An Overview of AGM Batteries
Sep. 09, 2024
An Overview of AGM Batteries
What's the Better Deep Cycle Battery: AGM or Gel?
So, you need a new 12V deep cycle battery for your golf car, your caravan, your utility vehicle, or your fishing boat? And youre wondering which choice is better -- an AGM battery, or one of the gel variants on the market?
Its a common question we get here at Battery Specialists, and were taking some time today to answer it for you.
Were going to begin by looking at what, exactly, these batteries are. Then, well examine each type in some detail. Finally, well do a side-by-side comparison so youll know definitively why the AGMf deep cycle battery comes out on top.
Lets get going, shall we?
What Are Deep Cycle Batteries?
We use all sorts of batteries every day without much thought to their types, or how they differ. We usually only worry about the batteries in our lives when they quit working, right?
Theres the button cell battery in your cars keyfob. Then theres the AA or AAA in your TV remote. Your car battery is a cranking or starter battery, giving a sudden burst of charge to start the motor.
How do these batteries differ from deep cycle batteries? Its simple. Their Depth of Discharge.
A batterys depth of discharge (DoD) is how long it can be used before having to be replaced or recharged. The level of discharge is how much power can be drawn from the battery at any one time.
The battery lifespan, or how long they last, in deep cycle batteries is much longer due to their high DoD.
Car batteries have a discharge rate of 2 to 5% each time you crank the motor over. The deep cycle battery in your fishing boat, however, can discharge up to 80% of its stored energy before needing a recharge.
That starter battery also has thinner, lighter lead plates inside. Deep cycle batteries, on the other hand, consist of heavier, thicker lead plates.
And thats what defines a deep cycle battery from all the other valve activation lead acid batteries in existence.
Deep Cycle Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Batteries
Every deep cycle lead acid battery is made up of lead plates and an electrolyte solution of sulfuric acid that creates the chemical reaction that produces an electrical charge. You can see how this works in the video below.
AGM batteries are made with an absorbent fiberglass mat that absorbs the sulfuric acid electrolyte solution between the lead plates inside the battery. This mat is what gives the battery its name. And several advantages over gel batteries, as well see.
There was a growing demand in the s for batteries that were lighter and safer than the old traditional lead acid batteries on the market.
The growing market in smaller, lighter aircraft, personal use vehicles like golf and utility cars, and mobility scooters for the aging population needed safer, lighter power sources. The deep cycle AGM battery was the answer.
Your cars heated seats, electronically adjusted steering wheels, mirrors, and seats may also be powered by a small AGM battery.
Not only did AGM batteries meet power requirements in a less hazardous, more efficient way, the innovation of the glass mat meant that 12V deep cycle batteries could lose their rectangular shape, becoming cylinders and other odd shapes to fit their use.
The design of the glass mat separator also gives AGM batteries quite a bit of vibration resistance. This makes them perfect for motorbikes, quad bikes, boats, camping appliances, and other items which receive a good bit of bouncing, bumping, and vibrations.
Some other pros of using an AGM battery:
- Can last 4 to 7 years
- Cheaper three times cheaper than lithium batteries, for example
- Quickly recharge
- Perform well in temps below 0 and above 80
There are a few disadvantages to using an AGM deep cycle battery. They are:
- Reduced charge over time the AGM battery range (charge capacity) gets lower the longer in use
- Sensitive to overcharging, shortening lifespan
- Low specific energy load, making them unsuitable for some applications
Deep Cycle Gel Batteries
The gel in a gel deep cycle battery is a special type of thick silica gel that holds the sulfuric acid. The thick consistency of the silica gel doesnt move around much, meaning these batteries can be installed at all kinds of angles and positions without fear of leakage.
The chemistry involved in gel batteries produces little to no fumes, making them ideal for situations where there isnt much ventilation.
The use of the silica gel, as opposed to the typical water and sulfuric acid mixture, makes gel batteries virtually maintenance free.
Now, lets take a look at some other advantages to using a gel cell lead acid battery:
- No leaks - the gel doesnt go anywhere
- Install anywhere, in virtually any position
- Resistance to discharge death as long as they are properly charged
There are serious disadvantages to using gel batteries over AGM batteries, though, and we cant ignore them. Some of them include:
- Higher costs - AGM batteries outsell them 100 to 1
- Shorter life span - 2 to 5 years
- Operating temps of -20 to 45
- Heavier - the gel adds a lot of weight
- Lower power capacity than an AGM deep cycle battery
- Charging issues - a gel battery requires a specialized charger or you shorten the cycle life and cycling performance of the battery, whereas AGM deep cycle batteries do not
- Charging time - 5 times slower to fully recharge than an AGM battery
- Overheating - gel batteries have been known to overheat and even catch fire
Now, lets put all this together in a side-by-side comparison chart. Well look at the areas buyers are most frequently concerned with, and weve ticked each concern to show the battery that comes out on top.
AGM Gel Cost Lifespan Weight Charging Times Special charger needed Power capacity Operating temps Safety
As you can see, the AGM type deep cycle battery outperforms the gel type in almost every category. They are lighter, more powerful, longer lasting, can handle higher and lower operating temps, and dont require special equipment to keep them charged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Safe and Reliable to Buy Batteries Online?
You know it. Its what we do. Its how we operate. We wouldn't be in business if it werent. And just in case you need a bit more encouragement, weve written out the whys for you.
How Do Agm Batteries Stack up Against Flooded Batteries?
Your old-fashioned flooded batteries (deep cycle or otherwise) require regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure that the water cells dont run dry.
Not so with AGM deep cycle batteries. You also dont have the dangers surrounding the hydrogen gas that flooded batteries release when charging. And, theres no need to keep an AGM battery upright.
Whats the Recommended Discharge Rate of an AGM Battery?
Most manufacturers only recommend discharging your AGM deep cycle battery to 50%. Each discharge above 50% can shorten the lifespan of the battery significantly. For example, discharging to only 30% can result in up to cycles, while discharging to 50% each use can see that number drop to 750 cycles.
Buy Your AGM Deep Cycle Batteries from Us
We carry one of the safest, longest lasting AGM batteries available, the Fusion 12V 14Ah AGM. It provides 30% more lifespan than other brands. Its made of flame-retardant ABS plastic, too.
If using this battery in fire systems, you can get an extended 3 year warranty. And its approved for under the bonnet use, too, which is also covered by a warranty. Order your Fusion AGM deep cycle battery from us today.
Fusion 12V 14Ah
Deep Cycle AGM Battery
Are you interested in learning more about 300ah agm battery? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
34
0
0
Comments
All Comments (0)