Best Practices for Using Lithium-Ion in Cold Storage Facilities
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Best Practices for Using Lithium-Ion in Cold Storage Facilities Overview SAFEFlex is a drop-in replacement lithium-ion battery for lead acid battery power for electric material handling equipment. Temperature-controlled supply chain is more important than ever during with today’s volatile supply chain. On-line ordering of pre-prepared food, beverage clubs, and medicine distribution are all increasing the need for cold-chain technology. Lithiumion batteries charge faster, and opportunistically, and have longer run-time than traditional lead acid batteries, optimizing equipment utilization Batteries don’t need to be swapped, watered, or equalized at room temperature, so maintenance is simplified. Cold-temperature cycle life is vastly improved for a lower total cost of ownership. This is a brief overview of how to implement and take advantage of this new technology

The Cold Chain Many products require constant refrigeration. Medicines, foods and beverages require cold transportation as well as storage and there is an increased strain on the cold storage industry as it adapts to increased fluctuations in response to online consumer habits, such as the new popularity of pre-prepared meal kits. For cold storage the insulated vehicle cargo area needs to be kept at a sub-zero temperature and the material handling equipment needs to operated within a refrigerated or freezer space.

The Challenges of Lead Acid Batteries: Electric material handling equipment is favored for indoor environments, but traditional lead-acid batteries pose significant challenges, e specially at extremely cold temperatures. The extreme cold temperatures can cause the battery electrolyte to freeze which lowers the usable capacity of the battery, as seen in the accompanying graph, which uses information commonly provided by lead-acid battery manufacturers. In addition, there is permanent damage to the battery and greatly shortening the battery’s cycle life. Lead Acid Usable Capacity vs...

Implementing Li-ion Technology: Unlike lead acid cells, Li-ion battery packs offer a complete solution with integrated smart communication, charging, and heaters to keep the battery at an optimum temperature. Green Cubes Technologies’ Lithium SafeFlex is a drop in replacement for lead-acid batteries with excellent cold temperature performance, high cycle life and safe operation. The charge system (or cables) can be brought into the cold storage area, so that the temperature equilibration is not required and there is no more risk of dangerous condensation. Full charge time is only one hour...

Advantages of SAFEFlex for Cold Storage Usage: • There is no cold-temperature capacity loss with integrated battery heaters. • One-hour fast charging is enabled within the cold storage area (to -40 degrees). • Forklifts will never leave the freezer, and palletjacks can be charged in refrigerated trailers, so risks from condensation are minimized. • A permanently installed battery can support 24/7 continuous operation with an opportunity charging regime. • Maintenance is minimal, unlike lead acid batteries. • Cycle-life enables a useful product life of up to ten years • A distribution...