The current coronavirus epidemic has demonstrated the importance of the supply chain to the country.
The logistics industry is used to dealing with seasonal surges in interest but it has never had to cope with the level of demand created by COVID-19.
With UK warehouses dependent on forklifts, it is imperative those forklifts’ power sources are maintained to keep businesses running and ensure the UK does not grind to a halt.
EUROBAT, the association for European manufacturers of industrial batteries, believes that battery manufacturers and their supply chain play an essential role in the management of the crisis.
“We are of the opinion that the battery industry qualifies as a critical manufacturing and/or essential industry that should remain in operation – on an appropriately modified basis – to provide the products and services that enable the continued operation of critical life-saving infrastructure and services,” the association said in a statement.
The Ri charging process of Selectiva devices from Fronius is a particularly gentle and efficient way to power traction batteries. The effective inner resistance (Ri) of the batteries – which depends on various factors such as their age, temperature and state of charge – is recorded, so that the level of charge for each battery is exactly what is required. This minimises harmful warming, maintains battery capacity and extends the service life.
Where electric forklifts are likely to be idle for a prolonged period during the COVID-19 pandemic, appropriate care is vital to keep batteries in peak condition.
Stuart Browne, Operations Director-Sales and Service at Hoppecke UK, recommends the following steps: make sure that batteries, including any spares that are in use, are fully charged. Once charged, top up batteries with deionised or distilled water to the correct level. If a battery is left on a truck and not connected to a charger, disconnect the forklift DC plug from the truck.
The current huge demand for e-commerce deliveries will eventually subside. Life will return to normal, sooner or later.
Until then, motive power suppliers will provide the juice to keep supply chains moving.
It takes all sorts to make an army. The nation has stood outside its front doors applauding the heroes of the NHS, and rightly so. But there is a whole network of people involved in keeping the nurses on the wards and the food on the shelves. Motive power is a part of that network and shouldn’t be forgotten
George Simpson
Features Editor
By: Editor
Title: Business as usual Motive power needed to keep businesses running
Sourced From: warehousenews.co.uk/2020/04/business-as-usual-motive-power-needed-to-keep-businesses-running/
Published Date: 04/18/20
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