What is Opportunity Charging?
Opportunity charging is the practice of recharging the battery at the most opportune times for business operations.
Warehouses generally employ opportunity charging during shift transitions, lunch breaks, or other workday intermissions. This practice enables continuous battery usage, eliminating the necessity for battery replacements.
At Total Warehouse, we ensure that the process of implementing opportunity charging and lithium-ion forklift batteries is extremely easy.
Opportunity Charge vs Standard Charge
Opportunity charging is a quick way to charge a forklift battery in short bursts, minimizing downtime. With opportunity charging, the battery stays in the forklift and connects to a charger. In contrast, standard charging involves charging the entire battery at once, taking around 8 hours and requiring a dedicated battery space.
Conventional battery charging methods entail an 8-10 hour charging period followed by an 8-hour rest before use over an 8-hour shift, suitable for single-shift applications without battery changes. However, this approach doesn’t maintain a consistent charging rate, leading to the need for multiple batteries in multi-shift operations.
Fast charging offers rates three to four times faster, seizing opportunities for replenishment during breaks within and between shifts. Unlike conventional methods, fast chargers maintain a high charge rate throughout, though careful management is necessary to counter increased gassing and temperatures.
In extended shift operations, opportunity charging emerges as a valuable solution, prolonging battery runtime and restoring lost capacity over time. This approach streamlines operations, eliminating the need for dedicated battery rooms and reducing travel time between worksites, thus enhancing productivity and minimizing the risk of injuries.
Why Should I Participate in Opportunity Charging?
This battery charging method extends the run times and overall lifespan of battery-powered equipment. Available to lithium-ion batteries and lead acid batteries, this technique enables operators to conveniently charge batteries during breaks, eliminates the need for increased maintenance, and removes the need to take the battery out of the truck.
Total Warehouse Energy Solutions
In our commitment to providing comprehensive solutions for material handling needs, we offer a range of forklift battery chargers tailored to various environments, budgets, and battery types. Our selection includes dedicated fast and opportunity charging systems, along with CEC certified universal chargers capable of charging both lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries.
At Total Warehouse, we can ensure that the process of implementing opportunity charging and converting to lithium-ion forklift batteries is extremely easy. We’ve helped countless businesses across the United States achieve lower maintenance, reduced costs, increased worker satisfaction, and increased economic sustainability by making the switch. Our team of highly knowledgeable experts can help you make the right decision for your business. Give us a call at 833-868-2500 or contact us online.
