Multiple charging stations - more expensive or cheaper?
Charging batteries is now part of everyday life, both at home and at work. However, very few people think about the complex processes behind the charging process. It is worth taking a closer look at the battery and the charging process to ensure safe and efficient operation, especially for intensively used battery-powered tools in the industrial sector.
Battery tools are usually supplied with model-specific and inexpensive chargers. These chargers are designed to charge the respective battery type quickly and easily - but often without sophisticated charging logic or comprehensive monitoring functions. The charge status is usually only roughly displayed, for example as "partially charged", "charged" or "error", often via a simple LED display.
The enclosed safety data sheets provide important information on safety regulations, possible restrictions and essential instructions for setting up the appliances. This information is by no means superfluous, but of great importance! Rechargeable batteries are wearing parts whose service life is heavily dependent on use and the charging process. Sub-optimal charging cycles during operation or high ambient temperatures during charging can significantly shorten the service life of the batteries and impair their performance.
What's more, every rechargeable battery harbors a potential risk that should not be underestimated. They react sensitively to external influences such as knocks or falls. Defective rechargeable batteries should never be reused - but they are not always immediately recognizable as such. The consequences can be serious, including serious dangers such as explosions or fires, as past examples have unfortunately already shown.
Many companies have a large number of chargers from different manufacturers, which are often distributed around the workplace in an uncoordinated manner and positioned in close proximity to employees. This not only increases the risk of accidents, but also makes it considerably more difficult to comply with safety regulations. For this reason, safety officers and increasingly also insurance companies are increasingly focusing on this issue and looking for solutions to increase safety in the workplace.
Intelligent charging management systems or specialized charging cabinets offer a simple and effective way to ensure order, safety and optimal charging of batteries. These systems and cabinets offer numerous advantages that go far beyond the capabilities of conventional chargers:
Compatible with various manufacturers, including well-known brands such as HS-Technik, Makita, Bosch, Fein, Gesipa, AtlasCopco, Cooper Power Tools, Panasonic and Desoutter.
They use a special Frequency Modulation Pulse Charging® process for Li-Ion, NiCd and Ni-MH batteries, which triples the number of charging cycles and thus significantly extends the service life of the batteries.
The batteries are gently charged up to 98% of their capacity, which maximizes performance and protects the batteries.
An integrated fan cools the batteries so that safe charging is possible even at ambient temperatures above 40 °C.
A self-diagnosis function continuously monitors the supply voltage and protects the batteries from overloading.
Automatic detection of the battery type makes it easy to replace the battery - without the need for a software update.
Charging is carried out according to specific parameters for each battery - this maximizes service life, minimizes wear and tear and thus reduces investment costs.
The systems ensure order and safety in the workplace.
Loading takes place independently of personnel, which makes the work process more efficient.
The condition of the batteries is permanently monitored so that defective batteries can be detected immediately and replaced before they cause damage.
Are you still loading or are you already actively managing?
Use modern charging management systems and make an active contribution to greater safety and efficiency in your company.
And find your own definition of "expensive".
A higher investment means longer battery life (up to three times more charging cycles), lower maintenance costs, reduced personnel costs, less space required - and above all: more safety for your employees and your company.