Intelligent energy management prevents expensive power peaks

Toyota Material Handling (MH) offers a solution for intelligent peak load management of its integrated lithium-ion technology in forklift trucks and warehouse trucks. This makes it possible to synchronize several chargers and charge different industrial trucks at the same time. This makes it possible to plan electricity: a maximum amount of electricity is defined and distributed to the various devices depending on the prioritization of the industrial trucks to be charged. The intelligent chargers regulate the current according to the prioritization. For example, an electric pallet truck that is required at regular intervals can be prioritized accordingly so that it is the first to be fully charged. The other industrial trucks adapt to this prioritization and are also charged according to their position afterwards.

Communication between the intelligent chargers is also possible. The interface in the form of industrial radio can be set up within a few minutes and does not require a great deal of effort. All that is required to install the chargers is a cell phone app that can communicate with the latest generation of chargers via Bluetooth. It is used to program and set up the chargers. The app can be used to set the maximum amount of power available, the charging priority and much more.

Efficient use of PV electricity

As more and more customers are using photovoltaic systems, a solution has also been found for this. The information from the PV systems is transmitted to the chargers via an access point, a separate communication unit, using radio signals. This means that the electricity produced by the system can also be used efficiently. Thanks to intelligent peak load management, expensive power peaks are avoided and the company's energy costs are reduced or saved as a result.

Downward compatibility prevents operating errors

Designed for safety: the 2nd generation charging plug from Toyota MH. © Toyota Material Handling

The chargers are also adapted to the needs of the operator. They show the charge status of a battery from a distance. There is no need for an additional trip to the chargers. Instead, a quick check from a distance will be enough in future to get an impression of the charge status. The chargers are also downward compatible. This means progress in terms of safety: a 48 V charger can also be used with 24 V industrial trucks without any problems. This prevents incorrect operation of the chargers, which is particularly important in the case of high current flows.

Safety and advantages during installation

The charging process is interrupted by pressing the stop button. © Toyota Material Handling

The second generation charging plug is also designed with safety in mind: To remove the charging plug, a stop button on the top of the plug must be pressed, which simultaneously interrupts the charging process on the device. This prevents an electric arc from occurring when the plug is removed, which in turn can pose a fire hazard. This is particularly important with high charging currents.

There is also a solution for customers who are not allowed to mount their chargers on the wall: Instead of the chargers standing around in the hall, which would pose an accident risk, they can be mounted on special racks. This means that the chargers are in the operator's field of vision without having to be bolted to the wall. The fixed position of the chargers means that they need to be checked less often, which results in further cost savings.