Lithium is the most energy-efficient solution available after hydrogen cell solutions. One of the main advantages of lithium batteries is that they allow opportunity charges. This eliminates the need for battery changes during the day, but also means a different charging routine for forklifts. We review below how to charge lithium batteries step by step.
Lift trucks with lithium batteries must always be either running or charging. This means that we must not waste moments such as lunch or lunch breaks and leave the trucks unloaded, regardless of the length of the break. We call these "opportunity charges" and they allow you to recharge up to 50% of the battery capacity in just 30 minutes. It is important to remember that in the case of lithium trucks, partial charges will not damage the battery or its useful life.
In addition to maximizing the availability of the trucks, not leaving trucks parked outside the parking and loading area ensures greater security in the warehouse.
Charging a truck with a lithium battery is very simple, it only needs to be connected to the automatic charger. BSLBATT smart chargers direct most of their energy to the truck that needs it most when charging multiple pieces of equipment simultaneously thanks to the Dynamic Power Limitations (DPL) functionality, further reducing demand peaks, thus managing your overall energy usage and costs.
There are trucks with a built-in charger, in this case charging is even easier since you only have to connect the equipment to the usual power outlet.
To ensure that the truck is loading, you will need to check according to:
● No light appears, in this case, the charger has not been connected correctly. Check the connector again to make sure it is in the correct position.
● An orange light appears, in this case, charging has started successfully and is in progress.
● A green light appears, in which case the battery is already fully charged. Still, we do not recommend that you disconnect if it is not going to be used to maximize its availability.
Unlike lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries do not require maintenance or handling, that is, they do not need to be refilled with water and they do not emit gases. Which makes this energy solution cleaner and safer for operators.
Most of the trucks on the market are lead-acid machines. However, despite the fact that more than 90% of the sector concentrates on this type of battery, there are high hopes for lithium batteries, because of their many advantages. Read on to learn more about the advantages of lithium batteries
● Provide higher energy density: Lithium-ion is a more avant-garde type of battery, unlike a traditional lead-acid battery, it has a much higher energy density and therefore can store energy while occupying less space with less weight. In addition, they are differentiated by their energy efficiency and higher performance, since they are 30% more energy-efficient than a traditional lead-acid battery, that is, they represent a lower energy consumption, achieving even better results than those that would be achieved with the lead-acid batteries.
● Extending the service life: Energy efficiency is related to the performance of the battery throughout the life of the truck. Lead-acid batteries allow 1,500 life cycles, while lithium battery technology lasts up to three times longer. Likewise, with lead batteries, over the life of a machine two to three batteries will be needed, while in the case of using a lithium one, only one will be needed. In conclusion, it has a longer life and provides a cost reduction during the useful life.
● Low self-discharge rate: Understood as the loss of energy when the machines are not used. In the case of Toyota trucks, the self-discharge rate of lithium batteries is 10 times lower than those of lead-acid.
● Quick charge: Lead-acid batteries need at least 8 hours, while lithium-ion batteries can charge 100% in 1 hour. Therefore, a longer time of use of the machines and a shorter loading time is achieved.
● They prevent overheating: Lithium batteries allow equipment to be left connected to the electrical current without running the risk of them overheating and may increase the degree of self-discharge or may run the risk of fire.
● They avoid the memory effect: Understood as the reduction of the charging capacity of the batteries as a consequence of recharging them without having allowed them to discharge completely. Therefore, the charging capacity of lithium batteries is higher than that of lead, that is, the memory effect only affects lead batteries.
● They avoid the need for maintenance: Lithium batteries, unlike lead batteries, do not need any type of maintenance or battery change; there is no water change, they do not emit gases, and are therefore safer.
● Chemical Burn Hazards: Lead-acid batteries are made up of a liquid solution called an electrolyte, made up of sulfuric acid and water. Sulfuric acid is responsible for the possible risks of skin burns in case of accident or misuse.
● Toxic and flammable gases during charging: When a lead-acid battery is recharged, a dedicated space with ventilation must be provided, away from any source of fire or flame. On the other hand, with completely sealed lithium batteries, they charge safely for the operators by not emitting any particles.
In short, lithium batteries have multiple advantages over traditional batteries, undoubtedly becoming the great alternative and energy innovation of the future. Do you have any doubts about it? Contact us, we will be happy to assist you.
If you want to learn more about the use of lithium in forklifts, enter this article where we will answer the most frequent questions on the use of this energy source.
