Crown Equipment Introduces High-Frequency Modular Battery Charger

Crown Equipment Corp., New Bremen, Ohio, has released the V-Force High-Frequency Modular (V-HFM) battery charger. The system features 15 percent more efficiency than traditional Ferro and SCR chargers, while fully charging electric forklift batteries to 100 percent in eight hours or less.

The V-HFM charger achieves 93 percent efficiency over the entire charge cycle. The 46-pound charger incorporates three interchangeable power modules and occupies 67 percent less space than typical charger cabinets. The charger can be installed nearly anywhere in a warehouse, including mounted on a wall or rack.  

The V-HFM Charger allows fleet managers to lower energy costs by reducing amp-draw rate. It uses constant current charge profile to reduce the amount of battery-damaging heat generated during charging. Charge termination is determined by the change in voltage over time, preventing over- and undercharging and maximizing battery and charger efficiency.

The charger can be programmed for use with 24/36/48-volt batteries and can be changed or expanded to accommodate charging demands.

The V-HFM Charger is equipped with proprietary software that logs each charge cycle, and allows users to monitor charger performance and battery condition. The software prevents charging of an incorrect battery type and configuration. The system’s display provides information throughout the charge cycle including the stage of charge and amount of amps returned. It also includes lights that indicate when the battery is charging, if a fault has occurred, and when charging is complete.