Battery academy set to open this fall

We know it's hard to believe, but lift truck batteries don't always get the respect—and attention—they deserve. In too many DCs, they're treated as "set it and forget it" components that essentially get ignored until a problem arises. What these facilities don't always realize is that, like any other complex piece of equipment, batteries require rigorous monitoring, testing, and preventive maintenance for optimal performance.

One power provider is now taking steps to bring those users up to speed on the proper care and feeding of batteries. Menomonee Falls, Wis.-based Storage Battery Systems LLC (SBS) has announced plans to build a "battery academy" that will offer training programs for battery users. SBS says it expects construction of the facility to be completed this summer, with classes starting in the fall. Course offerings will include battery installation and commissioning; battery maintenance and testing; NERC (North American Electric Reliability Corp.) compliance; battery theory; sizing around design; and application considerations.

The academy will offer courses for beginners as well as experienced technicians looking for continued education in the utility and telecom industries, delivering a curriculum that is compliant with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standards. In order to provide a realistic learning environment, trainees will learn on actual installed equipment, not simulators, SBS says.