BY VICTORIA KICKHAM, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
CHARGING SYSTEMS
Material Handling
DEMAND FOR LONGER-RUNNING LIFT TRUCKS HAS
given rise to opportunity charging and fast charging of batteries, both of which are aimed at expediting the charging
process, reducing downtime, and freeing up space for other
activities when compared with conventional charging. The
ultimate goal? Getting warehouse and DC equipment started up even faster and running longer throughout the day to
increase productivity.
While interest in both methods is creating industry buzz,
it’s also driving the need for increased education on the
part of battery and charger manufacturers and their dealers.
“It’s common for customers using conventional charging
to want to go to opportunity or fast charging, but they
don’t know if it’s a good fit,” says Jeff Harrison, busi-
ness manager for Troy, Ohio-based charger manufacturer
Ametek-Prestolite Power. As a result, suppliers say they’re
spending considerable time going over the what, why,
and how of opportunity charging and fast charging with
customers.
So what do these terms mean and how do the vari-
ous methods stack up? What follows is a look at the key
differences between conventional charging, opportunity
charging, and fast charging and what may be right for your
operation.
Start me up:
Opportunity charging or fast charging?
Both methods are designed to get DC equipment up and running faster—and keep it
running longer—than with conventional charging. So which is best for your operation?
