Linde Material Handling is introducing the first warehouse trucks to feature lithium-ion batteries into its product portfolio. As an initial step, the Linde T16 to T20 pedestrian pallet trucks will be available to order with a load capacity of between 1.6 and 2.0 tonnes from September. The special feature of the solution from Linde is that the truck (including the truck control unit and electronics), battery and charger come together to form a complete system, the various components of which communicate via CAN bus. This set-up makes it possible to harness the full potential of the system in terms of performance, and capitalise on all of the benefits offered by the new battery technology. In turn, this leads to considerable reductions in energy costs and increasing levels of productivity. At the same time, thanks to a series of precise adjustments and fine-tuning, the system complies with even the most stringent safety requirements.

Li-ion-pic[4]Out of all the alternative fuel sources available, lithium-ion represents the most opportunities in the short term. What’s more, it is expected that the segment for electrically powered industrial trucks will see a further boost in popularity as a result of this fuel. After all, unlike the lead-acid batteries used previously – which are particularly limiting when it comes to multi-shift use or applications that require significant amounts of energy – lithium-ion batteries boast an extremely high energy density. With lithium-ion batteries, twice the amount of useful energy can be stored in the same battery box. In turn, this enables the truck to operate for two shifts instead of just one, providing breaks in activity are used as opportunities for interim charging. By taking this approach, companies operating industrial trucks are able to save time and costs associated with replacing batteries – as was required previously – without having to worry about reduced battery service life through the interim charging process. Plus, equipment that was previously needed for replacing batteries – such as replacement frames and roller beds – are no longer required. The same is true of the areas of the warehouse that had to be allocated for this purpose; the space can now be put to other uses. What’s more, lithium-ion batteries are significantly quicker to charge, and do not require topping up or an equalising charge in order to protect the battery. This also saves time and energy. Last but not least, intelligent battery chargers that engage with one another open up new means of managing and optimising battery pools, and ensure maximum availability while reducing costs for energy and handling.

The market launch of the warehouse truck range featuring the innovative battery technology will take place in two stages. The roll-out will start with the Linde T16 to T20 pedestrian pallet trucks, equipped with a 24volt 86-Ah battery. What’s more, this voltage is delivered evenly over the entire operating period, right the way through until shortly before the battery reaches full discharge status. The battery is fully charged in an hour and a half, and as much as 60% charged in only 30 minutes.

The second stage is planned for early 2015 and will see other trucks brought onto the market. These include the Linde T16 to T20 pedestrian pallet trucks with increased battery capacity, the Linde T20 to T24 AP/SP ride-on pallet trucks, the Linde N20 and N20 HP low-lift order pickers, and the Linde P30C and P50C tow tractors. All of these trucks will be equipped with batteries offering 210 Ah or 550 Ah and an installed capacity of 3.93 kWh or 10.58 kWh.

The integrated battery management system on these trucks ensures that the lithium-ion battery is not deep discharged or overloaded. This system monitors the condition of the battery cells on an ongoing basis and protects against misuse. The truck display gives the operator in-formation on the general condition of the battery, it’s state of charge and the remaining amount of charge available. In addition, lithium-ion batteries achieve at least twice the number of cycles offered by lead batteries over their service life, and an even greater number of cycles can be achieved depending on use. These batteries also deliver better values when it comes to energy draw: Lithium-ion batteries can be up to 95% discharged without sustaining damage, whereas with lead batteries, this figure is only as high as 80%. Another benefit offered by the new battery technology is the lack of maintenance. Service tasks such as topping up water are not required. Even the problem of leaking battery gases and acid is a thing of the past.

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