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PRESS RELEASE
Fronius International GmbH at LogiMAT in Stuttgart, Germany, from 10 to 12 February 2015
Hall 8, Stand D50
Battery charging technology at the highest level
(Wels, Austria, February 2015) Fronius, the traction battery charging specialist, ensures maximum
efficiency and battery life during charging with the revolutionary Ri charging process. In addition to
this, the battery charging systems meet numerous exceedingly high safety standards for personnel,
batteries and chargers.
Charging starter batteries for cars, or traction batteries for forklift trucks or cleaning machines is not without its
risks. They are usually charged with low DC voltages and high currents. High charging currents, the
potential release of explosive gases during battery charging, the handling of chemicals (if necessary),
for example electrolytes in the energy storage device, and unsupervised operation when the employee
has finished work all present various hazards. However, these risks are significantly reduced with the use
of the correct chargers and adherence to important regulations.
Fronius, the Austrian know-how leader in charging traction batteries for electrically powered forklift trucks, has
been a developer and supplier of battery charging systems with the highest safety standards for many years.
The Selectiva range boasts four power categories and housing variants to provide a complete product
portfolio for 2 to 80 V traction batteries. Fronius battery charging systems guarantee maximum efficiency in
terms of energy costs and battery life. 100% safety during charging of the battery, ease of use and flexible
installation options ensure trouble-free charging processes. All systems are equipped with a voltage-free
charging plug and de-energised leads as standard for a spark-free connection. Mains voltage monitoring
switches the battery charging system off if the tolerance limits are exceeded. If the temperature of the charger
is too high, for example due to high ambient temperatures or insufficient cooling, the thermal overload
protection prevents damage to the battery charging system. The safety cut-out detects incorrect charging
processes, for example if the charging time predicted by the battery charging system is exceeded or due to
faulty battery cells. The Fronius devices are electronic and minimise the risk of oxyhydrogen explosions.
The underestimated danger: oxyhydrogen
The danger presented by oxyhydrogen is occasionally underestimated. During charging, in particular
overcharging, hydrogen and other gases can build up inside the battery and be released into the surrounding
air. This results in highly explosive oxyhydrogen, a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen in the surrounding air. In
certain concentrations, all it takes is a spark to cause an explosion. The innovative Ri charging process for the
“Selectiva” range of battery charging systems, successfully launched in 2013, leads to reduced gas formation
during charging and thus a reduced risk of oxyhydrogen and odour build-up. The charge level of the battery is
taken into account during the entire Ri charging process, minimising overcharging of the battery. An additional
advantage of the Ri charging process is that it automatically detects the voltage and capacity of the battery. This
prevents any faults occurring as a result of incorrect inputs, making the system even safer.
The “external start/stop” option prevents sparking if the charging plug is disconnected prematurely during the
charging process. A pilot contact in the plug terminates the charging process in a controlled manner, eliminating
the danger of an oxyhydrogen explosion.
Fronius engineers also turned their attention to various other safety improvements. Additional functions, such as
the adjustable start of charging, further reduce peak loads. Even so-called “Monday morning syndrome” can be
avoided using a programmable, time-controlled equalising charge that ensures the battery is fully-charged over
the weekend and after Bank Holidays. Faults, warnings or even information can be indicated during the
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charging process by illuminated LED strips or flashing LED indicators. To improve safety, explanatory texts
and a service call-out telephone number appear whenever the charger displays an error message.
Yet another safety feature is the optional USB interface, which, in addition to data backup, enables a system
update and various analyses of the charging process to be carried out. And it doesn’t end there – reverse
polarity protection that prevents incorrect polarity due to the reversal of the plus and minus poles, an
intelligent ventilation system that prevents contamination and thus short-circuiting of the battery charging
system due to dust particles and a delayed charge end complete the safety functions for the Fronius battery
charging systems.
Maximum safety through complete charging systems
For those who want an absolute guarantee that their charging stations or charging systems comply with all
the relevant regulations, Fronius offers complete solutions for the charging of traction batteries for forklift
trucks; from analysis, planning and installation to system operation. Fronius supplies battery charging
systems that are compliant with standards, have various modules and are available in different designs as
required. The modules – fitted with mandatory warning notices – can accommodate one or more battery
charging systems. Where space permits, both sides of the modules can be used, saving space. When
planning battery charging rooms and installing the systems, Fronius always ensures that the safety
clearances to flammable objects, and particularly to hazardous areas with a fire or explosion risk, are
observed and that the correct markings are applied to the floor and to the wall. The specially developed safety
module comprises a first-aid box, a fire extinguisher, an eyewash kit and a printed copy of the safety rules.
The safety module can be tailored to satisfy the regulations laid down by individual companies.
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Many of the new battery charging systems equipped with numerous safety
features are already in use (Image: Fronius)
Image file: Fronius_Sicherheit_01.jpg
Faults, warnings or even information can be indicated during the charging
process by illuminated LED indicators (Image: Fronius)
Image file: Fronius_Sicherheit_02.jpg
Charging systems professionally designed and installed by Fronius guarantee
optimum safety (Image: Fronius)
Image file: Fronius_Sicherheit_03.jpg
Copyright to photos: Fronius International GmbH, reproduction free of charge
Websites:
Fronius Battery Charging Systems: www.fronius.com/intralogistics
YouTube: www.youtube.com/FroniusCharging
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About Fronius International GmbH
Fronius International GmbH is an Austrian company with headquarters in Pettenbach and other sites in Wels,
Thalheim, Steinhaus and Sattledt. With 3,344 employees worldwide, the company is active in the fields of
welding technology, photovoltaics and battery charging technology. Around 92% of its products are exported
through 20 international Fronius subsidiaries and sales partners/representatives in over 60 countries. With its
innovative products and services and 1,008 active patents, Fronius is the global innovation leader.
Fronius International GmbH
Enquiries: Boris Ringwald, +43 664 602416436, [email protected]
Copies: Boris Ringwald, Froniusplatz 1, 4600 Wels, Austria
Fronius U.K. Limited
Enquiries: Ross Adams, +44 7580 076988, [email protected]
Copies: Ross Adams, Maidstone Road, Kingston, Milton Keynes, MK10 0BD United Kingdom
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