Electric and battery-powered machinery have quickly become fixed equipment in the construction and equipment rental industries, as electrification has become a major topic in various industries around the world. Even trade shows like ConExpo-Con / Agg 2020 have emerged with hybrid and battery-powered concepts, including electric backhoe loaders, compact crawler loaders, excavators, tampers, etc.
This is because people have turned to more environmentally friendly practices and the tendency to save the earth. Over the years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has promulgated stricter emission standards to reduce emissions, and finally upgraded the engine to the Tier 4 Final category. With the increasing availability of technology, increasing pressure on emission regulations, and the impact of continuous innovation, it is no wonder that manufacturers are starting to charge without refueling.
But the demand for cleaner and more environmentally friendly equipment has not stopped. Manufacturers are taking advantage of the latest developments in lithium-ion battery technology, whose primary advantages are reduced noise, zero emissions, and shortened service time.
The automotive, transportation, and construction industries have undoubtedly gained momentum in pursuing clean power technologies, and the channel equipment industry has been at the forefront of this movement for some time. The R&D efforts of manufacturers of high-altitude lifts have surpassed decades, and the electric drive system provides customers with ecologically responsible machines.
One of the manufacturers is Snorkel, which released the world's first lithium-ion powered electric compact off-road remote hauler SR5719E. Driven by the increasing demand from customers for cleaner and more environmentally friendly equipment, Snorkel has stepped up the development of a series of zero-emission, lithium-ion battery-powered aerial work solutions.
The series includes SR5719E, as well as five compact cross-country scissor lifts, two Speed Level sigma boom lifts, and the most recent one medium cross-country articulated boom lift. Snorkel series products have the characteristics of zero carbon dioxide emissions, zero dust, and 60% reduction in noise, and their performance is equal to or better than diesel-powered models.
With the help of Snorkel, let us take a deeper look at what lithium-ion batteries are and their advantages.
What are lithium-ion batteries and how do they work?
Lithium-ion battery is an advanced rechargeable battery that uses the movement of lithium ions to generate electric current.
They are composed of four key components: the cathode, which determines the capacity and voltage of the battery; the anode, which allows current to pass through the external circuit; the electrolyte, which acts as a conduit, is formed by salts, solvents and additives; and the separator is the physics that keeps the cathode and anode separated. barrier.
Lithium-ion batteries have higher energy density and lower discharge rate, which means that they lose about 5% of electricity a month, while other types of batteries lose 20%.
For Snorkel access equipment, lithium-ion batteries have replaced the traditional diesel engine, replacing the internal combustion engine to provide power for the electric motor. The battery used has an integrated battery management system (BMS), which can control the battery and maximize efficiency. It is a low-voltage system, so it does not require professional high-voltage training to meet any maintenance requirements.
The overall operation of the machine powered by the lithium ion battery is basically the same as that of the diesel engine, but with zero emissions. Lithium-ion powered lifts also benefit from higher torque, which can provide higher slopes compared to diesel models, thereby improving performance on rugged or uneven terrain.
How do you care for lithium-ion batteries?
If you have studied the correct maintenance methods for lithium-ion batteries, you will see some tips, such as avoiding heat and keeping it cool, avoiding low temperatures and storing them inside, avoiding water sources and not overcharging.
However, it is slightly different for the batteries in some devices (such as Snorkel's telescopic forklifts). Unlike other types of batteries (such as lead-acid batteries), lithium-ion batteries are completely maintenance-free, and do not need to regularly check the water level or clean the battery terminals. This eliminates the risk of frequent battery replacement if not properly maintained.
In addition to the maintenance-free lithium-ion batteries, the motors used in the Snorkel lithium-ion series are also maintenance-free. Compared with equivalent diesel-powered elevators that require regular maintenance and maintenance, such as frequent oil changes, filter changes and occasional repairs, this can significantly reduce maintenance time and costs.
In the research conducted by Snorkel, compared with the equivalent diesel-powered models, lithium-ion powered lifts can reduce maintenance costs by up to 93% per year, thereby helping to minimize the total cost of ownership.
What are the environmental benefits of lithium-ion battery power?
We have already mentioned how important environmental protection practices are to the industry (and the world as a whole), but through battery-driven motors and functions, lithium battery-powered machines produce zero carbon dioxide emissions, which means that these lifts comply with emission regulations and can be used in Use in zero-emission (including indoor) or low-emission areas, where internal combustion engines may not be allowed. Battery power also eliminates the possibility of fuel spillage.
These batteries also allow the machine to reduce the generation of dust. Snorkeling high-altitude lifts and telescopic loaders equipped with lithium-ion batteries do not have engine fans, so they generate less dust than machines equipped with internal combustion engines, creating safer and cleaner operations, and ultimately more environmentally friendly.
It is also very important that pollution is not necessarily all airborne or garbage. Compared with diesel engines, the use of lithium-ion batteries and electric motors can also reduce noise by up to 62%. This means that lithium electrical machines are suitable for working in environments that may have noise regulations, or on projects with long working hours. This means that workers can work longer shifts in cities or residential areas that may have noise restrictions during non-working hours, and complete work faster, saving time and money.
What can you expect from equipment powered by lithium-ion batteries, such as Snorkel elevators?
The lithium-ion battery-powered Snorkel elevator is designed to be highly efficient and performant, including on rugged terrain, and is smooth and simple to operate. Higher torque, higher speed and higher slope, according to different models, provide rugged terrain capabilities and up to 50% slope. It can be seen that the rugged terrain performance of the lithium battery lift is the same as or higher than that of diesel equivalent products.
On the Snorkel SR5719E, the lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 300 ampere hours (Ah). On the Snorkel aerial work lift, Snorkel uses a 111Ah lithium-ion battery, and their standard is to use two batteries (222Ah). Users can increase the number of battery packs to 4 (depending on the model), a total of 444Ah.
According to the speed and usage, the design of the machine is that a complete work shift can be completed on a single charge. Lithium-ion batteries generally can be fully charged in about 5 to 8 hours. The specific time depends on the model. It can also be recharged as needed (term for electric vehicle charging) to maximize work efficiency, such as during lunch breaks. .
All Snorkel lithium battery lifts are equipped with a standard on-board charger. For environments that require continuous operation for a long time, an on-board fast charger device is optional.
The Snorkel lithium battery lift is also equipped with a digital proportional joystick to improve the operator's control ability and efficiency. Using the digital output to directly control the motor can obtain a more tactile and sensitive acceleration, make the work performance significantly more stable, and improve the operator's experience.
What else is exciting about the "world's first" SR5719E compact rough terrain truck?
In the traditional outdoor environment, the compact off-road remote pallet truck is usually powered by an internal combustion engine. By replacing diesel engines and related components with lithium-ion batteries and electric power systems, the world's first all-electric zero-emission telescopic boom was created.
SR5719E is designed for any environment, from rough terrain to indoor applications. It uses full-time four-wheel drive and can cope with challenging outdoor terrain like a diesel vehicle, but due to zero emissions and zero dust, it can work in construction projects to the end, working indoors to support the final installation and Cleanup phase.
The long-lasting 300Ah lithium-ion battery can provide up to 6 hours of continuous use. The standard car charger can be charged overnight within 15 hours, which is an ideal choice. A quick charger can be purchased to shorten the charging time to less than 1.5 hours.
Snorkel SR5719E has no diesel fuel cost and greatly reduces maintenance costs. During the service life of the equipment, the total cost of ownership is very low. The increase in purchase investment compared to the diesel version will be amortized on average after about two years of work. According to Snooker, the operating cost of the equipment has been reduced by about 60% compared with the diesel version.
At the same time, the lithium-ion battery pack is provided by Snorkel with a two-year or 2000-cycle warranty service, whichever comes first. At the end of the battery life, they can be returned to Snorkel for recycling-another green initiative of the company.
All in all, lithium-ion battery technology is not only environmentally friendly, but also reduces maintenance, provides equal or better productivity, and potential time and cost savings opportunities. Although electrification has steadily penetrated the market in recent years, the next development direction of the market will be very interesting.
