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Tag: batteries

UgoWork makes senior appointment

Posted on by David Priestman

UgoWork, a Canadian energy solutions provider specialising in lithium-ion batteries and Energy as a Service (EaaS) solutions in the material handling industry, has appointed industry veteran Tim Ballard as its Director of Sales.

Ballard has over two decades of proven experience in material handling. After studying at the University of Louisville in Kentucky, he worked in several management positions at ProLift Industrial Equipment, an official full-service and material handling dealership for Toyota.

Apart from an in-depth and pragmatic understanding of industry needs and trends, Ballard’s strengths reside in his track record of working in all aspects of material handling, including operations, sales, training and support.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tim to the team,” explained Philippe Beauchamp, UgoWork’s CEO. “When I first met Tim through different projects, I already knew about his incredible reputation in the industry. We have an amazing response from the market and Tim comes at the right time. His approach and personality are a perfect fit in our team, and his contribution to our phenomenal expansion is extremely exciting. His background and rigor will definitely help our entire team achieve the very ambitious expansion goals we have set for the company.”

UgoWork says Ballard shares Beauchamp’s eagerness to pave the way for the company’s innovative approach to energy management for material handling teams. “I was very impressed with UgoWork’s vision and the performance of both its lithium-ion batteries and Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) model,” he said. “No other manufacturer offers these types of solutions on the market – a solution that truly addresses today’s material handling challenges.”

“What started off as a customer-vendor relationship evolved into something much more. Right away, I saw the advantages of UgoWork’s products and what they could do. The customer value speaks for itself,” Ballard added.

His plans for UgoWork in the upcoming months? “I want the business to have the very best sales team in the industry so that we can educate and serve material handling teams across North America about the benefits of lithium-ion batteries and EaaS as compared to other legacy technologies. UgoWork’s future looks very bright indeed.”

The UgoWork team will be at the Southern Automotive Conference from October 5 to 7 in Atlanta, GA. UgoWork will have booths in the Canadian pavilion (#404) and the EV Street display area.

 

TagID guided charging brings new standard

Posted on by David Priestman

With TagID guided charging, Fronius says it is bringing a new standard to the market for charging lead-acid batteries. With this intelligent battery sensor system, users can optimise the entire charging process from implementation to ongoing monitoring of traction batteries.

Many companies are currently having to balance healthy order books with supply chains that are difficult to plan and an acute shortage of personnel. In times of rising costs and increasing workload, it is important to charge forklift batteries as economically as possible. “With our new TagID guided charging solution, fleet managers can increase the availability of their forklifts while reducing the internal workload,” explains Johannes Spreitzer, strategic product manager at Fronius Perfect Charging. “In addition, TagID guided charging makes an important contribution to avoiding incorrect battery handling, increasing user safety and extending the service life of the battery,” adds Spreitzer.

Optimal supply to the batteries

The regular servicing of traction batteries can often get overlooked in busy warehouses. When developing the TagID, the Fronius Perfect Charging team made sure that these tasks are carried out largely automatically.

“TagID continuously measures the various physical variables of the batteries. Based on this data, our battery chargers provide a particularly gentle and efficient charge,” says Spreitzer. For example, the intelligent battery sensor system can detect whether a battery is deeply discharged and automatically starts the corresponding desulphation process, while an integrated level sensor signals when battery fluid needs to be refilled. The so-called ’automatic ionic circulation’ feature prevents acid stratification in the battery, which has a positive effect on the battery life.

Efficient charging with Plug & Charge

If lead-acid batteries are connected to the TagID and Selectiva 4.0 chargers from Fronius, fleet managers can rely on a charging infrastructure that is as efficient as possible. Thanks to the self-configuration curve, characteristics no longer have to be set manually, but automatically adapt to the battery state of charge. Optimum charging is thus ensured at all times.

Equalising charges are only carried out with the Intelligent Equalising Charge function if the battery actually requires it, reducing energy consumption by up to four percent. This both cuts energy costs and makes an important contribution to greater sustainability.

Users no longer have to worry about ambient temperatures either. The TagID is equipped with a temperature sensor as standard and automatically adjusts the charge to the temperature of the battery.

“We have set ourselves the goal of making the charging of lead-acid batteries as efficient, sustainable and simple as possible. With TagID guided charging, this is now becoming a reality,” says Spreitzer.

The TagID can be configured using the NFC interface via the TagID Config app and automatically checks whether the voltage value of the battery entered during configuration matches the actual measured value.

Johannes Spreitzer, strategic product manager at Fronius Perfect Charging, is convinced that TagID guided charging will establish a new standard for charging traction batteries.

Safe and sustainable battery transportation

Posted on by David Priestman

With the growing number of electric vehicles on the streets and increased electrification in many industries, the demand for batteries is expanding significantly. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) the number of new electric vehicle (EV) registrations rose by 63% in 2021 as compared to the previous year.

Consequently, experts predict battery production capacities in Europe to multiply by a factor of 20 by 2030. The rapid growth of battery production is reshaping automotive supply chains as we know them.

“Lithium-ion batteries are classified as Dangerous Goods. Thus, they are subject to strict safety regulations during transportation and storage,” says Christian Hemming, Technical Director EMEA at ORBIS Europe. “Transporting the large number of batteries in a safe and sustainable way can be a challenge.”

How E-Mobility Affects Supply Chains

Packaging for battery transport must meet high government standards and conform with customer needs at the same time. Battery manufacturers and OEMs are in need of UN-certified, automation-friendly and customised packaging solutions. During transportation, the batteries need to be protected from external influences, such as shocks.

Hemming explains: “It is the packaging industry’s job to protect the product from the environment and the environment from the product.”

UN-Certified Reusable Plastic Packaging Ensures Safety With a robust design and customised dunnage, plastic transport packaging fulfils all these requirements. ORBIS has designed the IonPak as a reusable plastic container for safe transportation of Lithium-Ion Batteries. Transporting other solid dangerous goods such as airbags and belt tensioners is also possible. The foldable large container is UN-approved to transport solid dangerous goods (Packing Group II) and certified in accordance with RID / ADR (UN4H2/UN50H).

The customised packaging consists of a robust foldable large container with European standard footprints (1200 x 800 / 1200 x 1000 / 1600 x 1200 mm) and an inner packaging solution optimised to protect dangerous goods.

Reusable Instead of One-Way

“Still today, single-use packaging is the norm for transporting batteries and other solid dangerous goods. These are produced and then disposed of after every single use. That has to change,” says Hemming. ORBIS‘ reusable packaging solutions are made primarily from recycled materials – with a recycling rate of 100 % at end-of-life. Already during production, that saves around 60kg of CO2 per load carrier.

While electric cars emit less carbon on the road than cars with combustion engines, almost 80% more CO2 is emitted during the manufacturing process. “That’s why it is even more important to make production and supply chains as sustainable as possible,” explains Hemming.

ORBIS’ whitepaper “How to Transport Dangerous Goods – Safe and Sustainable Battery Transportation with Reusable Packaging” offers additional information and is available for download HERE.

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LCL Service for Dangerous Goods

 

Swedish sawmill orders electric forklift

Posted on by David Priestman

Moelven Edanesågen AB, a sawmill based in Edane, in western Sweden is looking to reduce emissions and has ordered its first fully electric lift truck, the Konecranes E-VER electric forklift. The order was made in December 2021 and it arrived in May 2022.

Established in 1899, Moelven Group produces building products and systems in Norway and Sweden for the construction industry around the world. Its sawmill in Edane, central west Sweden, is one of its biggest facilities. As part of its operations, Moelven is using forklifts to move raw wood, equipment and products as they offer outstanding efficiency, safety and flexibility. Moelven wanted to expand its forklift fleet for more site capacity, and it has chosen Konecranes again.

“Moelven likes the new Konecranes E-VER electric forklift because its battery technology and zero emissions perfectly align with their sustainability goals,” says Håkan Lorén, District Manager for local dealer N.C. Nielsen. “In addition, its high quality, durability and eco-efficiency underline our own long-term commitment to the environment in the machines we offer to our customers.”

“Moelven bought their first lift truck from Konecranes in the 90s and have been with us ever since,” says Daniel Sjöstrand, Sales Director for Konecranes Lift Trucks. “Now, including the Konecranes E-VER electric forklift, they have 34 Konecranes lift trucks across their Scandinavian operations. N.C. Nielsen has been essential in this relationship, always providing excellent support when needed. We’re proud that Moelven is now ready to experience our next generation of lift trucks.”

The new lift truck at the Moelven site is a Konecranes E-VER 13.6-600C forklift, a sturdy lifting machine with a capacity of 13,600kg and a fully electric drivetrain, powered by lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries for energy efficiency and fast charging.

“A battery management system ensures the power source is optimised for performance and safety,” says Lisa Martinsson, Senior Project Manager for Electric Program for Konecranes Lift Trucks. “Smart systems integrate the E-VER with TRUCONNECT Remote Monitoring, a data collection system providing an almost real-time view of truck usage, for easier operations and maintenance planning.”

A range of special features maximise ergonomics, stability and safe handling in a sawmill environment, including an OPTIMA cabin for comfort and visibility, with mini-wheel steering and an air-cushion seat, mud flaps, a cross log bracket, fork levelling, central greasing, and extra external lights.

This new order is part of Ecolifting, Konecranes’ vision to increase its handprint – meaning the beneficial environmental impact that can be achieved with our product and service portfolio – while reducing customers’ carbon footprints. From eco-optimising diesel drives to hybridisation and fully electrified fleets, we will continue to do more with less.

 

Charging forklifts cost-efficiently

Posted on by David Priestman

Many companies are currently suffering from rising energy costs and are looking for additional cost reductions. Enormous savings potential can be generated by intelligent charging solutions for electrically operated industrial truck systems. Complementary energy analysation and optimisation consultancy can help fleet operators to save additional money on electricity consumption.

Reducing electricity costs is now highly ranked on the industry’s to-do list when it comes to ecological and economic issues. That is why energy-efficient solutions are required – this also applies to electrically operated forklift systems. Significant savings potential opens up if users take a holistic view in optimising the overall operating system of industrial truck, battery and charger.

Reduction of energy consumption

Energy-efficient charging technologies from Fronius Perfect Charging help to save energy: Selectiva 4.0 chargers are particularly gentle and effective during charging due to their high overall efficiency. The patented Ri charging process ensures that each process is individually adapted to the age, temperature and state of charge of the battery. Overcharging can be avoided, only the energy that is actually required is supplied. Compared to conventional charging technology, the energy consumption can be reduced up to 30 percent. The service life of the battery can be extended up to 10 to 15%.

Fleet operators can also save electricity and costs by using the calendar function integrated in the Selectiva 4.0 battery chargers. If the user starts the process in individual charging stations or rooms at intervals of 15 minutes, for example, there is no increased cumulative power requirement at the beginning of charging. Peaks in the network load can thus be avoided. Fluctuating electricity tariffs, which in many cases depend on the time or day, can also be effectively managed with the calendar function. If the user sets the start of charging at a defined time or on weekend days, they can take advantage of lower rates.

Identify additional savings potential

Using the software tool I-SPoT Calculator Smart, fleet operators can calculate the total operating costs (costs over lifetime) and determine how power consumption can be minimised with the help of the optimal charging technology – individually for different company locations and individual departments. The user thus finds out exactly the starting point and sequence for the optimisation measures as well as how high the savings are compared to 50Hz or HF technology.

The Fronius Perfect Charging experts are available for a more detailed analysis and energy consulting, evaluating further options for energy savings. To do this, the experts analyse the conditions regardless of manufacturer and technology – always with the aim of reducing costs and increasing availability and performance. Based on the identified potential, the Fronius specialists support the user regarding the charging process, battery technology and networking solutions. Fronius Perfect Charging follows a holistic approach and supports customers from analysis and advice to conception and planning to implementation and ongoing support.

 

Hoppecke batteries help make waterways greener

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Industrial battery specialist Hoppecke is widely acknowledged for its expertise in logistics. Increasingly, however, its batteries are powering an ever-broader range of machinery, equipment and vehicles, including narrowboats.

Hoppecke is partnering with Isle of Wight-based Hybrid Marine to develop diesel-electric hybrid boat engines that improve energy efficiency whilst also reducing emissions.

Hybrid Marine has been designing and manufacturing hybrid propulsion systems for canal boats, commercial barges and sailing boats, including fast offshore catamarans, since 2002. It sells its award-winning technology to boatbuilders, supplying a complete solution for new custom-built boats. Hoppecke recently collaborated on Hybrid Marine’s 100th system with diesel engine manufacturer Beta Marine, subsequently fitted to a canal boat designed and built by Braidbar Boats.

Hoppecke has created a 48V lead acid battery pack, comprising 24 cells with a  capacity of 775Ah. When no mains connection is available, the battery provides sufficient energy to power all typical domestic appliances through a large inverter. Consequently, most craft can eliminate gas and implement an electric galley. The large battery bank also provides the ability to cruise almost silently for prolonged periods. One customer observed that “when the engine is running you are in a boat; when using electric drive, you are in the countryside”.

Says Hoppecke’s General Manager Stuart Browne: “We’re all more conscious of our impact on the environment so it’s no surprise that the boating community, including key industry stakeholders, is keen to reduce pollution across our waterways. Innovative hybrid drive technology offers significant economic and environmental advantages without denigrating people’s enjoyment of the boating experience.”

Using cells and other components from stock, Hoppecke builds and installs these special batteries at the boatyard. Hybrid Marine first connects the diesel engine to its hybrid propulsion system and then links this to Hoppecke’s battery before commissioning the complete engine.

Graeme Hawksley, Managing Director at Hybrid Marine, says: “With a hybrid drive the boat’s propeller can be driven by the engine using fuel, such as diesel, or stored energy from the battery bank with the engine stopped. When the engine is running the extra load of the hybrid generator makes the engine operate with higher efficiency, providing better fuel economy and less emissions.

“Once the batteries are charged the hybrid switches to emission free electric drive. Partnering with Hoppecke and capitalising on its expertise means we can clearly demonstrate how energy efficiency is enhanced during low to mid-power cruising, when the hybrid is running on battery power.”

 

GS Yuasa provides schools with outdoor wear

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Pupils up and down the country were treated to a new set of outdoor clothing thanks to GS Yuasa and The Waterproof and Wellies Project after the leading battery manufacturer became an official donator to the newly founded campaign.

Set up by Gina Bradbury Fox and launched by TV presenter Gemma Hunt from CBeebies in March 2021, The Waterproof and Wellies project is part of The Outdoor Guide Foundation. It aims to raise £5m to provide ten sets of high-quality outdoors kit, consisting of a waterproof jacket, trousers and welly boots to every state primary school across the country over the next six years.

The idea behind the thoughtful initiative is to see children from all backgrounds getting outside and enjoying the natural wonders that are around them and enabling them to learn about and enjoy the outdoors.

The donation from GS Yuasa covered four schools across England. These included Harlow Green School in Gateshead, Wilburton Primary School in Cambridgeshire, St. Denys Infant School in Leicestershire, and Headfield Junior School in West Yorkshire.

Jon Pritchard, General Sales and Marketing Manager – Auto, MC and Ind Comp Division at GS Yuasa Battery Sales UK Ltd, said: “We’re delighted to offer our support to The Waterproofs and Wellies campaign. This fantastic initiative absolutely coincides with our values as a business and we are pleased that our support is helping to get children outside and develop their knowledge of the natural world around them.”

Gina Bradbury Fox, Managing Director of The Outdoor Guide Foundation added: “We can’t thank GS Yuasa enough for their generous contribution towards the project. Lack of access to weatherproof clothing is a real barrier for children engaging in outdoor learning. These kits allow children to jump in puddles, roll around in the mud and kick through leaves without messing up their school uniform.

“Having the support of a global business such as GS Yuasa means so much to us. They are a company willing to go the extra mile and help give back to the community. Without companies like them we wouldn’t be able to do what we do, so their incredible generosity is greatly appreciated.”

GS Yuasa is a leading battery manufacturer for vehicle and industrial batteries.

 

Flash Battery signs strategic partnership with Q-Tronic

Posted on by David Priestman

A new partnership between Q-tronic BV – a Netherlands-based powertrain system integrator – and Italy’s Flash Battery, a leading producer of custom lithium batteries with over 500 different models and more than 200MWh supplied in 54 countries around the world, has its sights set on one of the most electrification-oriented markets in the world.

The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg are the focus of the alliance between the two companies. As pointed out by Flash Battery CEO Marco Righi (pictured) and Q-tronic Managing Director Marcel Doppenberg, these areas “have set on an uncompromising journey towards far-reaching sustainability and are pushing hard for electrification, something that’s taking place in every Northern European country”.

Doppenberg explains: “With the Climate Agreement and the Climate Law, the Netherlands introduced restrictive measures in every industrial sector in order to reduce CO2 emissions, going as far as to prohibit the use of carbon.

“This evolution will drive an increasing number of manufacturers to adopt zero emissions technology and the partnership with a lithium battery expert the likes of Flash Battery will definitely accelerate this process in many OEMs.

“Q-Tronic BV, a powertrain system integrator operating in different sectors with over 40 years’ electrification experience, walks customers through the choice of components, such as motors and inverters, transaxles and battery chargers; it works on projects that are very different from one another, ranging from off-road (construction) and agricultural applications all the way to electric vehicle mobility applications, which are widely used in cities, airports and industries,” continued Righi. “Some of the most important applications we are already working on come from the construction and earth-moving sectors, especially compact loaders, which are requiring increasingly more energy in less space.”

“The partnership with Flash Battery is the natural evolution of the demand from markets needing to electrify and looking for a one-stop source for their powertrain systems,” underlined Doppenberg. “This is why integrating all the functions revolving around the electrification process is necessary: consulting, design and prototyping; quality of materials; sustainability; reliability; high performance; and, last but not least, the personalised support service demanded by SMEs and large OEMs alike (including adequate remote control systems and training of the professionals managing the systems and vehicles).

“The partnership with Flash Battery is very important to us,” he continued, “because we can now combine Flash Battery’s innovative and exclusive lithium battery technology with our expertise in the field; together we’ll be able to offer a complete powertrain system made to a very high quality level, giving us the capability to create new electrical systems equipped with lithium batteries and customised solutions built around our customers’ needs.”

Righi went on to underscore that “the partnership with Q-tronic represents a remarkable value for markets that have been oriented towards electrification for some time now and, as a result, are demanding high-quality, reliable products; we can deliver with our technological know-how and that part of the job that is essential to us, the design consulting stage, when we analyse specific requirements so that the application gets exactly the energy it needs.

“Here we are sure that supported by our product R&D activities, one of our greatest strengths, we can make a substantial contribution to the creation of tremendously innovative solutions for the manufacturers who turn to Q-tronic – high-performance and reliable solutions that have earned us a place as one of the technology partners involved in developing EU supported projects.”

 

UgoWork obtains $2m in funding

Posted on by David Priestman

UgoWork, a Canadian manufacturer of lithium-ion battery solutions for industrial vehicles, has received $2m in loan financing from Investissement Québec as part of the Compétivert initiative.

This financing comes on the heels of several key commercial achievements and the adoption of its solution by major US clients. This support from Investissement Québec confirmed the tremendous potential of UgoWork’s solutions and its alignment with the Government of Québec’s battery strategy for commercial electric vehicles. The funds will be used for UgoWork’s market expansion across North America.

In an unprecedented global context whereby the supply chains and energy efficiency are major challenges, UgoWork offers industrial fleet operators turnkey lithium-ion battery solutions that help optimise their resources, make data-driven decisions and take a step towards a zero-carbon footprint. Its Energy as a Service (EaaS) subscription model reduces upfront costs for faster deployment and enables customers with access to the latest UgoWork lithium technology, software suite and best-in-class support with maintenance and technology updates.

“With its lithium-ion battery for forklifts, UgoWork is helping to achieve one of our government’s objectives: to develop a comprehensive battery industry. The solutions offered by this manufacturer will contribute to the green transformation of our businesses, while reinforcing Québec’s position as a leader in the electrification of transportation,” says Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of the Economy and Innovation and Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development.

“We are proud to once again participate in UgoWork’s growth and transformation initiatives. Our financial support today demonstrates our commitment to shift to a low-carbon economy, to create an end-to-end lithium value chain here at home – from ore extraction to battery recycling – and to ensure Québec becomes a top-notch North American hub in this sector. By supporting innovative solutions from companies such as UgoWork, we will be able to achieve our goals and secure a green and prosperous future”, mentioned Guy LeBlanc, President and CEO of Investissement Québec

“The growing popularity of our solutions in North America is a clear indication of the quality and differentiation of our end-to-end offer,” explained Philippe Beauchamp, CEO at UgoWork. “We believe the market is ready to embark on a true transition to more viable energy solutions. There is tremendous momentum behind lithium-ion technology and we believe that UgoWork is strategically positioned to lead the wave. We are proud to count on the support of Investissement Québec so that we can continue fulfilling our vision of a more sustainable future in material handling.”

 

Hoppecke helps tackle rising MHE energy costs

Posted on by David Priestman

Once again, businesses that rely on materials handling equipment (MHE) must get to grips with rising energy costs. Against a backdrop of global supply issues, new legislation and spiralling energy prices, Hoppecke is offering to help UK businesses that rely on MHE to mitigate against rising costs.

As many businesses consider switching from IC engine trucks to an electric-powered fleet, as part of its free energy audit offer, Hoppecke will assess their operation and how it uses equipment to determine the key cost savings to be made using the latest battery technology.

Meanwhile, new UK government legislation, introduced on 1st April 2022, has seen all non-agricultural businesses banned from using red diesel to power their machines, also leading to bigger energy bills. This comes at a time when unprecedented global increases in the cost of white diesel, and in turn LPG gas, are set to send energy costs spiralling ever higher.

Gus Whyte, Sales Director UK and Ireland at Hoppecke, says: “Standard lead acid batteries will suit some operations, whilst others will benefit from lithium-powered systems or other battery technologies that require regular opportunity charging. However, the big issue is recharging and electricity supply costs.

“The world energy market is changing from week to week so we’ve no idea about likely increases. Therefore, irrespective of the technology you choose, it’s vital to appreciate the costs involved in recharging batteries.”

Two key considerations govern the recharging of electric MHE: the amount of power the machine draws during operation and the charger’s percentage of inefficiency. With lithium batteries and regular opportunity charging, the amount of energy returned determines the cost of this energy replacement. It’s also influenced by the kilowatt unit cost of electricity when drawn from the AC mains supply.

Accessing low-cost energy will keep costs down. This means using off-peak time electricity, usually available between 22.00 and 06.00, to your advantage. It’s important because it can cost 28-32% less than electricity consumed at peak rate.

Employing the latest technology also helps to reduce energy bills. For example, Hoppecke say its high efficiency TCHF smart charger is 23% more efficient than a standard low frequency charger, whilst adding the company’s Trak-Air system delivers a further 11% efficiency.

For added flexibility, there’s the TCHF and TCHF Trak-Air system weekly planner. This allows charges to be pre-set individually for every day of the week. No matter what time the charger is connected to the battery, it only operates within the pre-set times, enabling businesses to benefit from full use of lower cost electricity.

Whyte adds: “After the challenges of Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic this is an especially difficult time for logistics businesses. We’re committed to helping them really understand their energy needs so they can invest in an MHE fleet that will deliver efficiencies as well as key cost savings.”

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