Why You Should Equip Your AGV with a Lithium Battery

Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are becoming increasingly popular in various industries due to their efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness. AGVs are designed to transport loads within a facility, with no need for human intervention.

However, the most critical component of an AGV is its battery. It is the energy source that enables the AGV to operate. Therefore, it is crucial to equip your AGV with a high-quality battery. One such battery that is highly recommended for AGVs is the lithium battery. In this article, we will discuss why you should equip your AGV with a lithium battery.

 1. Higher Energy Density

One of the key advantages of lithium batteries is their higher energy density. Lithium batteries have the highest energy density of all rechargeable batteries, which means they can store more energy per unit volume or weight than other batteries. Energy density is a crucial measure of a battery's energy content in relation to its weight. Typically, an industrial lithium-ion battery boasts an energy density ranging around 90-120 Wh/kg which is remarkably higher as compared to lead-acid batteries that offer an energy density between 30-50 Wh/kg.

This high energy density makes lithium batteries ideal for AGVs because they can provide a lot of energy in a small space without adding significant weight to the AGV.

Another advantage of lithium batteries is their longer lifespan. Lithium batteries have a much longer lifespan than lead-acid batteries, which need to be replaced frequently. Lithium batteries can last up to ten years or more, while lead-acid batteries typically last only two to five years. This extended lifespan reduces maintenance costs and downtime for AGVs.

Lithium batteries also charge faster than lead-acid batteries. They can be charged up to 80% capacity in just 30 minutes, while lead-acid batteries can take up to eight hours to recharge fully. This fast-charging capability, combined with the inherent characteristics of lithium-ion batteries, makes them a perfect fit for opportunity charging. This means that AGVs or AGMs can be regularly charged in smaller increments, ensuring that they stay operational and ready to use at all times. Opportunity charging can be utilized for AGVs during natural periods of downtime – such as during shift changes.

This fast-charging time reduces the AGV’s downtime and increases its overall productivity.

Lithium batteries require little to no maintenance, unlike lead-acid batteries, which require regular maintenance such as water refilling, equalization, and cleaning. Lithium-ion batteries offer exceptional durability and require minimal maintenance, making them a top choice for fleet managers seeking to transition their material handling equipment to AGVs. They can withstand considerable wear and tear, allowing for less frequent monitoring and upkeep.

For facilities that need to boost their equipment productivity, the time saved in battery maintenance and battery performance due to no maintenance, can add up to thousands of dollars a day in increased output.

Conclusion

In conclusion, equipping your AGV with a lithium battery has many advantages. It provides higher energy density, longer lifespan, faster charging, and maintenance-free operation. These benefits translate into increased efficiency and productivity, reduced downtime, and lower maintenance costs. Considering the rapid growth of AGVs in various industries, lithium batteries are an excellent investment for AGV operators looking to gain a competitive edge.