AGM technology in batteries

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Batteries are used in many industries, but transport equipment is closest to the mass consumer. And in the same area, the weak points of such batteries are most clearly manifested. Problems in the operation of batteries are caused by the nuances of ergonomics, maintenance and maintaining optimal reliability in different applications. At the same time, some of the shortcomings were minimized with the help of Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) technology back in the 1970s. A new approach to the organization of the internal space, also associated with a change in the characteristics of the electrolyte, is relevant today. Moreover, AGM technology has undergone many adjustments throughout its existence and today allows the development of batteries with fundamentally improved qualities. However, such batteries are not spared from the shortcomings.

Technology overview

The peculiarity of this technology is due to the principles of the content of the so-called bound electrolyte. So, if in classic batteries liquid electrochemical filling is used as an active substance, then in AGM systems a dense electrolyte is used. Accordingly, this gives at leastincreased vibration protection. In terms of household treatment with such blocks, many note the convenience and reliability. But these are not all the features that characterize AGM technology. The absorbed electrolyte, which is most often used in such batteries, has a considerable number of advantages in itself. In practice, its use is noted for its resistance to temperature and the ability to withstand a large number of charges. The implementation of the concept of a bound electrolyte requires a special arrangement of the case and internal filling.

Block design

The case is made of high-strength plastic, which houses a set of electrode plates. As a rule, the latter are made of lead, which makes such designs related to classical blocks. The main difference lies in the properties of the electrolyte, which is represented by an aqueous acid solution. This is a kind of acid that fills the space of the body to ensure subsequent reactions between the electrodes. Actually, the difference is due to the fact that the filling is not a liquid, but a solid state. Typically, manufacturers use a microporous material based on glass fiber to ensure this condition. It is impregnated with electrolyte and thus forms a tight bond between the internal components of the block. The filler also acts as a separator, preventing the solution from spreading. However, the AGM technology may provide for other ways to tightly bind an electrochemical substance, but the essence of the method remains the same - to ensure the reliability of the content of the active element without losing the basic function.battery.

Varieties of AGM batteries

Battery models of this type are made in flat or spiral forms. This refers to the device of the electrodes. Spiral components are characterized by extensive surface electrochemical contact, which in practice increases the ability to provide high currents for a short time. In addition, many motorists note the rapid replenishment of the energy potential. But, on the other hand, models with flat electrodes outperform spiral ones due to the balanced specific capacity of the battery. By the way, gel blocks and traditional lead-acid blocks differ in similar qualities. With AGM technology, a planar configuration is only optimized, allowing in an established format to provide the highest battery performance.

Similarities to GEL technology

This is a group of gel batteries that are also being developed according to the concept of bonded electrolyte. Only in this case, a different principle of providing viscous filling is used. For this, silica gel is used, which completely covers the entire space of the block. Like the AGM technology, the GEL battery manufacturing technique provides vibration resistance and reliability of the electrochemical filling as a whole. In this regard, the main advantage of gel batteries is the elimination of the risk of a short circuit. A tight fit to the electrodes does not allow them to collapse over time, and the electrolyte also effectively copes with its function, interactingthrough the pores of the filler.

According to experts, models of this type are capable of withstanding about 1200 charge cycles. Budget devices allow you to replenish the charge 500-600 times. AGM technology achieves similar performance. The advantages and disadvantages of both designs are generally similar and lie in the features of the interaction of electrodes and electrolyte. But there is also a difference in operational nuances that are only noticeable in practice.

Which is better - AGM or GEL?

To begin with, it is worth emphasizing that gel devices are more expensive than AGM models, although this does not indicate their obvious advantage. So, giving preference to designs with absorbed electrolyte is for those who want to be sure of the resistance of the filling to high-power discharges. In addition, such blocks benefit from the rapid replenishment of the energy reserve. At the same time, AGM and GEL technologies hold the charge approximately equally stably - in any case, if we compare models from the general price group. As for the advantages of gel cells, they perform better under high loads - for example, after a deep discharge or in the presence of external electrical interference. To this we can add the rigidity of the filler, which does not allow the physical destruction of the filling, while maintaining the integrity of the same electrode. Gel models in the latest versions are developed to strengthen the strength quality, but progress in this direction is hindered by the inevitable decrease in electrical properties.block.

Advantages of technology

If we compare the benefits of technology against the general background of batteries, then the absence of the need for maintenance will come to the fore. Further, we can emphasize the dignity that applies to all devices made according to the principle of a bound electrolyte. It is a sealed, valve regulated design that minimizes the risk of acid leakage. That is, it speaks of the reliability of the block in terms of physical handling, and of its environmental safety. This property, by the way, characterizes both expensive branded batteries and low-quality low-quality models. AGM technologies protect the internal filling as much as possible, which also contributes to an increase in the efficiency of electrochemical processes. Here again, you can return to a large number of charge cycles, fast replenishment of energy and stable operation of the electrodes.

Flaws

Most of the disadvantages of this type of battery apply to all lead-acid devices. For example, this applies to the large weight, to the toxicity of lead oxide, as well as to restrictions on the organization of storage conditions. In particular, manufacturers do not recommend storing blocks in a discharged state. In addition, contrary to popular belief, experienced motorists note that in frosty conditions a decrease in performance is manifested. This refers to the voltage fluctuation, which is usually reduced. Many also point tothe impossibility of restoring the element after a deep discharge. This is another point on which AGM technology is inferior in reliability to GEL developments. However, provided that even the general rules for using such batteries are observed, such troubles can be completely avoided.

Battery guidelines

To prevent sulfation of batteries, it is recommended to always keep them at their optimum charge. As the capacity is lost, the working life of the active elements is also reduced. Also, short circuits in the terminals should not be allowed. Although AGM battery developers are working hard to improve the reliability and functional details of the case, it is important to observe the correct external connection. By the way, this is especially true for operations during which AGM batteries are repaired. Technologies for manufacturing new generation batteries also increase the mechanical strength of the case, but even taking this aspect into account, one should not rely too much on the durability of the plastic used for the shell. An opened AGM battery is no less dangerous than traditional lead-acid batteries.

Technology applications

Of course, modern batteries with improved performance properties are used not only in cars. Products based on AGM technologies are used in power supply systems, public service stations, telecommunications, etc. The possibility of autonomous power supply is also in demand inmedicine - to maintain the operability of equipment in emergency situations. But, since AGM technology in batteries does not exclude the use of heavy and toxic hazardous metals, manufacturers also impose restrictions on their operation.

Producers

The domestic battery market is saturated with models of various types, including AGM elements. In particular, the initial segment represents products from Ventura, Optima, as well as some modifications from the Stinger line. However, the highest quality batteries with AGM technology, according to many motorists, are offered by Delta and Varta manufacturers. In addition, in the families of these companies, you can find different modifications of blocks for any request.

How much does an AGM battery cost?

Much depends on the technical characteristics, the quality of the materials used and the capacity, but on average prices vary from 10 to 20 thousand rubles. The cheapest batteries of this type cost about 5-6 thousand. If you buy a model for an electrically demanding car, then you can immediately turn to the segment from 20 thousand. This is how much high-quality and reliable AGM batteries cost. Technologies for organizing the content of absorbent electrolyte in this price level are most beneficial, although they also do not exclude the disadvantages characteristic of the general class.

Conclusion

The appearance of breakthrough technologies in various fields often causes a stir in the market, but over time everything returns to its normal course andthe consumer still prefers traditional products. This is due to the fact that the developers of new solutions in advertising focus on the merits, not always fully disclosing information about the shortcomings. So in this case, but experienced motorists and just specialists are well aware of both the pros and cons that AGM technology gives. Lead-acid batteries, even with a dense electrolyte, do not cease to be sensitive to voltage drops, require the same safety measures, and at the same time are not cheap. Nevertheless, in some cases this option will fully justify itself. AGM batteries meet the needs of those motorists who focus on the mechanical strength of the battery, its durability and performance. But these qualities can be preserved for many years only if the rules for battery operation are observed.