EV Charging
EV charging efficiency and performance depend on power output and factors such as vehicle compatibility and charging network integration. The level of smartness in a charging station today determines how well it can serve the user and the electric power grid. Smart charging allows the user to schedule the charge when the electricity is cheapest and the grid has the most capacity. When the user is not using the vehicle, the vehicle becomes part of the smart power grid, using its battery to balance loads throughout the day. Some charging stations are now "smart" in that they can communicate with the grid and the vehicle. They also have the ability to monitor their own power usage and can shut themselves down if they are in danger of overloading the grid.
Across the globe, governmental and corporate entities are funneling money into the construction of electric vehicle charging stations; this is an intentional move to encourage more people to adopt EVs. The hope is that if potential EV customers see more charging stations, they will no longer have the range anxiety that has historically accompanied the purchase of an electric vehicle. Residential properties can also play a part. For the moment, though, the public charging station remains kind of a woeful work in progress here in the U.S. If one must rely on public charging stations, the practical reality is that both the "public" and "practical" parts of that phrase remain deeply insufficient.
Differences between Power Supplies, Inverters and Transformers
Power supplies
A power supply converts one type of power to another. The most common example is a power supply that takes AC voltage and converts it to DC voltage. While it is very common to use power supplies in industrial applications, one very common place to see a power supply used is for the devices such as: smartphones, laptops or tablets. Most devices come with a power cord that has a bulky block on the end of it. This block is where the power supply is located. Most devices do not use AC power, which is the type of power being supplied to homes. They use some form or DC power. The power supply changes the AC voltage to the correct DC voltage for the device.
Inverters
Inverters work in a similar way to power supplies, with one major difference, instead of converting AC power to DC power, the inverter does the opposite. It converts DC power to AC power. DC power is created by devices such as solar panels or batteries, but most homes require AC power. To convert the DC power that is generated by the solar panels, an inverter is used.
Transformers
Transformers convert one type of AC power to a different type of AC power. For example, homes commonly use 120 VAC and automatic sprinkling systems have valves that require 24 VAC. A transformer converts 120 VAC to 24 VAC so the sprinkler valves can operate properly. Transformers come in many different shapes and sizes. and can convert AC power up or down.