Energy-efficient forklift battery charging for long-term success
For Schachinger Logistik Holding GmbH , sustainability is a core principle . Schachinger uses Selectiva battery charging systems from Fronius to cost effectively and efficiently charge the traction batteries in their fleet of 67 electrically-powered forklift trucks , while the Cool Battery Guide Premium information and management system optimises utilisation of the battery pool and extends the service life of the batteries .
Fronius
www . fronius . co . uk / ri Phone : + 44 1908 512300 adams . ross @ fronius . com
Sustainable intralogistics
Schachinger ’ s new 10,000m2 warehouse makes up a fifth of their Hörsching site and is made completely of wood , aiding Schachinger ’ s sustainability principles . Meeting all passive house requirements , the warehouse already achieves a high level of energy efficiency and low CO2 values by utilising LED lighting and groundwater sourced heating and cooling . Mainly used for storing food , it provides space for roughly 20,000 pallets and around 400 tonnes of goods are moved every day .
67 electric forklift trucks are in use at the site as they are quiet , do not produce exhaust fumes , consume energy sparingly and are low maintenance . Back-up batteries are also used as the vehicles need to be available at all times during their two-shift operation .
Several charging stations are spread across the site , allowing forklift truck drivers to change batteries within minutes . At this warehouse , a total of 49 Selectiva devices from Austrian charging technology specialist Fronius are available to charge the variety of traction batteries with a voltage of up to 80 .
A gentle and cost-effective charging process
The secret behind the battery chargers is Active Inverter Technology and the innovative Ri charging process developed by Fronius . The charging process adapts to the requirements of each battery according to the age , temperature and state of charge of the battery making every single charging cycle unique which minimises losses at the start of the process and during the recharging phase resulting in an ultra-cool and gentle charging that increases the service life of the traction batteries
With a total efficiency of up to 84 %, roughly 30 % higher than conventional 50 Hz charging technology , the Selectiva devices are extremely energy efficient , reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions , thereby lowering the cost of the entire forklift truck fleet .
The availability of the batteries - and therefore the forklift trucks - has increased thanks to innovative charging technology from Fronius . “ Before using these devices , we carried out frequent
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opportunity charges ,” recalls Gerhard Gillmair , Warehouse Manager at Schachinger . This is no longer necessary . The gentle , tailored charging process provides sufficient battery power for a complete shift , reducing battery maintenance and replacement . “ This benefits us financially as battery damage is not covered by the leasing contract ,” adds Gillmair .
Straight to the coolest battery
Fronius installed the Cool Battery Guide Premium information and management system for Schachinger . This system intuitively guides the forklift truck driver to the battery that has been fully charged and the coolest by means of a coloured LED strip on the charger , thus dramatically increasing the service life .
The Cool Battery Guide Premium also allows Schachinger to continually monitor and optimise the charging process . The system automatically records the relevant data , analyses the charging cycles and logs errors , making battery charging safer , more reliable and efficient .
Technology that supports sustainability
Managing Director Max Schachinger is impressed by Fronius ’ innovative charging technology : “ The savings with regard to energy consumption are enormous compared to our previous battery charging systems ,” he explains . “ The Fronius system fits in perfectly with our plans to increase sustainability and efficiency .”