The first New Technology we will discuss is the synchronous reluctance motor; it combines the high performance and energy efficiency of synchronous motors with the cost and maintenance benefits of three-phase AC asynchronous motors. This new motor transfers approximately 93 percent of energy into output and cuts the loss of energy in half. This new technology was announced by Jungheinrich in the US on January 17, 2017 and heavily advertised in PROMAT 2017 (April) with the advertisement of “Run 2 Shifts On 1 Charge – GUARANTEED.”
Depending on the fleet size, the costs associated with water, battery cleaning and additional battery charging stations are eliminated, reducing battery-charging costs by up to 50 percent. The ability to run for two shifts on one battery charge also eliminates the need for an extra battery, saving customers thousands of dollars on battery costs per truck.
The truck models included in this guarantee are:
- EKS 314 High-Level Order Picker – 36 Volt
- ETR 230-335d Pantograph Reach Truck Series – 36 Volt
- EKS 208/308 Mid- to High-Level Order Picker – 36 Volt and 48 Volt
- EKX 514/516/516k Turret Truck – 80 Volt
- EFG 213-220 3-Wheel Electric Pneumatic Forklift – 48 Volt
- EFG 425-S30 4-Wheel Electric Pneumatic Forklift – 80 Volt
The second technology is lithium ion batteries for forklifts. The advantages of a lithium ion batteries are:
Lithium-ion forklift body is approximately two feet shorter than a lead-acid body allowing the forklift to be designed to make tighter turns and allow narrower aisles. Less heat is generated during charging and operation. The lift truck visibility should be improved because of the smaller battery. Lithium-ion batteries weigh less (this could be a disadvantage for counterbalancing loads). They last longer – more than 100% more life according to Kalmar.
Lithium-ion batteries (LiB) charge quicker than lead acid batteries. With a boost charge time of just 30 to 40 minutes , a LiB can absorbs 50% of its capacity. With 80 minutes, a LiB can be fully charged. With boost charging, it is possible to use a LiB equipped lift trucks for up to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week without changing batteries.
LiBs have higher energy efficiency and eliminate the need for a battery change after three shifts. Lithium-ion, and Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) is good when it comes to industrial battery use. LiBs last five times longer than lead acid, batteries. Furthermore, LiBs don’t have the voltage reduction that lead acid batteries suffer from. They provide a full charge until exhausted.
They do not have any sulfation issues, or safety issues without gassing so ventilation systems are not necessary in charging areas. LiBs are much safer.
Over the lifetime of the battery of LiB cost should be less taking account of the benefits of no battery changing area needed for 3 shifts of work and narrower aisle spacing, etc. Cost is still a factor relative to lead acid battery technologies; nevertheless, the cost is dropping each year and should be the same or cheaper than lead acid technology by 2020.
Jungheinrich, Kalmar, and Linde have Lithium-ion batteries.