When it comes to mobile internal transport, it is almost impossible not to mention the traction battery. Developments in lithium-ion batteries are so rapid that traditional lead-acid batteries cannot be left behind either and are undergoing considerable change. Meanwhile, data from battery management systems is subjected to more frequent analysis, making it possible to further reduce the total cost of ownership of lift and warehouse trucks. As a result of all these developments, battery technology is therefore an important topic at the Logistica trade fair, which will take place at the Jaarbeurs from 10 to 13 November.
The growing popularity of electric drive for lift and warehouse trucks is reflected in figures from industry association BMWT. Of all the mobile material handling equipment sold, only 10 per cent is equipped with a combustion engine. Fifteen years ago, this was still a quarter of the transport sold. According to BMWT, this is mainly due to ARBO directives. "Under pressure from these directives, we are also seeing an increasingly better range of electric forklifts in the heavier segment. The major forklift truck manufacturers have also invested heavily in these in recent years," said Willem Stehouwer, chairman of BMWT's traction batteries section.
Following in the footsteps of the automotive industry, better eletric drive systems are also a major topic in the mobile internal transport sector. Much is being invested in their research and development, resulting in the emergence of lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries. These batteries have a higher efficiency - roughly 95 per cent versus 90 per cent with traditional lead-acid batteries - and are better able to store the energy released when forks are lowered (regeneration). They are also more compact, lighter and easy to maintain. Refilling with water, for example, is not necessary.
Adapting CE certificate
Yet the Li-lon battery does not yet win out over the lead-acid battery in all areas. Li-lon batteries are relatively expensive and labelled as dangerous goods because of past incidents. "Chemical stability is an issue, but under control," Stehouwer explains. In addition, the Li-lon battery is not yet suitable for every truck. "The truck's CE certificate has to be adjusted for this, and not everyone has that in order yet. Moreover, the low weight of Li-Ion batteries leads to forklifts having to add extra kilos as counterweight. Eventually, this will lead to truck design changes, as some forklift manufacturers are already showing at trade shows."
Plenty is also happening in the field of conventional battery technology. Battery manufacturers are said to see many opportunities for improving traction batteries. With different compositions, performance could improve substantially. Stehouwer also points us to the return of the fuel cell. "This was out of the picture for a while, but is coming back. The big advantage is that the deployment time goes up because an empty hydrogen tank can be changed quickly.
Analysing data
Battery suppliers are seeing their role change with all the developments in battery technology. Forklift suppliers often start working with Li-lon batteries themselves, leaving battery suppliers sidelined. BMWT expects 10 to 20 per cent of trucks to run on this technology in five years' time. For suppliers, it is therefore important to make themselves indispensable in a different way. This will mainly be about offering knowledge and experience in the field of charging systems and battery management systems. For instance, they have a role to play in analysing battery charging and discharging data, which offers opportunities for reducing energy consumption and extending battery life. "Thanks to data analysis, we can predict which battery needs maintenance or replacement, as well as give advice on battery type or charging regime. A new generation of chargers is going to make that possible," Stehouwer said.
This article was written in the context of trade fair Logistica. Want to read more about the fair? Then check out our trade fair page!
Editorial LogistiekProfs
