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Frequently Asked Questions
Here you will find answers to some of the questions we hear most frequently from
our customers, investors and the general public. If you have a question
not answered here, please let us know by e-mailing us at
contact@accelrate.com.
About High-Speed Charging
What is “high-speed” charging?
How does AccelRate’s “high-speed” charger technology work?
What differentiates AccelRate’s “high-speed” charger from “fast”,
“rapid” or "opportunity" charging?
What are the different types of chargers?
Is “high-speed” charging safe?
Can AccelRate™ chargers be used with any battery chemistry?
What kind of battery life can I expect with “high-speed” charging?
Where can I go for more information on battery charging?
About batteries
What are the different kinds of batteries and their applications?
Does AccelRate’s technology work with all of them?
What are “conventional” compared to “advanced” batteries?
Additional FAQ Pages
FAQ About AccelRate
FAQ About High Speed Charging in other Markets
DETAILED RESPONSES
About High-Speed Charging
- Q. What is “high-speed” charging?
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A. High-speed charging is enabled through the use of AccelRate’s patented
algorithm that allows for a full state-of-charge in 80% less time than
conventional technology, and will extend battery life to its original capacity
because of heat reduction during charging. Charging can also be done at any
time, whether it is during operator breaks, lunches or shift changes. Charge
time is fully linear offering the customer enormous flexibility. For instance,
using lead-acid batteries, customers can fully charge their batteries in two
hours, or perform two one-hour charges or four ½-hour charges, or any
combination thereof and receive the same results.
- Q. How
does AccelRate’s “high-speed” charger technology work?
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A. AccelRate utilizes a charge/discharge algorithm that prevents build-up of
the battery’s internal resistance by reversing the current, which forces the
denser electrolyte away from the plates, resulting in a more even distribution
of ions over the battery’s entire plate surface. Therefore, a higher charging
rate can be maintained and the battery can be charged faster than with a
competitive charger and to a full state-of-charge.
- Q. What
differentiates AccelRate’s “high-speed” charger from “fast”, “rapid” or
"opportunity" charging?
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A. High-speed charging recharges the battery to a full state-of-charge, in 80%
less time than conventional technology, without creating any heat damage to the
battery. Fast chargers, often called rapid or opportunity charging, recharges
batteries at opportune times during the work shift when the lift truck is idle
-- such as operator breaks, lunches and shift changes. Fast charging only
provides a 40-80% state-of-charge and generates substantial heat which can
negatively impact the battery’s lifetime. AccelRate is the only company that
offers unique and exclusive “high-speed” charging capability, and does not
require the battery to be conventionally charged or equalized at the end of a
work-day.
- Q. What are the different types of chargers?
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A. Fast chargers are founded on three base power technologies: ferroresonant,
SCR (silicium controlled rectifier) and IGBT (insulated gate bipolar
transistor). Conventional chargers are primarily based on ferroresonant and SCR
technologies, each with their own limitations. A ferroresonant charger can
usually only charge one battery voltage at a time which is a major concern in
operating environments where there are vehicles with various voltages. SCR
chargers can be multi-voltage, however, the wider the range of vehicle battery
voltages, the poorer the power factor for the lower battery voltages. In
comparison, the most recent IGBT chargers can safely charge at higher currents
while still maintaining the control to respond to any abrupt reduction of
power. AccelRate’s patented technologies can be integrated to work with any of
the above.
- Q. Is high-speed charging safe?
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A. AccelRate’s high-speed charger is very safe, as it does not generate
excessive heat during charging. As a result, it does not face issues consistent
with fast charging such as overheating or related gassing issues.
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Q. Can AccelRate chargers be used with any battery chemistry?
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A. AccelRate’s charger technology has been validated for use with all
conventional batteries (lead acid, nickel metal hydride, nickel cadmium) by
demonstrating it in electric vehicles, forklifts, electric scooters and
cellular phones. However, the charging technology must be properly configured
to handle each given type of rechargeable battery. AccelRate’s technology has
also been validated using small-size, lithium batteries (such as those used in
cellular phones). In 2005, our research team initiated development of the
technology for use with large, automotive-size lithium batteries.
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Q. What kind of battery life can I expect with high-speed charging?
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A. The life span of a battery will vary considerably with how it is used,
maintained, charged and operated. However, battery lifetime can be extended to
its original capacity using AccelRate technology because of heat reduction
during charging.
- Q. Where can I go for more information on
battery charging?
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A. The AccelRate website provides a lot of general information on battery
charging. We recommend you start here. However, there are several very good
sources of general information on the Internet. We recommend the following
Websites:
About batteries
- Q. What are the different kinds of batteries and their
applications?
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A. Each battery chemistry, including lead-acid, nickel cadmium, nickel metal
hydride and the more advanced lithium-ion or lithium-polymer, offers various
advantages and disadvantages in cost, energy density, operating temperature,
maintenance, manufacturability, and safety. Each of these must be considered
when developing a commercially viable product.
Applications:
Lead-acid: fork-lift trucks, aerial trucks, golf carts, airport ground
support equipment, wheelchairs, boats and more.
Nickel Cadmium: power tools, cordless phones, remote control vehicles,
solar lights.
Nickel Metal Hydride: digital cameras, toys, Discmans, flashlights.
Lithium: portable computers, camcorders, cameras, medical equipment,
personal digital assistants, military equipment.
- Q. Does AccelRate’s technology work with all battery
chemistries?
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A. AccelRate’s technology has been validated for use with all conventional
(lead-acid, nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride) battery chemistries as well
as small-size, lithium batteries. In 2005, our research team initiated
development of the technology for use with large, automotive-size lithium
batteries.
- What are “conventional” compared to “advanced” batteries?
- A.
Current lead acid, NiMH, and NiCd can be described as conventional batteries
because of their standard design. However, advanced high-performance batteries,
such as lithium-ion or lithium-polymer, are being improved to enhance
performance in certain applications primarily because of their light weight and
high energy density. It is important to identify what is the most appropriate
technology for each application. In some applications, there are deficiencies
in current battery technology that, if solved, could truly enhance, encourage
and expand market opportunities. AccelRate technology has been developed and
validated to work with all conventional battery chemistries, as well as
small-size lithium batteries. In 2005, AccelRate began testing its technology
with large-size lithium batteries to ensure its future success in the
burgeoning automotive market.
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