Other Voices: The importance of choosing the right charger for the battery and application

Editor’s Note: The following column by Amanda Fuller, marketing manager for Douglas Battery, is part of Modern’s Other Voices column. The series features ideas, opinions and insights from end-users, analysts, systems integrators and OEMs. Click here to learn about submitting a column for consideration.

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Most lift truck operators and their supervisors understand that when it comes time to charge their truck battery, it needs to match up to a specific charger or a charger that is set for the specifications of the battery they are using. That being said, often times the wrong charger is purchased in the first place. It may seem to work – the battery gets charged, goes into a weekly equalize and lasts a full shift – but that doesn’t mean the user is getting the best charger for their battery, or more importantly, their application.

Several years ago when conventional charging was still the most common and affordable method of battery charging, it was a bit clearer as to which charger was the best option. There were applications where silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) technology was the best option (VRLA-GEL or opportunity charge capable batteries) and for most other battery types, ferroresonant technology was the most common option. That all changed with the increased availability and lower cost of high efficiency, high frequency (HF) chargers, opportunity charging and fast charging. Now, there are many different charging options that could make a vast difference in the quality of the charge, the length of the charge and the efficiency of the charge.

Though price shouldn’t be a deciding factor in which battery or charger to purchase, often times it is. There are many other factors that need to go into deciding which charger is best for your battery and application. Some of those factors are: Time needed to reach a full recharge, Equalize charge regime, AC voltage tolerance and service support. The answers to these factors depends on the users operation, number of shifts, length of shifts, ambient temperature of the working environment, local utility and more. It is very important that your charger dealer or sales representative asks these questions so they can recommend the proper charger for your needs. With all the new charger types flooding the industry, it isn’t hard to find the best one for the budget as well.

This solution-based system can help to ensure your batteries have not only a long life, but a productive one.