There remains a place for internal combustion forklifts – they can be operated for long periods and can be refuelled when required, not needing a charge cycle between uses. However, batteries are the more common power source in the warehouse. Traditionally, electric pallet trucks, reach trucks and counter balance forklift trucks have utilised traction batteries as their source of power. Traction batteries are made up of several individual cells, all linked together to form a forklift battery. Each individual cell produces 2 volts and normally, trucks operate at 24v, 36v, 48v, 72v or 80v. Lithium-ion batteries are a fast charge, readily available alternative. Whilst not suiting every application, lithium does offer a valid alternative for selected applications.
This article was first published in the April 15th 2021 issue of Warehouse & Logistics News, subscribe to the magazine by clicking here.
Congratulations to Fronius, whose unique and innovative Selectiva 4.0 battery chargers were installed as a trial at food wholesaler CJ Lang and Son’s Dundee distribution centre. The intelligent Ri charging process of the Selectiva 4.0 battery chargers adapts individually to the condition of each battery, its state of charge and age of the batteries. This ensures a cooler, gentler and more energy efficient charge therefore making the batteries last longer so they do not need to be replaced as often.
Well done to Hyundai Motor Company, which has begun shipping the Hyundai XCIENT Fuel Cell, the world’s first mass-produced fuel cell heavy-duty truck, to Switzerland. Hyundai plans to roll out a total of 1,600 XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks by 2025, reflecting the company’s environmental commitment and technological prowess as it works toward reducing carbon emissions through zero-emission solutions. Fuel cell technology is particularly well-suited to commercial shipping and logistics due to long ranges and short refuelling times.
Britishvolt, the UK’s foremost investor in advanced battery technologies, has announced the intention to site its new global headquarters in the West Midlands. The new facility, sited in the heartland of the UK automotive industry, will spearhead the development of battery technologies for future electrified vehicles. The new 5000 square metre facility, set to be fully operational by 2022, will be sited at the MIRA Technology Park Campus near Coventry, already renowned as a global innovation hub, housing Britishvolt’s leadership team.
The DRE480 Series of AC-DC power supplies by Chinfa are now available from specialist distributor, Relec Electronics. The DIN-Rail mountable power supplies are available in variants, the 24V DRE480-24A and 48V DRE480-48A, with adjustment ranges up to 28V and 56V respectively. The DRE480 Series is part of the DRA/DRE Series of industrial power supplies.
As lockdowns have helped the nation appreciate how much it relies on the logistics sector, we can all be grateful to LPG and batteries for supplying the motive power to keep the country going.
George Simpson
Features Editor
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