MILTON, Ga., July 22, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Exide Technologies (OTCQB:XIDEQ) (www.exide.com), a global leader in stored electrical-energy solutions, today announced that its GNB Industrial Power Division product line of 24V, 36V, 48V, 72V and 80V three phase industrial battery chargers for electric lift trucks and other material handling equipment has received energy efficiency certification from the California Energy Commission (CEC). Among the first industrial battery chargers to meet the CEC standards, the GNB® Industrial Power EHF SERIES™ charger line is a multi-profile range for standard-flooded, low-maintenance-flooded and valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) motive power batteries.
The new CEC standards require large battery chargers, sold in California with a manufactured date on or after January 1, 2014, to be more efficient; use less energy during the charging cycle and in standby and off modes; and meet performance criteria including charge return factor, charger efficiency and power factor. New CEC mandates for battery chargers expect to reduce energy consumed by battery chargers and are estimated to save California 2,200 gigawatt-hours each year – enough energy to power nearly 350,000 homes. By extension, because the state of Oregon has implemented the same efficiency standards for large battery chargers also beginning in January 2014, CEC certified industrial products can be sold in Oregon.
"GNB Industrial Power is proud to receive CEC certification for our battery chargers that comply with California's new standards. Our EHF SERIES charger models are designed with innovative, environmentally-advanced features that contribute to a reduced carbon footprint because of an energy-efficiency design," said Bruce Cole President, Industrial Americas and Asia Pacific for Exide Technologies. "EHF high-frequency chargers use less electricity – resulting in increased utility savings, a higher power factor (the percentage of electricity that is delivered and used effectively), and efficiency optimization. The combination of these elements also results in our ability to provide our customers tremendous value with a high-performing, reliable product that ensures batteries can be used to their maximum potential in motive power applications."
A Closer Look at GNB Industrial Power EHF SERIES Chargers
EHF SERIES™ chargers offer greater efficiency of power conversion – as compared to chargers that incorporate Ferroresonant and SCR technologies – leading to reduced power consumption and energy costs. Reduced maximum input currents allow for reduced circuit breaker, cabling and distribution equipment sizes. The charger also ensures that the charging current and voltage remain constant during any mains fluctuations, guaranteeing a constant and optimized charge. End-of-charge on the EHF Industrial model is detected by the change in voltage over the change in time measure (dV/dt) to avoid risk of undercharge or overcharge. As a result, the EHF industrial chargers boast an efficiency rating more efficient than other charging technologies.
In 2011, the Company expanded the EHF SERIES to include two additional models: the EHF-HP High Frequency Opportunity Charger and the EHF High Frequency Multi-Circuit Charger, adding greater versatility to charging options for customers. The EHF High Frequency Opportunity Charger features an optimized charge profile, incorporating a temperature compensated charging algorithm and a programmable 80 percent charge termination. Both features contribute to maintaining optimum battery performance and battery health. The EHF High Frequency Multi-Circuit Charger offers additional space savings for customers as the model is equipped with four separate circuits in a single cabinet, eliminating the need for stacking and additional hardware. Further, installation costs are reduced through a single AC supply connection per cabinet, and individual circuits are connected internally during the manufacturing process.
EHF SERIES Chargers: The Right Choice for an Evolving Market
A number of advanced technological features make the EHF Series the ideal choice for the continuously evolving needs of today's motive power market. The chargers use fourth generation MOSFET technology and Zero Volt Switching which provide greater power conversion efficiency. The EHF charger utilizes a space-saving Planar Transformer design which allows for reductions in size and weight and efficient cooling.
For increased ease of operation, the chargers are equipped with a high resolution LCD display that provides detailed information in seven languages including Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Spanish and Swedish. A data archive, available on the front panel, details recharge information from the last 250 cycles, including charts from the last 15 recharges – all viewable on the LCD display. Finally, a sturdy steel cabinet with a powder coat finish adds to the durability of the EHF charger models that are designed for rack and wall mounting.
"Charging systems are an integral part of the Exide Technologies total solution program for motive power customers, and with the new CEC certification of our EHF SERIES chargers, we believe our customers can experience even higher productivity and energy savings," said Cole.
The EHF Series Industrial Power models are UL listed and built to Battery Council International (BCI) standards. This family of chargers also is designed for multiple lead-acid technologies offering a wide range of charge profiles that can be selected for Exide's product offerings including Tubular-HP®, Tubular-LM®, Classic Platinum®, GNB® Flooded Classic™, and Element®. More information, including technical data and operation manuals, is available at www.exide.com in the GNB Motive Power section.
About Exide Technologies
Exide Technologies, with operations in more than 80 countries, is one of the world's largest producers and recyclers of lead-acid batteries. The Company's global business groups provide a comprehensive range of stored electrical energy products and services for industrial and transportation applications. Transportation markets include original-equipment and aftermarket automotive, heavy-duty truck, agricultural and marine applications, and new technologies for hybrid vehicles and automotive applications. Industrial markets include network power applications such as telecommunications systems, electric utilities, railroads, photovoltaic (solar-power related) and uninterruptible power supply (UPS), and motive-power applications including lift trucks, mining and other commercial vehicles.
GNB Industrial Power, a division of Exide Technologies, is a global leader in motive power battery and charger systems for electric lift trucks and other material handling equipment. With strong manufacturing capabilities in the United States and Europe and a global sales and service reach, the GNB Motive Power team leads the industry with some of the most recognized brands including GNB® FLOODED CLASSIC®, TUBULAR-HP®, ELEMENT®, TUBULAR-LM®, GNB® FUSION™, ELEMENT® GEL, and SONNENSCHEIN®. These product offerings, based on more than 100 years of technological innovation, have come to realize quality, reliability, performance and excellence across all markets served. As part of Exide Technologies, GNB Industrial Power takes pride in its commitment to a better environment. The Company's Total Battery Management program – an integrated approach to manufacturing, distributing, and recycling of lead-acid batteries – helps ensure a safe and responsible life cycle for all of its products.