Benefits of AGM Battery

What is an AGM Battery?

This a type of VRLA or valve-regulated lead-acid battery. First manufactured in 1980s, AGM batteries stand for Absorbent Glass Mat.

Initially created for the US military, AGM Battery Manufacturer soon started making them for commercial purposes too considering how lightweight and safe they were.

AGM batteries have a host of benefits over other flooded lead acid batteries which make them a popular choice today.

Generally used for portable, power hungry electronic devices and off grid systems with a requirement of copious amounts of energy and low maintenance.

An AGM battery consists of an ultra slim, woven fiberglass mat that is saturated with acid. Approximately, a 5% of the acid is wrung out and then sandwiched between two plates where it is either soldered or welded to fix in place permanently. This allows AGM battery to have all the benefits that it does.

The Benefits

1. No shape restrictions

The battery may be shaped into any form such as circular, tubular, and bent along with the typical shape. This allows these batteries to be fit into any orientation, thus saving space and resulting in a more compact design.

2. Light weight and safe

Made up of fiberglass, these batteries are lightweight – one of the primary reasons these were used for the US military. The mat absorbs up the electrolyte so that in case of any accidents, little or no spillage occurs.

These properties make them paramount for use in places where acid spillage must be avoided at all costs.

Consequently, AGM batteries can also be transported without being labeled as a hazardous material.

3. Efficient

AGM batteries have the least internal resistance losses and the lowest self discharge rate when compared to other conventional battery types.

These batteries also do well at low temperatures.

4. Reliable

Considered being virtually maintenance free, you will not need top these up every six month. The water retentive properties prevent any emission of hydrogen gas. There is no build up of sulfation so these can be stored for extended periods as compared to other types.

5. Quick charging

One of the many favorite characteristics, AGM batteries can charge up to five times quicker than a typical battery even in deep cycling. It also offers a depth of discharge of up to a whopping 80%, when compared to flooded battery types which offer a 50% to get the same cycle.