Delta-Q Technologies Provides Insight Into On-Board Charger Reliability | Industry News

Delta-Q Technologies has released new insights into on-board industrial battery charger reliability and validation testing with its white paper, “On-Board Charger Reliability for Electric Drive Vehicles and Industrial Machines.” The paper details how OEMs can improve integration of on-board chargers into machines such as lift trucks, aerial work platforms, and floor machines. Benefits include higher charger reliability leading to improved machine availability, and productivity gains by increasing charging convenience.

“Battery charging has historically occurred off-board, but with the proper product validation and testing, on-board battery chargers make far more sense due to their simplicity, portability and convenience,” said Lloyd Gomm, vice president of business development at Delta-Q.

The reliability of on-board components is the main factor affecting machine performance. On-board chargers face a tough application environment that includes vibration, shock and contaminants like dust and liquids. Chargers must be properly sealed and extensively validated to withstand these factors that might otherwise break components mounted on-board machines. The paper details how OEMs benefit from an efficient power electronics design that has high manufacturability, reducing the probability of manufacturing errors. With this combination of factors, OEMs can source an advanced, reliable component at a competitive price.

Delta-Q’s latest insights stem from the development and durability testing of its own IC650 Industrial Battery Charger for on-board use, designed specifically to overcome common challenges to on-board charger reliability and be the most durable solution for on-board applications. In addition to outlining Delta-Q’s durability testing and validation process for the IC650, the paper includes practical tips for OEMs looking to integrate chargers on-board their own machines, focusing on physical integration and usability. Suitable applications include golf cars, lift trucks (electric pallet trucks and other Class 3 equipment), aerial work platforms (scissor lifts) and floor cleaning machines (scrubbers, sweepers and burnishers).

With reliability assured, on-board charging offers significant benefits to OEMs and end users alike. Bringing the battery charger on-board enables users to plug in their machines whenever and wherever necessary. This helps batteries maintain their specified capacity by avoiding very deep discharge of the battery pack and supporting effective charging habits. Customers also have flexibility in setting up their facilities for charging machines.