From magnificent mountains to sandy beaches, there are many outstanding natural features that give California its identity.
Unfortunately, some of the heaviest traffic congestion and worst air pollution in the world is also one of these trademarks. In 1967, California’s Legislature combined two Department of Health departments to form the Air Resources Board (ARB). Since then the board has been instrumental in setting the clean air agenda, championing emissions targets that were soon adopted across the globe.
Now the state has a new target in its sights – efficiency standards for battery chargers. The new regulations require big changes for some electric lift truck users in California and might also forecast a worldwide model for efficient forklift battery charging. By the time the regulations are fully phased in, they could save California an estimated $300 million in annual electricity costs. Any industrial chargers that do not meet the regulation’s requirements for power conversion, power required to charge, no-battery draw, and overall efficiency will have to go.
Thankfully, high-frequency technologies such as IGBT or MOSFET are smaller, quieter, and much more efficient due to intelligent switching systems. The efficiency of such systems is much greater, leading to improved charging and extended battery life.
