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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.
- 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.
- 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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