Mass production starts in April2020. This module is equipped with "FORTELION", Murata's proprietary lithium-ion secondary battery, which uses olivine-type lithium iron phosphate as the cathode material and combines long life with an exceptionally high level of safety.

In recent years, the use of service robots and AGVs in warehouses has expanded in the interests of improving productivity and overcoming manpower shortages. Conventionally, these devices are equipped with lead-acid batteries, but in view of issues such as long charging time and short battery life, there is an increasing need to replace them with lithium-ion secondary batteries, which boast faster charging capability and longer battery life. In addition, Murata is committed to reducing the use of batteries that contain lead, which is hazardous to the environment.

In response to these needs, Murata has developed a new battery module that is the same size as a conventional lead-acid battery. Equipped with"FORTELION" lithium-ion secondary batteries, this module delivers longer life and rapid charging capability as well as realizing a high level of safety.

Highlights of product

Size compatible with lead-acid batteries
Many service robots, AGVs, and electric forklifts have power systems operating on voltage multiples of 24V, so it is common to connect two lead-acid batteries each with an output voltage of 12V in series. Murata's FORTELION 24V Battery Module (all-in-one type) is structured as a 24V system in a single battery management unit (BMS)^*2. Because the module is equivalent in size to a conventional lead-acid battery, replacement is easy.
Dustproof and waterproof
The module has an IP54^*3 rating, delivering protection against dust and water, and also meets the UL2271^*4 safety requirement for batteries for light electric vehicles, so it is safe for outdoor use.
Accurate remaining capacity calculation
The battery’s remaining capacity via CAN communication is accurately indicated as percentage (%) using Murata's unique arithmetic processing technology based on the company’s knowhow developed with PCs, mobile phones, and other electronic devices.

Highlights of "FORTELION"

Highly safe
Thanks to the stable crystalline structure made possible by employing olivine-type lithium iron phosphate (lithium ferrophosphate) as the cathode material, "FORTELION" is less vulnerable to breakage and less likely to catch fire, even if subjected to a large impact or significant pressure, and maintains a reliable battery performance even under intense workloads.
Long life
Designed to undergo more than 10,000 charge-discharge cycles, "FORTELION" provides a much longer expected operating life than lead-acid batteries that typically require replacement around 500 cycles or regular lithium-ion secondary batteries that are capable of 2,000 to 3,000 cycles.
Fast charging
"FORTELION" can be charged to 90% of its full capacity in about one hour, allowing devices equipped with this battery to be charged during standby mode.
Excellent discharge characteristics
Less susceptible to voltage effects, "FORTELION" can be used for long periods and is also free from the memory effect^*5 observed in nickel-cadmium batteries caused by repeated partial discharge events.

Major applications

Service robots, security robots
Automated guided vehicles (AGVs)
Electric forklifts

Murata will continue to develop batteries that are environmentally friendly and contribute to applications such as personal mobility, which is expected to become widespread with the advent of the "super-aging" society, as well as to agricultural and construction equipment that is rapidly becoming electrified.

About this product FORTELION 24V Battery Module (all-in-one type)
< Product number: LIPY041WWPCSY6>
Visit FORTELION 24V Battery Module(all-in-one type) for more details.

Related information In 2018, Murata started mass production of a FORTELION 24V Battery Module (separate type) comprising an independent 71mm-thick slim battery module and a BMU. This module is suitable for applications such as low-height AGVs. Visit FORTELION 24V Battery Module (separate type) for more details.

Visit "FORTELION" for technical details about olivine-type iron phosphate lithium-ion secondary battery.

*1	Automated guided vehicle (AGV) An AGV is an unmanned vehicle that transports raw materials, parts, finished products, and merchandise inside factories.
*2	Battery management unit (BMU) A BMU monitors and controls battery module conditions. It measures cell voltage and temperature and controls overcharge/overdischarge during charging/discharging and maintains voltage balance among cells.
*3	IP54 IP54 is a rating of the IP (Ingress Protection) Code, which is a standard aimed at providing protection against dust and water ingress specified by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). IP54 indicates that the ingress of particles for dust resistance testing (less than 75μm in diameter) does not interfere with satisfactory operation and safety.
*4	UL2271 UL2271 is a product safety standard defined by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) required for batteries used in light vehicles.
*5	Memory effect The memory effect is a phenomenon whereby a significant drop in electromotive force (emf) occurs around the point of the remaining capacity at which a battery is repeatedly charged before being fully discharged, leading to shorter battery life than the actual remaining capacity.
* "FORTELION" is a trademark of Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.