In the current context of energy transformation, the rise of electric mobility is placing new demands on charging infrastructures.
Electric vehicle charging stations, whether in residential, corporate or public environments, must evolve beyond the simple installation of chargers.
The key now lies in the power management in electric chargersThe use of energy efficiency, a critical aspect of ensuring safe, efficient and sustainable energy distribution, is essential to ensure a safe, efficient and sustainable energy supply.
SPL-ORBISdeveloped by ORBIS, responds to this challenge with a comprehensive solution that enables intelligent management of the available electrical power, even in mixed installations combining alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) chargers.
This system stands out for its ability to adapt dynamically to demand, its compatibility with existing infrastructures and its ease of integration into projects of varying scale.
This article explores in depth how SPL-ORBIS works, its technical principles, operational benefits and the value it brings to those seeking to optimise their load network without oversizing or unnecessarily increasing contracted power.
Real-time dynamic energy monitoring and control
Efficient power management in charging stations cannot be achieved without precise knowledge of the energy behaviour of the installation.
SPL-ORBIS builds on this principle with an approach based on the continuous and real-time monitoring of the power consumption of all connected chargers.
Communication and system architecture
The system uses the industrial protocol MOD-BUSa technology widely used in automation environmentstogether with a connection RS485 to link each charging point to the master loader VIARIS.
This configuration allows SPL-ORBIS to act as the brain of the installation, collecting real-time data on the individual consumption of each AC or DC charger.
The master device receives these signals, interprets them and makes automatic power allocation decisions. It is not simply a matter of limiting the supply: the system constantly evaluates the overall and specific demand of each load point, allowing it to adjust the energy flow in a way that dynamic, automatic and without manual intervention.
Balance between AC and DC
One of the great strengths of SPL-ORBIS is its ability to operate in a mixed environment, where alternating current (AC)The first two are direct current (DC) chargers, used for prolonged, everyday charging, and the second is for quick recharging in less than an hour.
When a vehicle connected to a DC charger requires more power, the system can temporarily decrease power delivery to the AC chargers without interrupting service, while maintaining a balanced use of the total available capacity.
This coordinated management between different types of cargo allows for a smooth user experience, without overloads or interruptions.
Automatic adjustments to avoid over-consumption
In addition to the centralised control, SPL-ORBIS allows you to establish maximum current limits for each chargeron a case-by-case basis.
This means that, in complex installations, a differentiated charging strategy can be defined per point, adapting to user profiles, dwell times or electricity contract conditions.
The system not only protects the network against overloads, it also optimises available energy resources. This avoids the need to oversize lines, protections or transformers, drastically reducing the costs associated with a power expansion.
Optimisation of infrastructure without costly extensions
One of the main challenges for operators of charging stations is the contracted power limitation. In many cases, the available supply does not allow for new charging points to be added without significant investment in the internal electricity network or in the contract with the distribution company.
SPL-ORBIS solves this problem by means of a power management system that adapts to the actual capacities of the existing installationThis avoids the need for additional connections, power increases or the renovation of electrical panels.
Full utilisation of the existing network
The system prioritises the use of available resources before resorting to external solutions. By managing energy as a shared and intelligently controlled resource, it is possible to multiply the number of chargers installed without the need to increase the total power supplied to the building or complex.
This approach is particularly useful in corporate buildings, public car parksThe energy capacity expansion is a technical, economical or regulatory obstacle for logistics fleets or communities of property owners.
Scalability for expanding installations
SPL-ORBIS has also been designed with growth in mind. Thanks to its modular architecture, it allows new chargers to be added as load requirements increase, without compromising the stability of the network.
Each new charger can be integrated into the system without modifying the overall scheme. This makes SPL-ORBIS a scalable solutionThe system is ideal for projects that need to grow progressively and adapt to varying energy demand.
Reduction of operating costs
By avoiding consumption peaks and distributing the energy more evenly, SPL-ORBIS also contributes to reduce the cost per kWh and minimise charges associated with tariffs with time slots or maximum power exceeded. This demand control has a direct impact on electricity bills and the profitability of the infrastructure.
Load prioritisation according to user or vehicle profile
In a shared charging environment, not all vehicles and users have the same needs. Some fleets require fast recharging to ensure operability, while other users can leave the vehicle parked for several hours without urgency. SPL-ORBIS allows you to configure strategies for load prioritisation adapted to these different profiles.
Priority assignment by charger
Facility managers can set power priorities for specific chargers or areas of the car park.
For example, a delivery company may have its vehicles assigned to fast charging points with high priority, while the office employees can use points with lower energy allocation, suitable for slow loads.
This ensures that resources are allocated in a logical and functional way, avoiding conflicts between users and maximising available recharge time.
Automation based on usage behaviour
SPL-ORBIS can also be integrated with management systems that allow automatic scheduling of routines based on recorded load behaviour. This includes:
- Detect charging habits per user.
- Apply time or seasonal settings.
- Limit or expand power based on forecast demand.
This facilitates a more efficient, personalised operation that is aligned with the real dynamics of infrastructure use.
Support for authentication and control systems
The system can work in conjunction with user management platforms that allow for the authentication, reservation or control of access to charging pointsfacilitating an orderly and fair use of resources. This is especially useful in contexts such as hotels, public car parks or shared fleets.
Operational and strategic benefits for an efficient charging network
Incorporate an advanced system of power management in electric chargers as SPL-ORBIS not only solves immediate technical challenges.
It also represents a strategic decision that prepares the facilities for the future of electric mobility, marked by growth, energy regulation and sustainability.
Technical benefits
- Stability of the internal network: Avoids overloads, voltage drops or tripping of protections.
- Extended equipment life: Reduces stress on protections, cables and transformers.
- Battery protection: Manages the supply to avoid unnecessary or excessively fast cycling.
Operational benefits
- Energy saving: Optimises the use of the contracted power and avoids consumption at undesired times.
- Lower infrastructure costs: Eliminates the need to reinforce connections or change electrical panels.
- Adaptability to growth: It allows the incorporation of more charging points without redesigning the entire installation.
Strategic benefits
- Regulatory compliance: Facilitates compliance with energy efficiency and electromobility regulations.
- Improve the user experience: Avoid bottlenecks or unjustified waiting times.
- Visibility of energy consumption: Provides key data for decision making and overall energy management.
The power management in electric chargers has become a key pillar for the sustainable development of electric mobility.
As installations and demand for charging grows, it is no longer enough to simply install more points: they need to be managed intelligently.
SPL-ORBIS is a technical and strategic solution that responds effectively to this new scenario. Its ability to monitor, redistribute, prioritise and scale energy use makes it a key ally for operators, energy managers and owners who wish to anticipate the challenges of the present and the future.
Adopting a system such as SPL-ORBIS is to go for a more efficient, cost-effective charging infrastructure that is ready for sustainable growth.