The concept of sustainability is playing an increasingly important role in internal logistics. Those who want to provide alternative driving options for their fleet can basically choose between two energy systems. The infrastructure outside the building is limited to small areas for storing compressor stations, intermediate oil storage tanks and distribution stations.
One thing can be expected: both lithium batteries and fuel cells will play an important role in internal logistics in the future. Because the demand for alternative powered forklifts and warehouse technical equipment will not decrease, on the contrary: compared with forklifts using internal combustion engines, its advantages are obvious: pollution-free driving helps protect the environment and reduce emissions. Electric and fuel cell forklifts also contribute to economic efficiency through high availability and low maintenance costs.
But where are their respective advantages and what are the similarities and differences between the two energy systems?
Lithium battery is a reliable power source
Lithium batteries are impressive for their high efficiency in generating energy. For example, they are 30% more efficient than lead-acid batteries and convert most of the energy invested into kinetic energy. Some lithium powered electric forklifts can now match the performance level of diesel forklifts. This also makes them very interesting when dealing with weights up to 8 tons. In addition, it is a particularly robust drive option that works reliably even under extreme conditions.
Another feature that makes lithium batteries attractive to internal logistics is the intermediate charging option of the energy storage unit. This makes it possible to use it permanently in multi shift operation - unlike lead-acid batteries, it has no such choice. Those who rely on lithium batteries don't have to worry about charging for too long. Depending on the battery, it takes only a few minutes to produce an hour of driving time. Short intermediate charging will not damage the battery, or even desirable: the ideal charging state is about 20% to 80% of the total capacity.
Who is the hydrogen refueling station valuable to
Zero emission, high availability, high energy efficiency and fast charging time are also the advantages of fuel cells. However, to truly realize the potential of fuel cells, we must expand our infrastructure. Forklifts using fuel cells usually use fuel from local hydrogen refueling stations. In addition, the reliable supply of hydrogen must be guaranteed - therefore, the expansion of the company's own infrastructure usually involves external suppliers here.
However, in the long run, all this can be rewarded. Those who have a large fleet of 20 or more vehicles and carry a large amount of business and transshipment will benefit from the hydrogenation station in the long term. One of the biggest advantages is that the refueling process is as short as that of internal combustion engine forklift. At the same time, the treatment in the refueling process is also particularly safe and clean. This makes fuel cell drive especially suitable for industries with high health requirements, such as pharmaceutical and food industries. In addition, the energy density of modern fuel cells is very high. This makes high availability, long operation time and multi shift operation possible, just like using lithium battery.
Both have great potential
Therefore, for the cargo handling of intensive shift operation, it is meaningful to convert the larger fleet into fuel cells. If the fleet size is controllable and the processing capacity is low, the step to complete the conversion of energy infrastructure may be too far. Here, it is meaningful to rely on the high performance level of electric forklift equipped with lithium battery.
Conclusion: these two energy systems have great potential and will have a lasting impact on the internal logistics in the future. Lithium batteries and fuel cells will not compete with each other, but will play a complementary role in the warehouse.
