Most companies use rechargeable batteries to operate their vehicles, workplace equipment, or renewable energy systems. The most commonly used is the lead acid battery. This mature technology is known to be reliable, durable, and cost-effective. However, under the lead acid battery category, there are many different types to be aware of. This article will discuss the differences between Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) and Flooded batteries.
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Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) and wet cell or “flooded” batteries are lead batteries and contain an electrolyte solution that causes a chemical reaction and produces electrons. These batteries are recharged when put in contact with a reverse current. But, given how they are designed, they each have pros and cons, and you should consider these variations before use.
Absorbed glass mat batteries, or AGM batteries, became popular in the s. They were used to power motorcycles, military, aircraft, and submarines, but now you can find them in everyday cars and trucks.
AGM batteries are a maintenance-free alternative to traditional flooded lead-acid batteries. They are designed to provide powerful bursts of starting amps and run electronics longer.
An AGM (absorbed glass mat) battery contains a special glass mat separator that wicks the electrolyte solution between the battery plates. This material’s design enables the fiberglass to be saturated with electrolytes – and to store the electrolyte in a “dry” or suspended state rather than in free liquid form.
As the battery works, the electrolyte is transferred from the glass mat to the battery plates as required. The mat contains enough electrolyte for the battery to deliver its total capacity, and – should the battery case become damaged, or the battery is tipped on its side – its electrolyte will not spill.
Users should take care when charging this battery as over, and under-charging can affect their life and performance. AGM batteries perform most reliably when limited to discharge no more than 50% of battery capacity.
AGM batteries are often found in off-grid power systems, including environmentally friendly renewable energy systems like wind and solar power. They are also great for electric vehicle service, uninterrupted power supply systems, robotics, and some ATVs and motorcycles.
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Possibly the most “traditional” type of battery, wet or flooded batteries are widely used in cars, stationary (large) uninterrupted power supplies, and of course, stand-alone energy systems. These batteries contain a combination of liquid electrolytes. The liquid in these batteries must be carefully measured and maintained to perform correctly.
Flooded batteries use a liquid electrolyte-containing medium to trigger a chemical reaction. When the battery is connected, acid bonds to the lead plates. This causes a reaction that sends an electric current through the attached circuit.
Wet Cell batteries are typically the best for backup power applications, utility, and grid energy storage. Additionally, they are more cost-effective when compared to AGM batteries.
Most of the cons of flooded batteries stem from the fact that they contain free liquid that requires periodic inspection and maintenance. Flooded batteries can also be inadvertently damaged in forceful movement. Extreme climates can significantly affect the battery life because the electrolyte solution inside the battery can evaporate or freeze.
While flooded batteries require maintenance, if taken care of properly, this type will last longer than many of its counterparts.
With AGM and flooded batteries, following the manufacturer's instructions for charging and maintenance is essential to secure optimum performance. If you are careful about connection processes, charging, and a safe storing environment, you are taking the necessary steps to protect your battery investment.
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We run 8 Northstar AGM batteries which are advertised as being able to deep cycle, also run as starters.
4 CCA each for starter, 4 for electric APU.
AGM are less susceptible to temperature changes & are more consistent in overall discharge somewhat like the comparison between NiCad/NiMH and the newer Lithium Ion/Polymer.
Had 2 of the starters get the unique AGM rotten egg smell a couple weeks ago & changed out; funny never had any issues until it went to Freightliner for a recall and overhead...
If you stick with traditional flooded, maybe you can insulate wrap to prevent extreme temp swings and provide more consistent performance, also helps in winter time to have your diesel heater tied in with your truck coolant so you can keep the entire block warm & ease starting.
There is no such thing as a battery that will serve multiple purposes with equal efficiency.
An SLI (Starting,lights, ignition)flooded cell battery, the most common configuration in class 8 trucks, case size 31 with 800- cca(cold cranking amps) does what it is intended to do. Start the truck until the alternator can provide the electricity for the other loads. What they don't do well is low amperage drains(Hotel loads) while the truck is off, drivers using various electrical devices for a period of time.
AGM(absorbed glass mat) batteries can be configured for SLI purposes, or for deep cycle or some combination of both. They cost at least twice as much. The combo deep cycle/SLI types don't do either very well, and in my experience were not worth the extra expense.
Flooded cell and AGM batteries have 2 different sets of charging requirements, and most truck alternators are set up for flooded cell, by far the most common battery in use. If deep cycle AGM types are used they have to be isolated and charged with a different controller. All possible of course, but more complicated.
Lead acid batteries work just fine. And have been around forever.
Temps don't bother them. When fully charged their freeze point is minus 60. Google it.
Today's lead batteries seem to be much better quality then yesterday's also. It's been years since I had to buy a battery for my car. And my last 2 were owned for 6 years each. Sold them both with the same battery they came with.
19 years driving and I've only had ONE company that actually had power to plug the trucks in. But the coldest we get is zero degrees. Maybe a few spots that would see single negatives.
Thanks guys. To clear things up I'm very familiar with AGM and not interested in buying four of them. I've used them for years in camper builds and rebuilds I've done. What I'm meaning is the lead acid dual purpose I've seen for a year or two out there. They are supposedly designed for RVs. To be clear I'll be buying lead acid for my tractor. It stays at home plugged in when I'm home for more than a day or two. I'm hoping to improve it's ability to run my inverter (fridge is all that stays on when truck is off), everything else is used when truck or APU are on.
SLI31MDP - Duracell Ultra BCI Group 31M Dual Purpose (Starting/Cycling) Marine & RV Battery at Batteries Plus Bulbs
Or these if I just go with standard:
SLI31SHP - Duracell Ultra BCI Group 31 High CCA Starting Heavy Duty Battery (Stud Terminals) at Batteries Plus Bulbs
I've had great luck with these Duracells from Batteries Plus. They are lead acid of course made by East Penn/Deka.
My other options in the same ballpark pricewise are Traveller group 31 from Tractor Supply (made by Exide I think) or Rural King's Exide group 31. Their core charge is only $12 vs. everyone elses $25 or more which almost buys me about half a battery right there if I just keep my old ones to use around the house or sell on Craigslist.
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