(1) According to the charging time can be divided into: random charging and full cycle charging.

         Random charging means charging at each parking station of AGV without time limitation. If there are more charging points, to ensure that the AGV in the working process of the loss of power to get timely supplement, the realization of shallow charging and discharging of the battery, will greatly extend the service life of the battery, and can reduce the capacity of the required battery.

      Full-cycle charging requires the AGV to exit the service and enter the designated charging area and can be charged only when the battery charge drops to the specified range.

      Some AGVs also use a combination of the above two charging methods.

(2) According to the charging area can be divided into: online charging and offline charging.
 

      Online charging means that the AGV does not drive away from the working line and does not need a special time for charging. Instead, it utilizes the short stopping time in the working process for charging. This kind of charging method, which completely utilizes fragmented time and does not occupy working time, is actually an extension of random charging. It is just that the charging station is embedded into the workflow of the AGV, which further enhances the work efficiency of the AGV.

      Offline charging means that AGVs quit the service and drive into the charging area or specialized charging stations for charging.

(3) Classified according to the operation method can be divided into: manual, battery change and automatic charging
 

      When the AGV power is insufficient, commanded by the ground control center, driving to the designated charging area or station, manually completed by a dedicated staff of the electrical connection between the AGV and the charger, and then the implementation of charging. After the completion of the manual disconnect the connection circuit to restore the working state. Manual charging AGV is characterized by safety, reliability, simplicity and low equipment cost. Commonly used in the automation degree is not very high, fewer cars and more people, the standard work system occasions. And in order to ensure the endurance of AGV needs to be equipped with a larger capacity battery. Can not realize AGV 24 hours a day continuous work.

      Replacement of the battery charging that when the AGV power is insufficient, the battery pack is manually replaced by a full-time staff, the AGV can be put into use. The replaced battery pack is charged and put into use. It is characterized by its simplicity and speed, which can realize the continuous work of AGV 24 hours a day. However, it requires twice as many battery packs, which is costly and primitive. Commonly used in the work of the response to the high demand for timeliness, the car is not enough occasions. Both of the above methods need to be supervised by a person, which is a waste of manpower and reduces the degree of automation. Once leakage charging, it will cause AGV can not work.

      Automatic charging that is, when the AGV needs to replenish power, it will automatically report and request charging, commanded by the ground control center, driving to the designated charging area or station, the on-board charging connector automatically connects with the ground charging system and implements charging. After the charging is completed, the AGV will automatically detach from the charging system and drive to the working area or standby area for normal operation. Automatic charging AGV is suitable for the occasions with long working cycle, many vehicles and few people, and high degree of automation.

 

 

(4) According to the charger electrical connection method is divided into: contact charging and wireless charging
 

      Contact charging is that all charging circuits need to be connected to the vehicle and the power supply system with cables and charging contacts so that they can be charged directly. Contact charging provides a high charging current for fast charging. It is currently the preferred method for offline charging. However, it is not suitable for frequent random charging and suffers from wear and tear of the charging contacts, which need to be replaced periodically. Sparks may be generated during the charging process, posing a safety hazard. In addition, because the charging contact is an exposed part, it cannot work properly in low-temperature condensation, humidity, flammable and explosive environments.

      Wireless charging that is, non-contact charging device, do not need to connect the vehicle with the power supply system with cables, it abandons the charging contacts, chargers and power devices can be done without conductive contacts exposed. Wireless charging technology enables electrical isolation between the charging terminal and the AGV storage system, fundamentally eliminating the disadvantages brought about by the direct-plug charging method. It is safer and more widely applicable. At this stage, the charging efficiency of AGV wireless charging products is comparable to that of contact charging systems. Because of its non-contact wear and higher degree of intelligence, it is very suitable for online charging. It has been fully realized that it is charging when it comes, and stopping when it goes. Further improve the automation degree of AGV using process. But its technology is complex, high cost. And more than 10KW wireless charger volume is large, not suitable for AGV use.

If there are more than 2 AGV vehicles, Smart Wheel Technology suggests adopting the charging method of automatic charging to realize a truly automated unmanned factory. For more details, please contact sales2@zhlun.com