The FORTELION 24V battery module is equipped with FORTELION, Murata's proprietary lithium-ion (Li-ion) secondary battery, which uses an olivine type Li-ion phosphate as the cathode material thereby combining long life with a high level of safety.
The use of lead-acid powered service robots and AGVs in warehouses has expanded in the interests of improving productivity and overcoming manpower shortages, however these batteries have a long charging time and short battery life, leading to the preference to replace them with Li-ion secondary batteries, which offer faster charging times and longer battery life. Lead-acid batteries are also hazardous to the environment. This module delivers longer life, rapid charging and a high level of safety as well as being the same size as the equivalent lead-acid battery.
As the module delivers 24V, it is able to replace two series-connected 12V lead-acid batteries as found in many service robots, AGVs, and electric forklifts. The module has an IP54 rating, delivering protection against dust and water, and also meets the UL2271 safety requirement for batteries for light electric vehicles, thereby confirming that it is safe for outdoor use.
The new batteries are based upon Murata’s FORTELION technology that has a stable crystalline structure made possible by employing olivine-type lithium iron phosphate (lithium ferrophosphate) as the cathode material. This means that batteries based upon FORTELION are less likely to break or catch fire, even if subjected to a large impact or significant pressure.
While lead-acid batteries typically require replacement around 500 cycles and regular Li-ion batteries wear out after 2-3,000 cycles, FORTELION technology is designed to complete at least 10,000 charge-discharge cycles.
FORTELION technology can be charged to 90% of its full capacity within one hour and it does not exhibit the memory effect observed in nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries caused by repeated partial discharge events. Additionally, it is less susceptible to voltage effects, so it can be used for long periods.
Mass production of the new FORTELION 24V battery modules starts in April 2020.
