Energy storage in electric forklifts

In the V-Force Energy Storage System (ESS) by Crown the battery charger communicates with the battery management system via CAN.

The electric forklift industry uses the advantages of lithium-ion batteries. One rechargeable lithium-ion battery can handle multiple shifts with no need for extra batteries or the downtimes required to change them. This saves replacement and service costs over time.

The V-Force lithium-Ion ESS is an integrated charging solution including company’s components and software. A multi-level safety architecture provides protection during the system use. The battery management system prevents battery operation outside of warranted conditions. It measures individual cell temperatures and voltage. It also provides protection for deep-discharge, short circuit, and overcharge. The V-Force high-frequency battery chargers (e.g. V-HFM3) communicate with the battery management system via CAN. The charge rate is optimized based on various factors to reduce charging time and expense. The uptime of the forklift is increased due to the periodic opportunity charging.

The forklifts are equipped with a lateral charge port to allow for charging without removing the battery from the lift truck. The ESS utilizes the truck’s on-board displays showing discharge levels and event codes. Charger’s LED indicator lights can be used to show the actual charging profile also without to use a monitoring device.

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