Has your AGV got the right battery?

However, reliably sorting and retrieving goods over a 24/7 warehouse cycle, is a process with demanding power requirements. Here, Michele Windsor from automation battery provider, Accutronics, explains why automated guided vehicles must be designed with the right battery in mind.

Many current battery technologies cannot achieve the required parameters to support an AGV’s continuous working hours. These requirements, notably long range, run time and the high-power discharge needed by an AGV.

Rechargeable batteries deliver the flexibility needed to fully implement a mobile warehouse and Ultralife’s range of Lithium iron phosphate batteries provide outstanding service life as the main drive battery for AGVs. The range covers eight batteries from 12.8V, 7.5Ah (96Wh) to 12.8V, 100Ah (1.28kWh) and each battery incorporates a sophisticated battery management system (BMS) which protects against over-voltage, under-voltage, over-current, short-circuit and over-temperature, safeguarding the battery if abused. However, if you’re unable to find a standard battery to fit your AGV design, Accutronics also offers custom built batteries to suit your needs.

Rechargeable batteries are key for making AGV backed warehouses a success, as they require less human intervention than replaceable batteries. Paired with a recharging system that auto plugs and self regulates, AGVs will contribute to the first humanless warehouse in the near future.

AGVs can also help businesses meet their environmental and carbon emission reduction objectives. Ingo Witte, general manager of the HHLA Container Terminal Altenwerder (CTA) in the Port of Hamburg, which has recently invested in lithium-ion AGVs says: “With the lithium-ion AGV, we are making a contribution to preventing air pollution in Hamburg.

“Taking the relationship between energy used and actual engine output, they are three times as efficient as their diesel-driven predecessors.”