DC Velocity - July 2017

www.dcvelocity.com JULY 2017 DC VELOCITY 63
BY VICTORIA KICKHAM, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

BATTERY SYSTEMS
Material Handling

LEAD-ACID BATTERY TECHNOLOGY HASN’T changed much since it was introduced in the 19th century, but that doesn’t justify taking an outdated approach to maintaining the lead-acid batteries that power a facility’s forklifts. Advances in charging technology and maintenance techniques combined with common-sense approaches to heating and cooling can go a long way toward keeping batteries in their best possible condition—a must when you think about the considerable investment involved in purchasing a new battery. Forklift batteries cost thousands of dollars—some upwards of $5,000.

Experts agree that battery life depends largely on how hard a particular piece of equipment is used. The more frequently a forklift is in use, the heavier the loads it carries, and the harsher the conditions it operates in, the higher the toll on battery longevity. But within those parameters, experts say adherence to proper charging and maintenance techniques can add years to battery life—which equates to meaningful savings on such high-ticket items. Here’s a look at three simple steps warehouse personnel can take today to get more out of their batteries tomorrow.

1REPLACE OLD CHARGERS Although lead-acid batteries have not changed much over the years, chargers have—and investing in new ones can add up to significant savings, says Mike Olin, national account manager for battery and charger manufacturer Douglas Battery. The advent of high-frequency chargers, for example, is helping to extend battery life by keeping the battery cooler (high temperatures reduce battery life) and reducing maintenance requirements (cooler batteries require less-frequent watering).

Olin says high-frequency chargers are 90 percent efficient compared with older technology that performs at 70- to 80-percent efficiency levels, according to industry standards. This can potentially add years to battery life. And because chargers can cost about half what a battery costs, the savings potential makes it worth the investment, he says.