EnerSys Motive Power has launched a wireless battery monitoring device. Wi-IQ can be fitted to all motive power batteries, enabling information on charge, temperature and voltage, as well as low electrolyte level, to be uploaded wirelessly to a PC for data analysis.
Used in conjunction with analysis software Wi-IQ Report, the electronic device enables accurate and immediate reports on the condition of all batteries in one location as well as any maintenance action required.
To maximise uptime of electric-powered vehicles, batteries must be charged correctly and discharged to the optimum level; this reduces significantly charging frequency and battery changes. EnerSys estimates that a 20% reduction in battery change frequency based on a 5-minute changeover period on a 24/7 shift pattern can save more than 11 hours downtime per truck per year.
Wi-IQ can be used with most designs of flooded and maintenance-free batteries and has a wireless communication range of 30 metres.