What is the Difference Between Industrial Battery Chargers and Automotive Battery Chargers?
Several factors, including government mandates, environmental goals and operating procedures, are prompting the ground handling industry to adopt more electric ground support equipment (eGSE). As more eGSE is put into service, additional charging infrastructure at airports is also required.
Ground service personnel, airlines and airports need to understand the charging needs of their GSE to ensure the correct types of chargers are available inside the fence.
“When comparing charging systems for industrial equipment, like ground support equipment (GSE) and material handling equipment (MHE), to those for electric vehicles (EVs), there are several key differences, including how they handle power conversion and their operational use cases,” explain Scott Shumaker, VP of engineering at Advanced Charging Technologies (ACT).
EVs typically take AC power from a charging station, converting it to DC power internally via an onboard charger for Level 1 and Level 2 charging, Shumaker explains.
“This means the conversion process happens within the vehicle,” he adds. “However, for Level 3 charging, also known as DC fast charging, the charging station directly supplies DC power to the vehicle, bypassing the car’s onboard conversion system. This direct supply of DC power enables much faster charging times but requires compatible charging technology both in the infrastructure and the vehicle.”
For industrial chargers, used in the ground handling space, the systems typically charge their batteries directly with DC power.
According to Shumaker, the chargers are designed to convert AC power from the grid into DC power, which is subsequently used to recharge the battery.
“This process happens externally, meaning the conversion from AC to DC occurs within the charging unit, itself, before reaching the equipment’s battery,” Shumaker points out. “This method allows for specific control over the charging process, optimizing it for the battery’s health and longevity.”
Charging solutions for GSE and MHE are customized to specific operational needs, such as shift lengths and downtime availability, Shumaker says, noting conventional, opportunity and fast charging methods are chose based on how equipment is used throughout a workday or across multiple shifts.
“These methods take into account the necessity for quick turnarounds and the ability to maintain continuous operation without significant downtime,” he says.
“When determining the most suitable charging method for industrial equipment, it’s critical to consider your operational patterns, such as the frequency and timing of potential charging opportunities, to choose a solution aligns with your needs and optimizes battery longevity.”
