Scott Childers is vice president for the Essential Power Division of Stryten Energy, where he is responsible for growing the company’s energy solutions and new technology offerings. He champions clean, renewable energy opportunities for Stryten and actively works with utilities and OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to deploy long-duration, sustainable energy storage solutions. Prior to joining Stryten, he led Hillphoenix’s global technical community as vice president of technology and also worked for CTS Corp.
Before turning his focus to energy systems, Childers spent more than 15 years in the automotive industry, working for General Motors (GM) and its spinoff Delphi Automotive, where he served in engineering, operations, and other leadership roles. He has also served in the U.S. Army as a commissioned officer, first as a platoon leader in an Army National Guard Transportation Unit and later as an officer and engineer with the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Civil Engineering Department.
Childers holds a degree in mechanical engineering with a minor in electrical engineering from the University of Dayton. He studied under a GM Fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, earning a joint master’s degree from the Sloan School of Management and the Engineering Systems Division.
Q: How would you describe the current state of the industrial battery market?
A: Lead batteries continue to hold a strong position in the industrial battery market year over year, and the overall market size has increased. Most motive power managers depend on this safe and reliable technology for their fleets. The share of material handling vehicles operating with lithium-ion batteries continues to grow, and it is expected that this battery chemistry will increase its share in fleet applications.
On-site energy generation paired with battery energy storage systems (BESS) is beginning to interest many organizations. Industrial warehouses, with their large, flat-roofed buildings, are ideal for solar power arrays. Installing a BESS ensures that all the renewable energy generated is captured for use. This system will allow the company to easily exchange energy to power all of the electric assets, including electric forklifts and charging stations, and create a near net-zero carbon-emissions facility.
Q: What types of batteries are most commonly used in supply chain facilities?
A: Although advanced lead batteries are prevalent in material handling applications, various battery technologies should be considered. Cost and performance remain the primary factors in selecting a battery solution.
Tubular batteries allow for more amp hours (Ah) in the same box or a longer watering interval due to the larger headspace compared to standard flat-plate batteries with the same Ah. Due to those factors, the tubular battery offers greater power density, capacity, and life, and will operate better in harsh applications, such as high heat conditions, cold storage, or applications involving extreme weights and heights.
Flat-plate batteries utilize an enhanced grid lead alloy to hold the active material and facilitate electrical conduction. The rectilinear grid offers good conductivity that provides power when needed. For many standard applications, flat-plate batteries are a cost-effective solution.
Q: How have new battery technologies enabled batteries to compete with internal combustion engines in terms of providing power and performance for an entire shift?
A: Electric forklifts account for 70% of the North American market. The transition has been driven by the improved design and performance of advanced lead batteries. Opportunity [charging] and fast-charging systems have provided a more efficient option to traditional battery changing, increasing productivity and eliminating the need for a dedicated battery room.
Although the upfront cost for a lithium solution may be greater than lead, the return on investment may make it worth the tradeoff. Lithium is a good choice if longevity, efficiency, and maintenance-free are requirements for a motive power fleet.
Lithium batteries have greater energy density, delivering more power in a compact package for longer runtimes with fewer charges. Lithium batteries have scheduled charging times, so they help operations move more efficiently by maximizing run time. Making the switch from internal combustion to electric forklifts, powered by advanced lead or lithium batteries, will allow an organization to lower maintenance costs, reduce fuel costs, and improve sustainability.
Q: How does your energy management system help users monitor battery performance?
A: Customers should consider total cost of ownership and return on investment when determining which battery solution will provide the greatest value for their specific operation. Energy performance management software, such as Stryten Energy inCOMMAND, facilitates informed decisions. InCOMMAND leverages real fleet data so that multiple motive power options can be compared, enabling the best solution to be designed for each unique environment.
When the appropriate solution has been implemented, customers can get live access to [data on] their battery and charger performance with the inCOMMAND Monitor offering. The system monitors Amp throughput (daily, weekly, annually, total lifetime, charge habits and more) to proactively drive continuous operational improvements and services efficiencies. InCOMMAND is scalable to meet the needs of each unique customer, and it can be used by organizations managing any number of assets, whether in one location or across hundreds of sites.
Q: What are the advantages for facilities in producing their own energy on site?
A: There are three main advantages for facilities to produce their own on-site energy via a microgrid. The first is sustainability. Pairing on-site energy generation with a battery energy storage system will allow for a near net-zero carbon-emissions facility.
Cost reductions are another benefit. A microgrid reduces the amount of energy purchased from utility companies during peak hours of energy demand, minimizing those peak-demand charges on the utility bill.
Finally, facilities with their own microgrids can act as a distributed energy resource (DER). DERs enhance energy resilience by supplementing the grid at times of surging electricity demand and acting as a source of backup power when extreme weather events damage utilities’ infrastructure.
Q: In addition to the batteries, what else should an operation consider when converting from internal combustion (IC) to electric forklifts?
A: Batteries are just one consideration when making the switch from IC to electric forklifts. All batteries, regardless of technology, require chargers. A power study will analyze energy usage to determine the right battery technology options based on the company’s specific application. Opportunity- and fast-charging systems of lead or lithium-ion batteries are excellent solutions for organizations looking to move away from battery changing while making it easier for operators to charge their equipment during their busy shifts.
Service is another important factor. Proper maintenance of the lead and lithium-ion batteries powering those electric forklifts will maximize availability in operations and minimize downtime. Professional and on-site services provided by the battery manufacturer are a value-add for any organization. Trained experts analyze the information, identify what service needs are pending, and proactively address any potential issues that may arise.
Stryten Energy is a “one-stop shop” for the material handling industry, providing a range of advanced lead and lithium batteries as well as technology-agnostic intelligent chargers. Utilizing Stryten Energy inCOMMAND to conduct power studies, we help our customers use data to determine which battery solution is the best fit for their motive power fleet. Our network of Stryten Energy branch locations and service partners [includes facilities] strategically located across the United States, Canada, and Mexico to provide planned maintenance, repair services, predictive service, installations, de-installation, recycling, application audits, power studies, training, and inspections.
