In the modern world, old technologies are improved every day and new technologies are invented that are used in everyday life. Without a doubt, the battery is the heart of any technology. They are used wherever energy is needed and there is no way to get power from the network.
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What is an AGM battery
Battery AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat, absorbent glass mat) Is a lead-acid battery in which the electrolyte is not in the usual liquid state, but as a porous fiberglass filler, which in turn is impregnated with electrolyte.
That is, in the banks between the plus and minus lead plates there is a fiberglass, connected by an electrolyte, so that the battery is not susceptible to rolling and can be used lying on its side, but this is not all the advantages.
AGM batteries are often confused with GEL (gel batteries), but it’s not like that. They have completely different technologies, they just solve the same problem.
Applied Technology
The AGM battery was usually based on lead acid. A distinctive feature is that it contains an absorbed electrolyte, and not liquid, which makes the power source more functional. It looks like this. Between the positive and negative plates is a separator (gasket made of porous fiberglass). This gasket, like a sponge, is impregnated with electrolyte, while it turns out to be locked there, thanks to which it does not pour out and does not evaporate anywhere.
In turn, lead plates press the separator very tightly, which is why it is possible to put 20-30 percent more plates into each can. This allows you to get larger launchers and tanks.
Currently, AGM batteries are manufactured in a flat and spiral configuration.
Spiral AGM batteries. They have a large surface contact area. This allows you to get significantly higher currents for a short time, and also charge faster. Significant disadvantages include the lower nominal capacity of the battery, in relation to the flat shape.
AGM batteries flat configuration. This production method allows for better electrolyte preservation and excellent tightness of the separators to withstand charge and discharge, and as noted earlier, have a higher capacity. Unlike spiral-shaped, they are produced not only in the USA, but also in Europe. Moreover, the spiral-shaped ones are the development of Johnson Controls for the Optima battery line and are practically never used anywhere else.
Therefore, currently, the most popular are car batteries with a flat configuration of blocks.
Where are AGM batteries used
Rechargeable batteries are used in many industries, but the most widespread use occurs when equipping vehicles.
Modern batteries have improved operational properties, and are used in almost all areas:
- In motorcycles and cars.
- In cars equipped with a start-stop system.
- In the power supply system.
- At public service stations.
- In the field of telecommunications.
- In the UPS.
- For boats and ships.
- And there are still many areas where batteries are used.
The possibility of autonomous energy supply can be used in medical institutions to ensure the operability of equipment in emergency situations.
Advantages and disadvantages
AGM batteries have many advantages:
- AGM batteries are completely maintenance-free, set and forgot, although sometimes in severe frosts you may need to recharge;
- Support cars with Start-Stop system;
- High return. Due to the close proximity of the plates, they hold more, with an equal volume, which increases the battery capacity;
- Fast charge. Due to the fact that lead is used in plates, it has the smallest internal resistance, which improves the characteristics of the device and allows to reduce the charge time;
- Endurance. Withstands more periods of "charge and discharge", also has high resistance to deep discharge. Because the "separators" restrain the plates, preventing them from disintegrating;
- It is steady against low air temperatures and well tolerates its differences;
- Tightness, can be used in any position (on the side);
- "Closed" electrolyte (does not evaporate), makes it possible to use indoors, suitable for other power sources, solar and wind systems;
- Long service life. The average operating time of the energy source can be from 5 to 10 years.
By cons include:
- High price. For this cost, you can buy 2, if not 3 acid-calcium calculators, which in total will last all 15 years;
- Fairly light weight;
- A special charger is required.
- Maintenance free. On the one hand, this is a huge plus, but if something happens from the batteries, then you won’t be able to reanimate it yourself.
AGM has clearly more significant advantages, but still, first of all, you need to pay attention to your needs, if you have a mid-range car without a start-stop system, then it would be better to take a hybrid or acid-calcium calculator.
AGM Battery Maintenance
AGM batteries are maintenance free, but this does not mean that they do not need to be taken care of. Care must be taken to prevent overcharging or deep discharge. Keep the battery clean. Wipe off moisture and dirt, as it may be short between the terminals. If necessary, strip the terminals from corrosion. Periodically recharge as necessary.
The battery is completely sealed, which means you cannot open it. Moreover, there will be no classic traffic jams through which distilled water can be added; moreover, in the usual concept of water there will also not be there.
How to choose a charger for AGM battery
Any charge for AGM batteries is suitable, the main thing is to follow the instructions that will come with the charger and that it would be able to regulate current and voltage.
AGM batteries can not be charged with conventional chargers, as these batteries do not have valves to relieve pressure, so it can explode.
How to charge AGM batteries
Only ensuring the correct process of charging the battery can ensure the development of the maximum resource of the product.
The recharging process can be performed with a slightly larger charging constant current than 10% of the battery capacity, however, it should not exceed 20%. The plates are made of high quality lead, which allows you to fully charge in just a couple of hours.
AGM batteries can only be charged with a special charger, so specific recommendations cannot be made. You need to follow according to the instructions attached specifically to your charger.
Experts recommend several types of charge:
- Three-stage charge, one of the most effective.
- The main two-stage charge.
- Fast single-stage recharge.
Video: How to charge an AGM battery
AGM Battery Recovery
Many sources and experts claim that it is possible to return such batteries to "life", it all depends on the degree of damage to the product, the period of operation. In some cases, it is possible to restore it, since the basis of the electrolyte is known sulfuric acid plus distilled water, they are only placed in the battery in different ways.On the Internet you can find several videos on the restoration of motorcycle batteries of these types. They show how the owner of a motorcycle fills dried cavities with a syringe with distilled water.
When the cavities are sufficiently saturated with liquid, it is possible to put the battery on recharging with a current of 10% of the battery capacity. On motoring forums, you can also find such a way to restore the battery. It also describes another process of returning to life a "tired" device. It provides for charging two products at once, one of them must be fully operational.
If after a while a "tired" battery starts to consume a charging current, this means that it is "live". Further, charging of this device with a current of 10% of capacity at a voltage of not more than 14.8 volts is already ongoing.
Any type of battery requires careful consideration in the process of its use. Only in this case will the operating life set by the manufacturer be fully developed.
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