Detect Unstable Li-ion Batteries

Brady Corporation offers a new, more cost-efficient solution to quickly detect unstable Li-ion batteries in storage. Able to automatically measure 0,5°C temperature differences per second, the solution provides the accuracy and speed needed to isolate unstable batteries before they become a safety risk.

Fast and accurate

Brady´s new battery temperature monitoring solution involves 3 components: self-adhesive battery-free UHF RFID labels with embedded temperature sensors, RFID readers with up to 16 antennas, and a customisable RFID software platform.

The self-adhesive UHF RFID-embedded labels can be applied inside battery cell boxes for fast temperature change detection. Alternatively, every battery cell can be labelled with Brady´s on-metal, printable UHF RFID labels to enable more elaborate advantages in Li-ion battery supply chains. Every second, the RFID antennas and readers automatically power all labels and sensors in range to collect temperature readings with 0,5°C accuracy. Every temperature reading, and matching battery storage location, is collected by the RFID software platform. When customisable temperature thresholds are reached, the software platform triggers 3rd party devices via standard API.

With almost continuous, automated and accurate temperature monitoring, warehouse stakeholders can receive early warnings via sms, email or even racking warning lights. They can be guided in time to specific warehouse locations for unstable Li-ion battery isolation. Alternatively, Brady´s software platform API can also trigger an autonomous vehicle to automatically remove an unstable battery.

Cost-effective

Battery-free UHF RFID labels with embedded sensors are a more cost-effective battery temperature monitoring solution than powered RFID tags or IR cameras. UHF RFID labels and their temperature sensors receive power wirelessly from RFID antennas and readers in range. They are available at significantly lower costs – up to 5 times less than battery-powered RFID tags – and do not require maintenance.

The number of RFID readers needed to completely cover storage locations in a warehouse heavily depends on warehouse setup, racking height and storage volume per racking compartment. Brady can connect up to 16 antennas to a single RFID reader that provides high accuracy, high speed temperature monitoring for all storage locations in 12 metre wide and 4 metre high racking.

The automated, and almost continuous, nature of the temperature monitoring solution enables Li-ion battery manufacturers and logistics companies to significantly increase safety and reduce risk at advantageous costs.

Automated inventories

By adding an RFID reader gate at designated warehouse exits, Brady´s solution can also enable automated, real-time warehouse inventories. RFID labelled items are read by Brady´s RFID readers the moment their label enters reader range. When they pass through a designated RFID reader gate, these items can easily be subtracted from the inventory by the RFID software platform.

When used in this way, the solution can provide cost-effective battery track & trace inside the warehouse from entry to exit, complete with battery cell box or battery cell temperature fluctuation in between.

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Compact Power Pack for Low-lift Truck

Clark presents a completely newly developed electric low-lift pallet truck with lithium-ion technology (Li-Ion). The vehicle with the model designation PWio20 has a load capacity of 2000 kg and is designed for more demanding applications in pedestrian operation. The compactly designed pallet truck is extremely manoeuvrable and demonstrates its capabilities particularly when transporting heavy loads in goods distribution, production or in the warehouse.

The pallet truck is supplied with a long-life and powerful Li-Ion battery and an integrated charger. The Li-Ion battery has a capacity of 24 volts (100 Ah) and can be recharged at any time and within a very short time – for example during breaks – without damaging the battery or shortening its life. The battery can be recharged at any 230-volt socket. This gives the pallet truck a high level of availability and means it can also be used for multi-shift operations. With Li-Ion technology, the operator not only benefits from high productivity. He also saves costs for maintenance, infrastructure, and replacement batteries. This makes a Li-Ion vehicle worthwhile for anyone who wants to operate a maintenance-free, long-lasting, and fast-charging battery with a high safety standard.

Versatile and powerful

The PWio20 is equipped with a maintenance-free, enclosed 1.6 kW three-phase traction motor. This ensures powerful acceleration and a high travel speed of up to 5.5 km/h. The low-lift truck scores with its compact design and good manoeuvrability. The turning radius is 1320 mm. Its chassis length measures just 470 mm (L2 dimension) with an overall width of 714 mm and a tare weight of 280 kg. This makes the PWio20 extremely light and compact and ideally suited for use in confined work areas, such as storage zones or sales rooms, or for taking along on the truck. The optimised side support rollers also give the vehicle excellent stability and climbing ability when transporting materials on uneven surfaces and ramps.

Intuitive and safe operation

For intuitive and fatigue-free operation of the vehicle, all controls are positioned within easy reach in the ergonomic tiller and can be operated by both right-handed and left-handed operators. Due to the purely electric lifting and lowering, the operator can move heavy loads ergonomically and efficiently without much physical effort. For a high level of safety during operation, the vehicle brakes automatically when the tiller is released.

Low operating costs through easy maintenance

The use of proven AC controllers makes the Clark PWio20 pallet truck an extremely maintenance-friendly warehouse helper. However, should a malfunction occur, the error code indication in the display provides the service technician with information about the possible cause. The truck offers easy access for service and maintenance work. In addition, the service technician can easily programme all driving parameters via the vehicle display.

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