What is an Absorbent Glass Mat Battery?

An absorbent glass mat (AGM) battery is a type of lead-acid rechargeable battery that uses glass mat technology to separate the acid from the plates. Glass mats made of very fine fibers are placed between the positive and negative plates. These mats act as reservoirs for the sulfuric acid electrolyte and allow it to be suspended in place even when the battery is discharged or inverted.

Battery Construction and Absorbent Glass Mat Battery

AGM batteries have flat plates made of lead alloy instead of the spiral wound construction used in conventional flooded lead-acid batteries. The plates are surrounded by thin absorbent glass-fiber mats that retain the electrolyte within the battery plates. Separators made of highly porous glass fiber mats are laid between the plates to prevent physical contact and allow circulation of the acid electrolyte. Once assembled, the plates are immersed in an acidic electrolyte solution composed of water and sulfuric acid.

The key advantage of Absorbent Glass Mat Battery design is that the electrolyte is immobilized within the glass mat rather than floating freely in liquid form. This solves issues associated with liquid electrolyte such as acid spillage during usage or transportation. At the same time, it prevents stratification where stronger acid gets trapped at the bottom of conventional batteries. Immobilizing the electrolyte also means the battery can be used or stored in any orientation without acid spillage or stratification concerns.

How AGM Batteries Work

AGM batteries work on the same principle as conventional lead-acid batteries by utilizing a chemical reaction between lead plates and the sulfuric acid electrolyte. During charging, the lead plates react with the sulfuric acid to form lead sulfate and water. On discharge, this reaction is reversed to produce electricity, sulfuric acid and lead.

The difference is that in AGM batteries, the acid electrolyte is suspended in a glass mat material between the plates. This allows dynamic flow of acid during charging and discharging cycles without any liquid spillage. The glass-fiber mat pressurizes the battery and acts as a reservoir to hold acid in semi-solid gel phase. It equalizes acid distribution and ensures a plain level during all usage conditions.

Benefits of AGM Battery Technology

There are several advantages of AGM battery technology over conventional flooded lead-acid batteries:

- Maintenance-free: AGM batteries do not require any additions of water since the electrolyte is immobilized in glass mats. This makes them truly maintenance-free.

- Improved power performance: Immobilizing the electrolyte increases power output and faster recharge capabilities compared to flooded batteries.

- Superior charging acceptance: AGM batteries can be fully charged in a shorter time and continue to accept current even when fully charged.

- can be used in any orientation: The immobilized electrolyte prevents acid spillage, allowing flexible mounting in any orientation including sideways and upside down.

- Longer lifespan: Lack of electrolyte sloshing motion results in lower grid corrosion and longer battery life of 800-1200 charge/discharge cycles.

- No outgassing: AGM batteries do not produce hydrogen gas during charge like flooded batteries, making them safer for use in enclosed spaces.

- Lower self-discharge: Immobilized electrolyte reduces self-discharge from 5-10% per month in flooded units to 3-5% for AGM batteries.

Applications of AGM Battery Technology

AGM batteries are ideally suited for applications that demand frequent deep cycling, long useful life and low maintenance in different mounting orientations. Some key application areas include:

- Motorcycles, automobiles and vehicle starting, lighting and ignition applications.

- Marine batteries due to their sealed, low-maintenance design suitable for boat engines and electronics.

- Off-grid renewable energy systems such as solar and wind due to excellent charge acceptance properties.

- UPS systems, emergency lighting, security systems for their long-life and maintenance-free operation.

- Medical equipment, project backups that require batteries working for years with no watering.

- Wheelchairs, mobility scooters, golf carts and other specialty vehicles.

- Telecommunications systems like base stations and cell towers.

Key Points about AGM Battery Technology

AGM battery technology overcomes the key limitations of conventional flooded lead-acid batteries by immobilizing the liquid electrolyte in absorbent glass mats. This brings several functional, performance and safety advantages compared to traditional units. They have revolutionized applications involving deep cycling, flexible orientation and maintenance-free operation. With improving performance and reducing costs, AGM batteries are a preferred option in many application areas over traditional flooded batteries.

Get more insights on Absorbent Glass Mat Battery

For Deeper Insights, Find the Report in the Language that You want

French

German

Italian

Russian

Japanese

Chinese

Korean

Portuguese

Priya Pandey is a dynamic and passionate editor with over three years of expertise in content editing and proofreading. Holding a bachelor's degree in biotechnology, Priya has a knack for making the content engaging. Her diverse portfolio includes editing documents across different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. Priya's meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset in the world of content creation and refinement.

(LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/priya-pandey-8417a8173/)