The importance of batteries in modern life cannot be denied. Our reliance on electronic devices and appliances is continuously increasing, resulting in the emergence of various kinds of power sources that constantly develop into more efficient and sophisticated forms. More often than not, these power sources involve the use of batteries. With the number of types available in the market, doing research is a must to make sure you are getting the best one that suits your needs. If you’re wondering what is an AGM battery and whether it’s the right choice, this article provides all the information you need to make an informed decision.
EXPLORING AGM BATTERIES- Introduction
- Construction
- Application
- Life Span
- Advantages and Disadvantages
- AGM Batteries for Solar Generators
- Conclusion
INTRODUCTION
AGM stands for Absorbent Glass Mat - which is the main feature of this battery type. Unlike conventional lead-acid batteries, an AGM battery contains a special type of fiberglass mat separator that suspends the electrolyte solution between the battery plates.
This mat enhances the performance of the battery in multiple aspects.
CONSTRUCTION
To understand what is absorbed glass mat battery and what makes it better than standard lead acid batteries, it is important to know how Lead Acid Batteries are constructed:
- Battery Terminals - where you connect the battery to the charger and to the device it powers.
- Electrodes - also called battery plates, are the positive (cathode) and negative (anode) ends of a cell which created the charge within the battery
- Electrolyte - transports the positive charge to and from the electrodes/battery plates
- Relief Valve - relieves the pressure in case of excessive pressure build-up inside the battery
- Separators - prevent electric contact between the anode and cathode
- Container and Case Sealing – a chemical and flammability resistance that encases and seals the battery
AGM batteries are constructed in the same way as the standard Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) Batteries, as previously mentioned, what sets them apart is the addition of the absorbent glass mat - a fiberglass that acts like a sponge absorbing the electrolytes.
Standard SLA batteries are also called flooded batteries because electrolytes flow in liquid form as opposed to AGM where electrolytes are held in place within the fiberglass mat - this creates the maximum surface area for the electrolytes to touch the battery plates without the spillage and leakage of electrolytes. Furthermore, it provides the same amount of energy using much less electrolytes as compared to the traditional SLA battery.
Application
- Buffer Operations
Used as sources of emergency power supply as in UPS power supplies, alarm systems, emergency lights, etc.
- Cyclic Operations
As they are designed for cyclical discharging and recharging and to provide a stable power output over a long period of time, they are used in golf carts, lawn mowers, electric wheelchairs, wireless cleaning machines, etc.
- Start/Stop Applications
Its ability to produce a short but intense burst of power makes it the perfect option for engines of start/stop vehicles
- Solar Energy Storage
Due to its low to practically zero maintenance along with many other features, AGM battery is one of, if not the best choice for solar energy storage application
LIFE SPAN
How long do AGM batteries last? The short answer is an average of seven years.
Some factors may affect this number. Example: if used as energy storage, the operating temperature, the capacity of the battery when fully topped off, and the battery’s overall performance may shorten the lifespan. However, if used under ideal conditions, it is likely that it will last longer than the average number of years.
ADVANTAGES and DISADVANTAGES
Advantages:
- Spill and Leakproof
- Vibration resistant
- Shock resistant
- Almost zero maintenance
- Higher power output as compared to other varieties
- Charges faster
- Low self-discharge rate
- Longer lasting as compared to standard SLA batteries
- Performs better in extreme temperatures (can withstand and last long in low temperatures)
- Not affected by the position. Orientation of installation
- Minimal to zero production of gassing
- Safer to handle
- Durable construction
- Expandable - can be connected in parallel or in series
Disadvantages
- Higher cost
- Sensitive to overcharging and high voltages
- Reduced capacity over time
- A specific type of charger is required
- Topping off before use is required
AGM BATTERIES FOR SOLAR GENERATORS
As mentioned above, one of the best applications of AGM batteries is solar energy storage. Of all the types available in the market, what is an agm battery?
It is apparent that the pros outweigh the cons and the advantages clearly explain why this battery type fits the bill as one, if not the top choice for solar power generators. The key feature of the AGM battery is the requirement for an efficient, convenient, and long-lasting solar energy system. This is why Nature’s Solar Generators use 12V 60Ah and 12V 100Ah AGM-sealed lead acid batteries as energy storage units.
Nature’s Generator offers different systems that suit different needs:
Nature’s Gold System produces a power output of up to 1800W. It uses 12V 60Ah sealed lead acid batteries powering up basic appliances for several hours. The possibility of connecting AGM batteries allows expandability - buying additional power pods allows much longer hours of power supply.
Nature’s Generator Elite Gold System can provide 3600W of power output. This uses the more powerful 2V 100Ah AGM sealed lead acid battery, and of course, additional power pods are available for this system as well.
Nature’s Generator Powerhouse is the most powerful system available. It lives up to its name as it can indeed power up a whole house with its 7200W maximum power output. Also powered by AGM batteries, the expandability has no limit.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, AGM-sealed lead acid batteries are widely used because they offer convenience and high-level efficiency to users. However, what is an AGM battery may not suit all devices, so always check compatibility before buying.
If you have further questions about AGM batteries or Nature’s Solar Generators, you can contact us by clicking HERE and we will be happy to help.
* We want to give credit where credit is due. Professional writer, Grace Vega contributed research and content to this blog titled: WHAT IS AN AGM BATTERY Thank you, Grace, for your contributions!
