The signs are green: the topic of sustainability is becoming increasingly relevant in materials handling technology. The goods handling specialist Linde Material Handling (MH) is also following the trend and supporting its customers with innovative products and software solutions as well as tailored services on their way to a more sustainable future. The company's focus here is on reducing CO2 emissions, saving energy and cutting costs - while maintaining a consistently high handling performance. The measures of the "Green Performance" strategy range from high-performance vehicle models with lithium-ion batteries and the first fuel cell developed in Aschaffenburg to solutions for battery charging and energy management, HVO fuels, software-supported consulting services, and battery recycling.
New stacker generation X
Expectations of the products and technologies of the future were determined in advance in an intensive exchange with customers and partners. For example, forklift trucks and warehouse equipment are expected to make a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse emissions and costs while maintaining their usual high performance.
With the new X generation of forklifts Linde MH has already taken a major step in this direction. Just like a combustion engine, the powerful electric forklifts can also be used for demanding outdoor applications for the first time. At the same time, the trucks with lithium-ion battery are emission-free in operation , potentially climate-neutral, ergonomic, low-noise and service-friendly, making them the perfect alternative to diesel or LPG trucks. Currently, the power packs are available for loads from two to five tons. Customers have also been able to choose an electric drive variant for other Linde vehicles since last year.
Linde MH has also made progress in the area of battery recycling. A strategic alliance with Li-Cycle will ensure environmentally sound recovery of materials for lithium-ion batteries delivered to customers in the future.
Hydrogen technology on the rise
The energy carrier hydrogen is also becoming increasingly important in the context of sustainability. This can also be obtained from regenerative sources such as the sun, wind or water. At LogiMAT, the international trade fair for intralogistics solutions and process management, Linde MH is now presenting its first own fuel cell system. With the robust, powerful and user-friendly Linde HyPower fuel cell system, Linde MH can now offer its customers in the warehouse technology segment a complete 'one stop store' solution consisting of vehicle, fuel cell system and service. The stacks with 24 volts voltage and 1.8 kW power are available for market launch for Linde MH order pickers and tractors. Later, they will also be used in low-lift trucks and double-deck loaders. The main arguments in favor of hydrogen-powered forklifts are the short refueling times, the wide range of possible applications indoors and outdoors, and the absence of exhaust gases. These advantages pay off especially in multi-shift operations with many operating hours.
Suitable software solutions and consulting services
The "Green Performance" strategy is not just about sustainable vehicles and drive technologies, but also about software solutions and consulting services. The intelligent battery charging management system "Linde connect:charger", for example, helps customers to avoid energy load peaks and to adapt the charging strategy to the respective situation. The goal here is always to optimize energy consumption and energy costs while maximizing availability and incorporating renewable energies in the best possible way. The company-wide integration of all energy-relevant aspects succeeds with the Linde Energy Manager.