Linde Material Handling has expanded its range of trucks using lithium-ion (Li-ion) technology following a positive response from the market. The existing range Linde T16 ION and Linde T18 ION pedestrian pallet trucks has been extended, with the introduction of pallet trucks with stand-on platforms, low level order pickers and tow tractor models, all with more powerful batteries of 4.5 and 9.0Wh capacity.
The new models incorporating Li-ion technology include:
2 and 3-tonne T20 ION and T30 ION pedestrian pallet trucks;
Tow tractors P30 C ION and P50 C ION with towing capacities of 3 and 5 tonnes;
Stand-on platform pallet trucks T20 SP/AP ION and T24 SP/AP ION;
Low-level order pickers N20 ION and N24 ION each with a variety of specifications to suit all applications.
Since the introduction of Li-ion technology into Linde MH’s product portfolio, these maintenance-free batteries have proved their worth in a range of applications, including cold storage and the food logistics sectors.
David Bowen, sales support and training manager at Linde said, “With a guaranteed 2,500 recharging cycles, the new range of Li-ion batteries have been proven to last twice as long as lead-acid batteries, offering higher energy density and providing more power from the same physical size of battery. Results have shown more than 90% of the charged energy can be used to drive the vehicle, compared with 60% when using conventional lead acid technology.”
In addition, after reaching the end of its guaranteed service life, the Li-ion battery continues to function. With 75% of its original storage capacity still available, the battery can be used for up to 10 years or longer depending on the application.
Li-ion batteries can be recharged using a standard lateral charging plug and are mainly suitable for logistic applications which do not involve continuous operation over a full shift, such as loading and unloading of lorries. Breaks in activity can be used to recharge the batteries 60% of full charge is restored after 40 minutes and a full charge takes 90 minutes.
The use of lithium-iron phosphate technology enables the batteries to function at extreme temperatures (from -35° to +45°C) and also to withstand vibrations from the trucks during daily operation.
Linde MH will supply the appropriate charging equipment for customers converting to the new technology. The battery management system (BMS) communicates with the truck and the charger via a controller area network (CAN) bus interface. The BMS indicates the state of charge, the remaining operating time, and ensures the battery is neither completely discharged nor overcharged, contributing to optimum service life.
Preparations are underway in Linde MH’s development department for the first generation of rider counterbalance trucks featuring lithium-ion batteries. Unlike the present range of warehouse trucks, these will be designed with a 48V electrical system.
April 8, 2016
