WHAT IS AN AGM BATTERY?
You've heard the term AGM battery before and may even know that it stands for Absorbent Glass Mat. But, what does Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) actually mean and how does that enhance the battery's performance over standard lead acid batteries?
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Let's review some basics of the SLA (sealed lead acid) battery construction. All SLA batteries are comprised of lead plates (positive and negative) and electrolyte that are then arranged into 'cells' and placed into a battery case. Some of these batteries are also valve-regulated, which allows for the escape of minor amounts of gas that occurs during the recombination process during charging. Although these batteries allow gases to escape, they are spill-proof batteries (sometimes called valve regulated lead acid or VRLA), and allow for safe operation in almost any position (the only limitation is they are not recommended to be used upside down). Because they are sealed, you don't need to add electrolyte after the manufacturing process, and any gases that are generated go into a recombination cycle.
AGM BATTERY CONSTRUCTION
In AGM type batteries, the construction follows the same basics as standard SLA, with the addition of a fiberglass mat that is placed between each negative and positive plate to absorb the electrolyte. Since the mat acts like a sponge with the electrolyte, the battery becomes non-spillable.
The AGM battery holds the electrolyte in place and works by allowing the electrolyte to be passed through the fiberglass mat, creating maximum surface area for the electrolyte to touch the plates without it flooding the battery with too much fluid. AGM batteries contain only enough electrolyte to keep the mat wet and if the battery is broken no free liquid is available to leak out. This allows for less electrolyte in the battery while still providing the same energy as traditional SLA batteries.
TYPES OF AGM BATTERIES
When most people think of AGM batteries, they likely think of deep cycle battery applications. However, not all AGM batteries are deep cycle. While a popular choice for deep cycling, as an AGM battery has a depth of discharge (DoD) of 80% versus a standard flooded battery which has a DoD of 50%, it is also a popular choice for starter batteries. This is because it has low internal resistance and can provide high current loads quickly. AGM batteries are also being used as start-stop batteries in modern cars, this is due to flooded batteries not being robust enough to handle the repeated cycling in start-stop applications which can cause the battery to fail after only a couple of years use.
For example, at Power Sonic we offer our AGM technology in both deep cycle AGM batteries (the PDC line) and as a popular option in our PowerSport family (Super Sport, Ultra Sport AGM, and our Stop-Start AGM lines). However, AGM is also the technology we use in our general purpose (PS) and long life (PG) families of products as the Absorbent Glass Mat separator maximizes the surface area of the electrolyte improving battery performance.
Each cell in an AGM battery has 2 volts so AGM batteries are available in a variety of voltages including popular 6V and 12V models.
CHARGING AN AGM BATTERY
One of the advantages of an AGM battery is they can be charged up to five times faster than a standard flooded battery. As with all sealed lead acid batteries, AGM are sensitive to over-charging, we recommend this guide to charging sealed lead acid batteries to ensure get the most out of your AGM battery.
ARE AGM BATTERIES RECYCLABLE?
Yes AGM batteries are recyclable. More than 98% of an AGM battery can be recycled. We in the battery industry are very proud of the fact that lead acid batteries are one of the most highly recycled products on the planet. AGM batteries are environmentally friendly and easy to recycle, they can be recycled at almost all recycling centers, along with many automotive outlets and thousands of other locations.
AGM VS FLOODED BATTERY
There are many benefits of AGM technology over its older flooded battery construction. One big benefit of the fiberglass mat is that since the mat holds the acid, the battery is less likely to sulfate. This characteristic is what allows it to reach a deeper DoD than it's flooded equivalent.
The lower internal resistance of the AGM battery also has a lower self-discharge rate and therefore doesn't require a topping charge as frequently as a flooded battery would in long term storage conditions. It is important to note that AGM batteries still must be charged before storing and will require maintenance charging while in long term storage but will charge faster than a flooded battery.
Some advantages that AGM has over flooded batteries (as well as faster charging) are increased cycle life and vibration resistance. This is because the combination of the tightly packed AGM battery and the mat inside act as a damper, which are characteristics that lend nicely to power sport applications. Another benefit of the mat is that the battery requires less electrolyte than flooded batteries, which decreases its weight.
However, one of the down sides to the AGM battery is its cost ' at slightly higher than flooded, you will pay more for a battery that doesn't need to be maintained in the same way a flooded battery does. In fact, cost is one of the reasons flooded batteries are still commonplace (usually seen more in motorsport applications).
AGM BATTERY VS GEL
Another popular alternative to flooded and AGM type batteries is the Gel battery. A Gel battery is still maintenance-free, its cells are sealed, and it uses a recombination process to prevent the escape of its gasses. What varies with a Gel battery is the electrolyte itself is a thixotropic gelled sulfuric acid.
When comparing a Gel battery to an AGM battery, you will see that the Gel battery's rated capacity will decline much faster than an AGM battery's as the ambient temperature get colder (below 32 degrees F). A Gel battery is also does not perform as well in high rate or starter applications as an AGM, which is why you don't see Gel power sport batteries. On the plus side for Gel, it is more acid limited, giving it a slightly longer service life in some applications. Power Sonic offers Gel batteries in our DCG (Deep Cycle Gel) and our 2-volt OPzV Tubular Gel lines.
AGM VS LITHIUM BATTERIES
There are many differences between AGM and lithium batteries. When it comes to choosing the right battery for your application, you need to understand exactly what you are looking to get out of the battery. Is it a deep cycling application, a high rate discharge application or a float standby application? Does the application already have a built in charger for a specific chemistry? What is your budget? etc..
We at Power Sonic have put together a comprehensive guide to the differences between sealed lead acid batteries and LiFePO4 batteries, this should be able to help you to see whether AGM is the better choice for your application.
To summarize, depending on the application and your budget, you will find the AGM battery to be the more superior battery over flooded battery types due to its lower weight, lower maintenance, and overall enhanced performance. You will also find AGM to be a popular choice over the Gel batteries as they are much more common and usually less expensive. The battle between AGM and lithium batteries will depend on your application and what you are looking to get out of the battery.
If you have any questions about which battery is more suitable for your application, please feel free to call or us.
AGM batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that can be used for electric vehicles, boats, ATVs, motorcycles, and they're often used in off-grid power systems. They have special features that make them suitable for these types of jobs, but they also have some disadvantages. In this article, we'll give you an overview of AGM batteries and how they differ from other types of rechargeable batteries.
What is an AGM battery?
An AGM battery is one that uses an Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) inside the battery. This is a special type of glass material that acts as a sponge, soaking up any extra water in the battery. You can tell if your product has an AGM by looking for 'AGM' on the label, or by using the model number to look it up on the manufacturer's website. If you're not sure where to look, ask us! If you have a CROWN battery or are interested in one, the specifications for our batteries are available online to review.
AGM batteries are ideal for use in situations where you don't want your battery to be damaged by water or humidity. They're also great for marine applications because they can withstand the salinity of seawater.
AGM batteries are filled with electrolyte and sealed, which means they don't need to be topped off or refilled like a flooded battery would. This makes them ideal for use in applications where there is little chance of access to water, such as a marine environment or off-grid power supply.
AGM Batteries vs Regular Batteries
AGM batteries are also known as 'maintenance-free' or 'dry' batteries because they do not contain liquid electrolyte. The electrolyte is replaced with an absorbent fiberglass mat material that allows for more efficient conversion between electrical energy and chemical energy. This design also means that these types of batteries do not leak acid like regular lead-acid batteries.
In addition to being maintenance free, AGM batteries have other advantages over traditional lead-acid models:
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- More efficient than regular batteries
- Durable
- Longer-lasting
- Charge faster
- Can be stored in any position without affecting performance (whereas traditional models should be kept upright)
How are AGM Batteries Different than Deep Cycle Batteries?
AGM batteries are more expensive than traditional deep cycle batteries, but they are also more durable. They can be mounted in any position and can take a lot of abuse. AGM batteries are also more resistant to shock and vibration than regular batteries, which makes them ideal for use on motorcycles or in other applications where there is a lot of movement. AGM batteries are less susceptible to heat than traditional deep cycle batteries, so you will experience less power loss during long-term storage or high-heat days.
Do AGM Batteries Need to be Charged Differently Than Other Batteries?
AGM batteries do need to be charged, however you should never charge an AGM battery with a charger meant for a lead-acid battery, or vice versa. To charge an AGM battery, make sure you have a charger that is designed for this type of battery, which may be different than the charger that was included in your car or boat's onboard equipment.
Whether or not a charger can be used for AGM batteries should be noted on the charger's label.
Benefits of AGM Batteries
AGM batteries have a number of benefits over regular lead-acid batteries:
- More efficient and last longer than regular batteries
- Environmentally friendly
- Less toxic than traditional gel or flooded cell batteries
- Durable
- Increased safety because they do not allow hydrogen gas to escape during charging or discharging cycles
The main benefit of AGM batteries is their energy density. This means that they can store more energy per unit weight than other types of lead-acid batteries. This makes them ideal for applications where weight is a major factor, such as in marine or RV applications where space and weight can be limited.
Another benefit of AGM batteries is that they can be recharged more often than other types of lead-acid batteries without causing damage to the battery. This makes them ideal for applications where frequent charging is required, such as in emergency lighting systems or backup power supplies.
AGM batteries also have a longer lifespan than traditional lead-acid batteries. This is because they can withstand more charge cycles before losing their ability to store energy. In addition, AGM batteries are also more durable because they do not contain any liquid chemicals which could leak out of the battery if it is damaged during use or transport.
How to Choose an AGM Battery
1. Consider Reserve Capacity
Look for a battery with a high reserve capacity. This means that the battery can deliver more amperes (current) for longer periods of time, and has a low internal resistance, which means that it is not prone to overheating or overcharging.
2. Check the life span
Select a battery with a long life span. Check how many years you want the battery to last ' this will depend on how often you use it and how much power it provides.
3. Check for reliability, safety, and maintenance needs
Choose one that is reliable, safe, maintenance free and environmentally friendly. If possible, try comparing standby performance rather than just starting performance because this gives a better indication of what happens when the engine is off but still running other equipment like lights.
If you are buying a battery for an emergency power supply, look for one that has been tested at least once per year and labeled as 'spill proof'. This will make it easier to transport and store.
If you need a battery for your car, look for one that has the correct voltage and amperage capacity. This will ensure that it fits your vehicle and can handle the electrical requirements of all its components. If you are planning to get a deep cycle battery, ask how many cycles it can provide before needing replacement ' this will depend on how often it is used and how much power it provides.
If you are planning to get a deep cycle battery, ask how many cycles it can provide before needing replacement ' this will depend on how often it is used and how much power it provides. If you are buying a battery for an emergency power supply, look for one that has been tested at least once per year and labeled as 'spill proof'. This will make it easier to transport and store.
An AGM battery can save you time and money
An AGM battery will cost more than a regular lead-acid battery ' but it'll last longer and save you money in the long run.
They last longer than regular batteries. Because they don't have any liquid inside them, AGM batteries have fewer components to fail, so they last longer than traditional car batteries.
They're more efficient than regular car batteries. In addition to lasting longer and costing less over time (in terms of maintenance), AGMs are also less toxic and easier on the environment than other types of automotive power sources because they don't contain any corrosive liquids; this makes them safer for disposal after use as well as for recycling once their useful life is done with.
So, we've looked at a few key ways in which an AGM battery can be helpful. For one thing, they offer excellent performance in a wide range of temperatures. They also have high discharge rates and are generally easier to maintain than other kinds of batteries. We hope this guide has helped you understand more about the benefits of AGM batteries and how they might fit into your energy usage and storage needs.
What's next?
They'll walk you through your options ' and give you insights so you can decide whether Crown's AGM batteries are right for you.
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