reduced?
At least five minutes, provided the facility load allows it.
What if charging has stopped because not enough current is available?
If less than 6 A is available on any phase, charging stops. It will not restart until there is at least 6 A available on all three phases, and only after 20 minutes.
When does the load balancer reduce charging current?
If there is less than 2 A between household consumption and the fuse size.
Can I use multiple optimization or load balancing solutions in parallel?
No. The end user must disable all other optimization and load balancing solutions in both the EV and the charge station.
Does Emulate's load balancer interact with other facility load balancers?
No. Other load balancers are ignored.
How is load balancing handled for three-phase and single-phase charging?
For three-phase charging, the same current is applied to all three charge station phases. For single-phase charging, only the active phase is balanced, and the system will not switch phases mid-charge.
How many charging stations can be balanced?
Only one. Additional charge stations, or those with multiple sockets, are treated as unknown loads.
Are there any smart meter compatibility issues?
Yes, most Kamstrup smart meters are not supported due to current directionality limitations with solar and battery systems.
What happens if I manually stop charging in the OEM app?
The load balancer will take over and start charging again. If the user wants to control charging manually from the OEM app, dynamic load balancing must be disabled.
Which charging stations are supported?
Zaptec, Easee, and ChargeAmps.
Do I need a smart meter?
Yes, a compatible connected smart meter (P1-dongle) is required.
Is re-onboarding required for load balancing?
We recommend re-onboarding to ensure the charging station uses the latest version.
How do I enable the load balancer?
The charging station’s settings contain a toggle to turn load balancing on or off. This setting is only visible when a smart meter is added to the user’s device list.