AGVs boosted by superior batteries

Hawker XFC batteries from EnerSys are being used in a new project with automated guided vehicles (AGVs) manufactured by JBT Corporation for handling print reels and other loads at a commercial printing plant in Sheffield, UK.

The Hawker XFC units were chosen by JBT Corporation because of the batteries' compact size/shape, heavy duty performance, and quick/on-demand charging, without the need for maintenance. These features enabled the batteries to be integrated into the JBT Corporation AGVs and deliver efficient, roundthe- clock operation.

AGVs are battery powered, computer controlled vehicles which operate unmanned to complete routine material movements in production plants and warehouses.

There is a certain level of customisation in AGVs because they are typically designed for the requirements of the specific material handling application (e.g. load weight, load dimensions, aisle width, pick up points, drop off points, hours of operation, etc.). In analysing the specific application, AGV engineers design the AGV to safely support and move each load type while maximising the amount of time each AGV is available to do work. To maximise AGV availability, the optimum mix of battery capacity, battery size, battery weight and battery charge frequency/time is required. This allows the operational needs of the application to be met by the minimum number of AGVs.