Consider the Fast Charge Option
There is an old rule of thumb regarding recharging batteries of forklifts. It goes something like: use a battery for 8 hours, charge it for 8 hours and then finally, allow it to cool for 8 hours. This formula has changed for numerous work applications that run more than one 8 hour shift. The fast charging alternative has become an extremely popular option to traditional charging and ever since its evolution; many companies have opted to make the switch.
What Are the Benefits of Fast Charging?
Less Charging Time
Where the typical charger and battery was concerned, re-energizing a battery from a 20% state of charge up to a full 100% charge used to take approximately 8 hours. Fast charging can now accomplish this same charging in around an hour to an hour and a half! A lot of companies utilize scheduled break and lunch times to complete this important task.
Easier Refills
Frequently, fast charge batteries also need a single-point watering system. This system means that users do not have to remove the battery from the forklift in order to water it.
Temperature-Sensitive Design
These new fast charge batteries have a thermistor located close to the center cell so as to monitor temperature. Once the temperature gets to a specific level, the charge rate is reduced and occasionally even stopped in order to make sure the battery does not overheat. This method could unfortunately result in an undercharged battery. There are several particular fast charge battery brands which utilize copper inserts, inter-cell connectors and extra thick posts so as to increase conductivity and reduce heat generation due to the higher current. These features help to allow the battery to accept a higher charge rate for a longer period of time.
The overall productivity of these machinery has been greatly enhanced ever since the development of the fast charge battery system. In the past, businesses used to need more than one equipment when they were operating around the clock; now they could utilize one forklift twice as much in a day and save a lot of money by utilizing the fast charging batteries.