Automatic Load Management Systems (ALMS)

Definition of Automatic Load Management Systems (ALMS)

An automatic load management system (ALMS) is a smart control system that dynamically distributes available electrical power across multiple loads to prevent overload, optimize energy usage, and maintain system stability.

In EV charging infrastructure, ALMS automatically adjusts charging power among multiple chargers based on real-time demand and grid capacity.

In simple terms, ALMS ensures that electricity is shared efficiently so systems do not exceed their power limits.

Why Automatic Load Management is important

As buildings and facilities adopt:

• EV charging stations
• Solar systems
• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
• High-demand electrical equipment

... electrical capacity becomes a constraint.

Without load management:

• Circuits can overload
• Breakers can trip
• Infrastructure upgrades become expensive
• Energy costs increase due to peak demand charges

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ALMS solves this by intelligently balancing loads in real time.

How Automatic Load Management Systems work

ALMS operates by continuously monitoring:

• Total available electrical capacity
• Real-time power consumption
• Active loads (eg charging vehicles)
• Priority rules and policies

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Based on this data, the system automatically:

• Adjusts charging speeds
• Limits power to specific devices
• Redistributes unused capacity
• Prioritizes critical loads

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For example:

If a building has a 200 kW capacity and five EVs plug in simultaneously, ALMS dynamically allocates power among them instead of allowing a system overload.

Static vs Dynamic Load Management

There are two common approaches:

Static Load Management

• Predefined maximum power limits
• Equal distribution among loads
• No real-time adjustment to building demand

Dynamic Load Management (ALMS)

• Adjusts based on real-time building consumption
• Reacts to peak demand
• Integrates with smart meters and energy systems

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Automatic Load Management Systems typically refer to dynamic systems.

Where ALMS is used

Automatic load management systems are commonly deployed in:

• EV charging stations (public and private)
• Fleet depots
• Commercial buildings
• Residential complexes
• Parking garages
• Industrial facilities
• Solar + storage installations

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In EV environments, ALMS is critical for scaling charging infrastructure without expensive grid upgrades.

Benefits of Automatic Load Management Systems

• Prevents electrical overload
• Reduces infrastructure upgrade costs
• Minimizes peak demand charges
• Maximizes charger utilization
• Enables scalable EV deployments
• Improves energy efficiency
• Supports renewable integration

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For operators, ALMS improves both operational stability and financial performance.

ALMS in EV charging networks

In EV charging environments, ALMS allows operators to:

• Install more chargers without increasing grid capacity
• Prioritize fleet vehicles
• Balance power across multiple charging sessions
• Avoid demand spikes
• Integrate with Charging Station Management Systems (CSMS)

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When paired with a CSMS, ALMS becomes a powerful energy optimization tool.

Integration with renewable energy & storage

ALMS can integrate with:

• Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems
• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
• Smart grids
• Demand response programs

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This enables:

• Peak shaving
• Load shifting
• Optimized self-consumption
• Reduced reliance on grid power

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As distributed energy systems grow, ALMS becomes essential for balancing supply and demand.

Automatic Load Management vs Energy Management Systems (EMS)

Although related, they serve different purposes:

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