Discussion:
Energy consumption AC v DC

Has any body got an energy consumption comparison between AC and DC drive. We all know AC is best but is there any proof that it consumes less power?
  • Posted 16 Oct 2007 22:14
  • Discussion started by DaveUK
  • BERKSHIRE, United Kingdom
Who bravely dares must sometimes risk a fall.
Showing items 1 - 6 of 6 results.
I dont know about heat but an ac crown sc4000 dc and a sc4500 ac,The 4500 will out run out pull and flat out work the 4000 the trucks look almost the same on the outside but the 45oo will have 1/2 charge at the end of shift where as the 4000 is down to 1/3.Both about the same hrs.But diffrent operators.I also know all the operators want that ac truck over the dc one.Such a change from This is my truck and I dont want nobodys but mine that I normaly get.
  • Posted 9 Jan 2008 11:31
  • Reply by proshadetree
  • Tennessee, United States
i would suggest you look at the previous commecnts. If AC is so efficient then why is there so much heat. Heat is waste when it comes to energy.
  • Posted 9 Jan 2008 07:58
  • Reply by kristopher_g
  • Georgia, United States
30% more than what truck? Are you comparing a DC Toyota to an AC Toyota? All the manufacturers are making AC trucks now. Are the Toyota's better than say a Crown or a Yale or a Jungheinrich? I would like to see some actual tests results. I know Jungheirich is advetising that their new turret truck will run 13 hours compared to their old turret truck that would run 10 hours. That is definative information that can sell a truck.
  • Posted 17 Nov 2007 16:31
  • Reply by Liftdoctor
  • Indiana, United States
I believe Toyotas AC forklifts get approx. 30% more work out of a charge plus run cooler, have no contactors and performance remains very consistant from full charge to empty, they dont slow down when charge is low. Plus they have regen and ramp hold features making braking almost a thing of the past. No more motor brush maint. or dust to deal w/ either.
  • Posted 4 Nov 2007 03:09
  • Modified 4 Nov 2007 03:11 by poster
  • Reply by bobby
  • Texas, United States
Hello DaveUK

I have no figures to prove this but in my experience i am sure AC machines are less efficient. They produce more heat, have more fans to cool them and more importantly, no manufacturer makes fantastic claims that they are. If there was a sniff of proof that they were better at converting the available energy we would have heard !
  • Posted 26 Oct 2007 05:18
  • Reply by AndyPandy
  • Staffordshire, WM, United Kingdom
Yeah etharp, I do agree..........if you have a beer you allways drink all of the glass! So I know what you are getting at. Lets not go to carbon pile just yet. I still does not get around the point that we as an industry don't seem to have any comparisons between the 2. So what would happen if we ran the very best in DC technology against an AC machine? lets say both trucks are the same model, same lift height lifting the same loads, same battery, clone 2 drivers :), it does not matter who the manufacturer is. By the way this question came up in the office...........asked by a sales person! His customer is asking for this information so he can show his suppliers what he is doing to reduce his carbon foot print. I guess he wants to use it in a BSI audit for some of his energy reduction figures.
  • Posted 18 Oct 2007 17:59
  • Reply by DaveUK
  • BERKSHIRE, United Kingdom

Post your Reply

Forkliftaction.com accepts no responsibility for forum content and requires forum participants to adhere to the rules. Click here for more information.

Having trouble using the Discussion Forums? Contact us for help.

Maersk opens French warehouse Hauts-de-France, France
Upcoming industry events …
May 09-11, 2025 - Bangalore, India
October 21-23, 2025 - Panama City, Panama
July 15-17, 2025 - Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Latest job alerts …
Dubuque, IA, United States
Louisville, KY, United States
Louisville, KY, United States
Fact of the week
On average, people read 10-30% slower from a screen than from paper.
Latest job alerts …
Dubuque, IA, United States
Louisville, KY, United States
Louisville, KY, United States
Upcoming industry events …
May 09-11, 2025 - Bangalore, India
October 21-23, 2025 - Panama City, Panama
July 15-17, 2025 - Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Global Industry News
edition #1228 - 1 May 2025
There is simply no ignoring the push for a greener, more sustainable materials handling equipment industry as manufacturers and customers alike seek eco-friendly solutions to reduce or eliminate carbon emissions... Continue reading
Fact of the week
On average, people read 10-30% slower from a screen than from paper.