A. Specific questions per area of application
Mobile drive systems (trak®)
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How many layers can I cover with one battery?
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A standard lead-acid battery usually covers 6-8 hours of operation. By using an electrolyte circulation system, such as the HOPPECKE trak-air system, the battery can be charged faster and more efficiently and is suitable for multi-shift operation. Depending on the application and intensity of use, a 3-shift application, for example, can be covered with just two batteries. However, in particularly harsh operating conditions and high tonnages, three or more lead-acid batteries are often required per vehicle to ensure a reliable power supply.
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Is the investment in trak | uplift batteries economically worthwhile compared to conventional PzS batteries?
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The trak | uplift, for example, is ideally suited for single and multi-shift operation. Our batteries pay for themselves particularly quickly thanks to lower maintenance and a longer service life. They achieve up to 1956 charging cycles or almost 12,700 operating hours. Almost 3,000 hours more than standard PzS batteries.
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How often should a battery be topped up with distilled water?
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Before the start of each charging process, the battery level must be checked (see trak | uplift operating instructions). The battery may only be topped up with distilled water if the fill level is low, for example as indicated by the "trak | aquacheck" electrolyte level indicator. Important: The battery may only be topped up towards the end of charging or immediately after charging is complete to prevent the electrolyte from "boiling over" and to ensure the service life of the lead-acid battery.
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Rail & metro systems (rail®)
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Which battery technology is suitable for emergency power in trains?
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Nickel-cadmium batteries are durable, robust, fail-safe and suitable for extreme operating conditions with temperatures from -25°C to +60°C. They also have a long service life of 15-20 years and perform well under mechanical stress such as vibrations, which makes NiCad batteries ideal for use in emergency power applications for trains, etc. Cheaper lead-acid batteries can also be used, but these are heavier and perform somewhat less well under extreme conditions.
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What is the difference between traction and on-board batteries in the railway sector?
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Traction batteries supply energy for the drive, while on-board batteries provide lighting, control and air conditioning. Nickel-cadmium batteries are particularly suitable for power backup. Lithium systems are usually used to power railway and metro systems due to their high energy density, fast-charging capability and cycle stability.
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How long is the service life of a railway battery in daily use?
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The service life is highly dependent on the intensity and frequency of the load. Lead systems often achieve a service life of approx. 8-10 years, nickel-cadmium systems often over 15 years
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Fused power supply (grid®)
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Which technology is suitable for emergency power vs. frequent charge/discharge cycles?
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Lead-acid batteries are very suitable for emergency power and standby applications. Optimised lead-acid systems can be used for frequent charge/discharge cycles, offering high cycle stability and reliable performance. In addition, our nickel-cadmium batteries (FNC) are used due to their cycle stability and robustness against environmental factors such as vibrations and extreme temperatures.
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How do I size the storage unit for my energy requirements?
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The basis is consumption, desired self-sufficiency and bridging time. Hoppecke offers systems for your individual energy consumption that are customised to you in terms of both size and performance.
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Are the systems modularly expandable?
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Yes, grid | power® systems are scalable and can be expanded as energy requirements grow.
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What is the lifespan of the different battery types?
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As a rule, grid | power batteries last 10 to 12 years. The grid | Xtreme battery has an even longer service life of up to 15 years. The FNC batteries also generally last over 15 years.
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Regenerative energies (sun®)
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Can I also use the storage units in off-grid systems?
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Yes, HOPPECKE offers robust solutions for stand-alone grids and hybrid systems that can be operated autonomously.
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What role does cycle stability play in daily operation?
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Lead storage batteries achieve approx. 2,500 to 2,800 cycles at the recommended discharge depth of 50%. At the maximum depth of discharge of 80%, the batteries still achieve 1,300-1,600 cycles. This higher number of cycles ensures the long-term efficiency of your battery system.
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B. Service & Support
What services does HOPPECKE offer?
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HOPPECKE provides a modular service portfolio for traction batteries and stationary batteries for intralogistics. This includes assembly, inspections, maintenance, repairs and digital monitoring solutions. On request, HOPPECKE can also take over the complete battery management or offer full service contracts. Many services are available worldwide. In addition, the "trak | optimizer" operator model supports sophisticated operating models, such as round-the-clock shift operation.
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Is there a 24/7 emergency service?
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HOPPECKE offers a classic 24/7 emergency service via a service hotline. However, thanks to the global service network, qualified technicians can quickly intervene on site to efficiently rectify failures.
HOPPECKE Service will assist you with urgent matters and can be reached as follows:
+49 2963 61 591
E-mail: service@hoppecke.com
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Which product or technology is right for me and my application?
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HOPPECKE offers a diverse portfolio of solutions: classic traction batteries, stationary systems, innovative interchangeable systems for multi-shift operation and intelligent energy management solutions. Our product finder will help you to filter out the ideal product for you from our range. Sales staff can then analyse your application profile and recommend the optimum combination of battery, charging and changing technology. We are also happy to provide personal advice on site in order to develop the best possible solution. For stationary applications, HOPPECKE offers comprehensive maintenance contracts that ensure regular inspection, maintenance and optimisation of the systems to increase reliability and service life.
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Are there any training courses or training programmes for our products?+
How can I optimally maintain the battery to extend its service life?+
The service life of a battery system depends on regular maintenance and care. If it is a sealed battery, distilled water must be topped up regularly. Ensure that the ambient temperature is within the specified range and do not exceed the maintenance intervals if possible. Additional services required include load and capacity tests as well as checking chargers and battery replacement systems. This will keep your batteries ready for use and running safely.
If you have any questions, please contact Hoppecke Service:
Service hotline: +49 2963 61 591
Email: service@hoppecke.com
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C. Delivery & price fluctuations
Why do battery prices change so frequently?+
The main reason for price fluctuations is the metal tax surcharge (MTZ). The MTZ is a surcharge on the battery purchase price that compensates for cost changes due to price fluctuations in the metals contained in the battery. Prices depend heavily on raw materials such as lead, antimony, nickel and other factors. Offers are therefore often only valid for a limited period of time, as the price of resources fluctuates.
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What are the typical delivery times?+
Various batteries are available in 2-4 weeks, special solutions or large systems require 8-12 weeks. However, delivery times vary.
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Which transport and dangerous goods regulations apply to batteries?+
Batteries are considered dangerous goods and are transported in accordance with ADR/UN guidelines. Safe packaging is mandatory. Below are the safety data sheets for:
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Does Hoppecke deliver worldwide?
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HOPPECKE has 22 international subsidiaries and is active in over 150 countries with products and services. A large part of the world is covered, but due to the legal situation of dual-use goods, for example, exports are guaranteed to many, but not every country.
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D. Complaints & warranty
Who do I contact in the event of problems, failures or a complaint?
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To the Hoppecke customer service or the responsible sales partner. Processing is quick and uncomplicated. If necessary, your battery will be tested. If the claim is justified, it will be repaired or replaced. For fast processing, please provide us with your order and invoice number.
HOPPECKE Service:
Service hotline: +49 2963 61 591
Email: service@hoppecke.com
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What is the warranty for batteries?+
The general warranty is usually 24 months from the date of delivery. However, this may vary depending on the project.
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Are there extended warranty extensions?
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Yes, the warranty periods can be extended on request. Please clarify this with your sales partner.
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How long does it take on average to process a complaint?
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We always endeavour to process and respond quickly. That is why processing usually takes place within a few days. Feedback on faults in critical systems can be prioritised. The further process depends on the internal check, external communication and the availability of spare parts.
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Is a replacement battery available while the complaint is being investigated?
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Yes, we are able to provide Motive batteries via our refurbishment service to save you in-house downtime in the logistics area.
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E. Storage
How is the safe storage of batteries at the customer's premises ensured?+
We recommend well-ventilated, dry rooms at 15-25 °C and regular recharging during prolonged storage to prevent deep discharges (according to the operating instructions). The floor should be stable and electrolyte-resistant at the same time. In addition, any sources of ignition in the vicinity must be avoided or removed.
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F. Safety & Environment
What safety regulations must I observe when operating batteries?
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Wear protective clothing, ensure good ventilation and avoid naked flames. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
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How are batteries properly disposed of or recycled?+
HOPPECKE takes back used batteries and recycles over 95% of the materials from lead batteries in order to recover valuable raw materials. At the plant in Brilon, almost 36,000 tonnes of used batteries are recycled every year, almost a closed cycle. This covers 70% of our lead requirements for the construction of new batteries.
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What environmental measures does Hoppecke pursue in production?+
Focus on recycling, CO₂ reduction and the use of renewable energies sustainably reduces the environmental impact. HOPPECKE is also certified in accordance with DIN ISO 14001.
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How can HOPPECKE products support you in achieving sustainability goals?+
With electric fleet solutions and energy storage systems, you actively contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions and conserving resources, as our products are made from recycled materials, have a long service life and raw materials are procured sustainably. In addition, your energy costs can be sustainably reduced with peak shaving, for example.
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