Welcome to Part Two of Our Three-Part Series on Linde Lithium-Ion Battery Systems
Linde lithium-ion forklift batteries are as safe as lead-acid batteries when they are handled properly. They give off no gases or fumes while charging. A battery management system protects them at cell, module and battery level.
This second part of our Li-ION FAQs covers round-the-clock use and cold stores, then battery safety, insurance and transport rules. Part One covers charging, chargers, battery life and the power supply your site will need.
Is Li-ION available across all electric counterbalance trucks?
Li-ION is available across a range of our electric counterbalance trucks
How long does a Li-ION battery last?
- 24V warehouse truck batteries: at least 75% of the original capacity, based on an average depth of discharge (DoD) of 90%.
- 48V and 90V batteries: at least 80% of the original capacity.
Is Li-ION suitable for 24/7 operation?
Li-ION batteries are suitable for 24/7 operation as long as there are sufficient charging opportunities. Because they don’t require 'equalise' charging, regular small charges through the day are as effective as a full overnight charge.
What effect does temperature have on using and charging Li-ION batteries?
It depends on the temperature the batteries work in, how long the trucks spend operating in the cold, the truck model and the ambient temperature where the trucks are charged.
Can Li-ION batteries be used and charged inside a cold store?
Depending on the application, Li-ION batteries can be used and charged inside a cold store. Li-ION delivers high power and loses very little usable energy at low temperatures. To maintain performance, the trucks, batteries and chargers need to be used within the ambient conditions they are rated for.
Charging Li-ION inside a cold store can be more challenging, but it is achievable:
- 24V systems: keep the charger outside the cold store (+5°C).
- 48V/90V systems: in some cases, the charger can be inside the cold store (down to -20°C).
Why use Li-ION forklifts in a cold store instead of LPG?
Carbon monoxide from LPG, petrol and diesel forklifts can build up quickly in a cold store or any area with poor ventilation. WorkSafe New Zealand's guidance says eliminating the source of carbon monoxide, by using electric forklifts instead of fuel-powered ones, should be the first option a business considers. WorkSafe also advises using electric forklifts in cold stores and poorly ventilated areas.
Li-ION batteries produce no emissions in operation. That makes them well suited to enclosed spaces and to food handling.
Is it dangerous to use lithium-ion batteries?
No, lithium-ion batteries are as safe as lead-acid batteries if handled properly. They have a battery management system with comprehensive protective functions. On 48V and 90V batteries a robust steel tray adds further protection.
Battery
- Safety Features: Safety mechanisms are installed at the cell, module, and battery levels to prevent overpressure, overheating, overload, overcharging, and deep discharge.
- Shock Sensor: An integrated shock sensor monitors the battery to detect misuse.
- Patented Braking Resistor: This feature dissipates regenerative energy if the battery cannot absorb it. That prevents uncontrolled behaviour of the truck.
Battery Management and Communication
- Continuous Communication: The battery and the truck communicate continuously. This allows the truck to adjust performance based on the battery's condition, such as its internal temperature or state of charge (SOC). Even in the event of a failure, the system is designed to provide a controlled response, such as a controlled roll-out.
- Display Information: SOC, remaining driving time, and error messages are shown on the forklift display.
- Performance Settings:
The truck limits its performance as the battery runs low. A service engineer can adjust these settings for each truck:
– SOC below 10%: crawl speed
– SOC below 5%: only safety-relevant functions are active
– SOC below 2%: the truck switches off
Battery Tray (48v/90v Battery)
- Robust Construction: The steel tray is 25mm thick and has been crash-tested. It stops a fork penetrating the Li-ION battery, even at high speed.
Will using lithium-ion batteries affect my property insurance and fire protection?
Check with your insurer before the batteries go into use, as lithium-ion batteries may affect your property insurance and the insurer may have specific requirements. Your local Fire and Emergency New Zealand station should also be made aware that lithium-ion batteries are in use on site.
Do I need to take measures for unforeseeable incidents?
Yes, we recommend having an emergency plan and a designated area where damaged batteries can be set aside, even though a serious incident is unlikely. That area should be well ventilated and well away from flammable materials, ideally outdoors.
Are there any safety concerns while charging Li-ION batteries?
No, Li-ION batteries emit no gases or fumes during charging.
If a Li-ION battery catches fire, what gases are emitted and what are the toxic levels?
A fire is very unlikely, but the battery manufacturer's safety data sheet covers what the battery contains, the chemical reactions involved and first aid measures. Contact us for the safety data sheet that applies to your battery.
Are lithium-ion batteries dangerous goods?
Lithium-ion batteries are classified as Class 9 dangerous goods when transported by road, rail, sea or air.
Charging, chargers, battery life and site power supply are covered in Part One of our Li-ION FAQs. For a wider comparison with lead-acid, read Lithium-Ion Forklifts NZ: How Linde's Li-Ion Technology Outperforms Lead-Acid. Our post on the 10 common myths about lithium-ION batteries is also worth a look.
If your question isn't answered here, or you'd like to talk about moving your fleet to Li-ION, contact the LDX team. You can also browse our full range of electric forklifts.