V-Force Energy Solutions - Flipbook - Page 17
FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGY
Forklift fuel cells have existed for more than a
decade and have seen limited adoption in largescale applications. They generate electricity through
a chemical reaction between oxygen and a fuel
source — typically hydrogen or natural gas.
However, fuel cell technology has implementation
challenges that have slowed its adoption in forklift
applications. For instance, hydrogen-powered
forklifts have much higher up-front costs than
battery-powered forklifts. Additional measures
to monitor for fuel leakage are required. There is
also the challenge of ensuring a constant supply
of hydrogen gas for your fuel cells. Will you have it
delivered or will you build a plant onsite to generate
the gas? Either way, there can be a significant
capital investment to cover the cost of creating and
maintaining a dedicated infrastructure for refueling.
While changing out a lead-acid battery can be a
complex process, fuel cells can be refueled in just a
few minutes, making operations more efficient and
productive. Also, hydrogen fuel cells and lithiumion batteries have comparable energy densities,
so this technology is capable of handling full-shift
operations.
TPPL
LITHIUM-ION
CHARGE METHOD
ANY
ANY
RATE OF RETURN
70% OR LESS
100% OR LESS
SPECIAL PROFILE REQUIRED
CAN INTEGRATION
MANUFACTURER APPROVAL REQUIRED
INTEGRATED
$$$
$$$$
3 YRS OR MAX THROUGHPUT*
6 YRS OR MAX THROUGHPUT*
1-2 HOURS
1+ HOURS
LIGHT/MEDIUM
LIGHT/MEDIUM/HEAVY
160% X (60% OF NAMEPLATE)
GREATER THAN 200% CAPABLE
AC INFRASTRUCTURE
ANY/HI-LOAD
ANY/HI-LOAD
TRUCK BDI OPERATION
INACCURATE
ACCURATE WITH FULL TRUCK INTEGRATION
WEEKLY
NO - AUTO BALANCE
FREEZER
MANUFACTURER APPROVAL REQUIRED
HEATER REQUIRED
REPORTING
YES
YES
KWH CALCULATION
1.96 X AH X # OF CELLS
(3.2 LFP OR 3.7 NMC) X AH X # OF MODULES
BATTERY CHANGING
NO
NO
BATTERY WATERING
NO
NO
CHARGER
TRUCK INTEGRATION/COMMUNICATION
UPFRONT COST
WARRANTY
CHARGE TIME FROM FULL ALLOWABLE
DISCHARGE
APPLICATION
DAILY THROUGHPUT (CYCLES/DOD)
EQUALIZATION REQUIREMENT
Note: * Whichever occurs first.
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