The AGM battery was originally designed to complete two jobs: run electronics for a good, long time, and deliver a powerful burst of starting amps. They’ve become increasingly popular over the lasts few decades and are quickly become the preferred battery option for RVs, marine crafts, and as racing batteries.
But what are AGM batteries exactly? How do they work? Let’s explain that as quickly as we can:
What is an AGM Battery?
Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries utilize small glass mats that squish like a sponge to cushion the ultra-thin lead plates. Because of this, manufacturers can fit more and more glass mats into a single battery, thereby creating a solid, tightly-packed battery with more power than the original train light battery.
While they used to only be used as backup batteries for early computer rooms or even telephone boxes, today AGM batteries are used for almost everything: motorcycles, power banks for offices, and even in the military and air crafts.
How does an AGM battery work?
AGM batteries run thanks to fundamental chemistry based on lead, sulfuric acid, and water. As you draw power from your AGM battery, acid molecules transfer over to the lead plates, which leaves water and lead sulfate behind. Removing all the sulfuric acid from the solution creates a chemical reaction, a process that is reversed when you charge the battery.
When the developed electricity transfers the water into hydrogen and oxygen gases, a simple valve in your AGM battery prevents the evaporated water from escaping, thereby protecting the battery from losing the strength developed in the chemical reaction, helping maintain your battery’s lifespan and its power.
But that’s not all.
Remember those thin glass mats we mentioned? These mats help soak up water and sulfuric acid (electrolytes) into thin pillows to protect the lead plates. This allows your AGM battery to carry more charge in the soaked sponges rather than have free-flowing liquid sloshing around the battery. The full coverage of the glass mats make it easier for your AGM battery to draw power, also making it easier to recharge, making it a strong, quick, long-living, durable battery.
If you’re looking for high-quality AGM batteries, take a look at our range at Lifeline Batteries today.