Chalfont, PA - FMC Technologies Automated Systems is pleased to announce that it has successfully implemented an onboard methanol-based fuel cell battery charging system on an automated guided vehicle (AGV). This unique charging system called OorjaPac^TM was provided by Oorja Protonics. It charges the AGV’s battery while the vehicle is in operation and when it is parked.
 

As many companies look for “green” solutions to power mobile vehicles, OorjaPac^TM is an environmentally friendly alternative that also offers significant operational advantages. Greater AGV utilization and improved operational productivity is achieved through the elimination of downtime needed for charging or battery swapping. Operating results showed that 5 gallons of methanol is able to power the AGV for 24 hours before needing to refuel. Once refueling is required, it takes less than three minutes to fill the tank.
 

Barry Douglas, General Manager of FMC Technologies’ Automated Systems business states, “As a company on the forefront of AGV technology, we are continually expanding the capabilities of our products to deliver more value to our customers. Working with Oorja in applying the methanol fuel cell charger to our AGV is another example of how we strive to deliver more to our customers.” In fact, this is just one of the green solutions that FMC Technologies is offering to AGV customers.  FMC Technologies is currently installing a 12 vehicle AGV system powered by hydrogen based fuel cells.
 

“We are proud of the benefits OorjaPac^TM offers to end customers, deploying AGVs in their operations. OorjaPac^TM makes the AGV a fully autonomous vehicle in the true sense and offers complete grid independence”, said Sanjiv Malhotra, CEO of Oorja Protonics.

FMC Technologies and Oorja will be exhibiting in booths 2607 & 2639 at the upcoming NA 2008 Material Handling show in Cleveland, Ohio. The FMC Technologies booth will include an operational AGV using the Oorja charger. For more information please contact FMC Technologies at 215-822-4300 or Oorja at 510-687-9501.