AGM batteries are a popular option for car owners and commercial vehicles. AGM batteries can withstand an extreme amount of vibration, which makes them the perfect choice for high-stress situations!
While the majority of batteries, like lead-acid and nickel-cadmium, may not last as long as their more modern counterparts, they still have a lot to offer. Here’s a quick overview of what an AGM battery is and how it works.
What is an AGM Battery?
AGM batteries are a subset of lead-acid batteries that have a gas gauge sensor to monitor the charge. When the charge level reaches a preset point, the device shuts down to prevent overcharging. This technology makes AGM batteries more environmentally friendly than traditional lead-acid batteries. AGM batteries also have a longer shelf life and are less likely to cause fires.
How Does an AGM Battery Work?
An AGM battery, also known as a “constant voltage battery,” is a type of lead-acid battery that uses an automatic lead-acid charger to maintain a set voltage. This type of battery is typically used in portable devices because it offers longer runtimes than other types of batteries and can be discharged and recharged multiple times without losing its charge.
The basic principle behind an AGM battery is that the liquid electrolyte is kept at a very low concentration inside the battery cells. When the battery is charged, the high current causes the liquid electrolyte to boil, which forces gas bubbles into the cells. The pressure from these bubbles forces the liquid electrolyte up against the electrodes, forming a seal that prevents water from entering or escaping.
This seal also keeps gases from entering and exploding inside the battery, which is why AGM batteries are considered safe for use in devices that will be operated under high pressure (like jet engines).
The voltage and capacity of AGM batteries remain constant even after being repeatedly depleted and recharged. This makes them a good choice for devices that require a constant power supply, such as medical equipment or surveillance systems.
The primary difference between an AGM and traditional lead acid batteries is the maintenance procedure. An AGM battery requires no periodic charging as regular lead acid batteries do; it only needs to be recharged when it falls below a certain threshold.
Final Word
The pressure within an AGM battery is generated by a gas filler, making it a subset of the lead-acid battery family. This pressure forces the electrolyte solution within the cells to be forced into and up against the separator, which in turn keeps the electrodes from coming into contact with each other. Longer battery life and fewer cell explosions are the results.
