V-Force Energy Solutions - Flipbook - Page 4
RETHINKING
YOUR ENERGY STRATEGY
A successful energy strategy requires a holistic, endto-end approach with forklifts, batteries, chargers and
ongoing management working together to optimize
efficiency and productivity. There is no one-size-fitsall strategy because the application itself may be
the most significant variable. Here are 10 key factors
you should consider when developing an end-to-end
energy strategy:
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BATTERY TYPE
Not long ago, virtually all electric forklifts
used lead-acid batteries. Today, lithium-ion
batteries have become a viable solution.
The two battery types have markedly
different charging characteristics, and those
characteristics need to inform all aspects of
your strategy. In addition, different battery
manufacturers use different chemistries
and system designs in their lithium-ion
batteries and those differences can also
affect charging. These considerations will
be discussed in a later chapter.
FLEET POWER REQUIREMENTS
Knowing total fleet power requirements,
determined by voltage rating, motor power and
maximum load capacity of the forklifts in your
fleet, is essential to scale a solution properly.
INFRASTRUCTURE CAPABILITIES
The amount of utility power available for
charging and the location where it can be
accessed will impact your strategy. When
lead-acid batteries are used, sufficient
space for a battery room sized to fleet
requirements will be required. Some
applications will require total runtime that
exceeds the 1:1 ratio of batteries to lift
trucks, so storage space for additional
batteries may be required. When lithium-ion
batteries are used, additional batteries may
not be needed, and charging stations or
designated charging areas are more likely to
be distributed throughout the facility.
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BATTERY SIZE
Charging time and frequency can also be
influenced by battery size. The needs of the
application, the selected battery technology
and the specifications and configuration of
the forklift are also factors.
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CHARGING METHODS
There are multiple charging methods to
consider, which will be discussed in detail
in a subsequent chapter. The right charging
method for a particular site will depend on
the application as well as other strategy
components.
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