Research on Energy Saving through Potential Energy Recovery System (PERS) of an Electric Forklift

Langtone Rwodzi, Ning Chen

Abstract: This research looked on the energy saving on electric powered forklifting machine. In as much as there is better energy saving and less environment emissions in electric systems, it was noted that there was a lot of energy losses and leakages during the lifting process. The research checked and simulated using Simulink models the possible Potential Energy recovery during lifting and lowering. Potential Energy Recovery System (PERS), made it possible to realize energy regeneration which is then saved in batteries and supercapacitors. The combinations of electric motor (PMSM), Supercapacitors and batteries complimented one another on to achieve a considerable energy saving of above 70 % from possible losses. The simulation results are a testimony of possible savings and pointing to an area worth investing in real life engineering systems. Further research in this area is promising further energy saving not only in forklifts but in all automotive industrial equipment. The savings maybe realized by electronically synchronization of actuators, energy storage systems and mechanical lifting mechanism with real-time feedback and correction mechanisms.

Keywords: Forklifting machine, PERS, Regeneration, Supercapacitors and Simulink model