Exide Technologies Introduces Energy Efficient Exide(R) High Frequency (EHF) Series Industrial Charg

Exide Technologies, a global leader in stored electrical-energy solutions, announced the launch of the new Exide® High Frequency (EHF) Series industrial charger – a multi-profile range for standard-flooded, low-maintenance-flooded and valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) motive power batteries.

The new EHF Series charger line, with models ranging from 24V – 80V, is designed with a number of innovative, environmentally-advanced elements that contribute to a reduced carbon footprint because of an energy-efficiency design. The charger uses less electricity resulting in increased utility savings, a higher power factor (the percentage of electricity that is delivered and used effectively) and efficiency optimization – all which help customers use batteries to their maximum potential in conventional motive power applications.

The 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 models 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 of up to 92 percent: approximately 15 to 23 percent more efficient than other charging technologies.

“Charging systems are an important part of the Exide Technologies total solution program for motive power customers, which are utilized daily during their service lives,” said Mitch Bregman, President – Industrial Energy Americas at Exide Technologies. “Our customers have benefited from the superior level of support we provide for our products in the field, and with the introduction of this third generation EHF charger line – one that is environmentally advanced with an energy-efficient design – we believe our customers also can experience higher productivity and energy savings.”

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 also 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 also is available on the front panel and 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.

The EHF Series Industrial Charger models are UL listed and built to Battery Council International (BCI) standards. The chargers also are designed for multiple lead-acid technologies offering a wide range of charge profiles that can be selected for all of Exide’s product offerings including Tubular-HP®, Liberator®, Titan®/GNB® Flooded Classic™, Element® and Sonnenschein®. More information, including technical data, warranty information, and operation and service manuals are available at www.exide.com in the Industrial Energy 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 four global business groups — Transportation Americas, Transportation Europe and Rest of World, Industrial Energy Americas and Industrial Energy Europe and Rest of World — 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.

Further information about Exide, including its financial results, are available at www.exide.com