A new approach to payload power
David Payne, business development director at Fischer Panda UK, discusses how a shift towards hybrid and electric vehicles necessitates innovative power solutions
The shift to electric technology and clean energy solutions means that the process of selecting and sizing the correct power system for individual vehicles and different fleets has never been so critical.
In addition to managing drivers’ ‘range anxiety’, there is a need to cool or heat the equipment, loads or people in the vehicle, while also powering specific systems and operational requirements – all without affecting the limited mile range.
For those operators juggling with reduced payload limits for their hybrids and EV LCVs, the power system must be exactly suited to the application to ensure the solution is not only functional, reliable and lightweight, but also fulfils the ambition for a greener and more efficient means of reducing emissions and carbon footprint whilst storing energy safely and reliably to be used on-demand.
Now, more than ever, it is time to adopt a new approach to payload power to achieve full zero emission payload power solutions.
There are several generic, single-sized independent power systems on the market, with most using a predefined capacity with a built-in lithium pack, inverter and charger. However, operating power requirements or work use cycles differ enormously between individual fleets, operators and even individual drivers, so the approach must be that one size definitely does not fit all.
At Fischer Panda UK, we have established from experience when customising solutions for hybrids and EV LCVs that it is even more essential to work closely with each customer to ensure the power system is sized relevant to the application.
A correctly specified lithium-based Fischer Panda UK system is much lighter and more compact than a traditional AGM or gel battery-based system, and need not cost more, particularly when the through life costs are calculated.
With these lithium solutions fast becoming the only practical option, Fischer Panda UK is now projecting that they can outlive the original vehicle’s three-to-four-year operational contract, even when used every day.
In fact, we are now seeing some of our customers transferring the core system to a fresh donor vehicle, which is almost unprecedented with traditional battery-based systems where they could easily chew through their second or third battery set in the original contract term.
Using this customised ‘payload power system’ approach, Fischer Panda UK can optimise and match modular units both for storage capacity and physical shape. Controlled power output units for either 12, 24, 48V DC, 110/230V AC packages are designed and tailored to the specific vehicle’s operational needs, to ensure minimum erosion of payload whilst maximising power system independent runtime.
System recharge can be configured using a number of inputs to suit specific vehicles, operator and operational cycle demands, but will usually incorporate a dedicated 230V landline for fast recharge, whilst also having options for solar PV charge from a roof panel or to be slave charged overnight or while the vehicle itself is on charge.
There are a range of alternative applications and operators already seeing the benefits of Fischer Panda UK’s tailored power solutions approach. Temperature-controlled food and medical loads, in addition to climate-controlled minibuses, access ramps and compressors, are the more obvious examples where a significant and positive difference can be achieved.
For instance, mobile catering and coffee vans with large and long periods of peak power demands would traditionally have to run an auxiliary generator and/or engine all day. With a customised payload power system, they now have the option of totally quiet and emission free trading periods, with either recharge overnight from landline or occasional run of a generator, now optimally loaded for just a defined short period, if and when needed, to extend their normal working day.
Modular lithium-based power systems can also be found on some HGV milk tankers and even refuse trucks to power their e-PTO pumps, negating the need to run the main engine to drive the pumps and compactors, with the battery packs being recharged whilst the vehicle is driving between operational sites. The solution is a win-win for both noise and emission reductions.
