AGM vs Flooded Batteries: What You Need to Know

Most companies use rechargeable batteries to operate their vehicles, workplace equipment, or renewable energy systems. The most commonly used is the lead acid battery. This mature technology is known to be reliable, durable, and cost-effective. However, under the lead acid battery category, there are many different types to be aware of. This article will discuss the differences between Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) and Flooded batteries.

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Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) and wet cell or “flooded” batteries are lead batteries and contain an electrolyte solution that causes a chemical reaction and produces electrons. These batteries are recharged when put in contact with a reverse current. But, given how they are designed, they each have pros and cons, and you should consider these variations before use.

What is an AGM Battery

Absorbed glass mat batteries, or AGM batteries, became popular in the 1980s. They were used to power motorcycles, military, aircraft, and submarines, but now you can find them in everyday cars and trucks.

AGM batteries are a maintenance-free alternative to traditional flooded lead-acid batteries. They are designed to provide powerful bursts of starting amps and run electronics longer. 

How do AGM batteries work

An AGM (absorbed glass mat) battery contains a special glass mat separator that wicks the electrolyte solution between the battery plates. This material’s design enables the fiberglass to be saturated with electrolytes – and to store the electrolyte in a “dry” or suspended state rather than in free liquid form.

As the battery works, the electrolyte is transferred from the glass mat to the battery plates as required. The mat contains enough electrolyte for the battery to deliver its total capacity, and – should the battery case become damaged, or the battery is tipped on its side – its electrolyte will not spill.

Pros and cons of AGM batteries

Pros

• Maintenance free
• Long service life
• High current delivery
• Extremely low-maintenance: Does not require watering service, which lowers operating costs
• Can perform better than flooded batteries in applications where maintenance is complex to perform
• Can be installed sideways -- electrolyte will remain inside

These batteries are called maintenance-free batteries and do not require watering service. Since there is no free liquid and minimal gassing, AGM batteries can perform better than flooded batteries in applications where maintenance is complex.

Cons

Users should take care when charging this battery as over, and under-charging can affect their life and performance. AGM batteries perform most reliably when limited to discharge no more than 50% of battery capacity.

• Take care when charging; over- and under-charging can affect life and performance
• Limit discharge to 50% of battery capacity for the best reliability
• Often higher up-front cost than lead-acid batteries (often 3X+ cheaper than lithium-ion, though)

AGM batteries are often found in off-grid power systems, including environmentally friendly renewable energy systems like wind and solar power. They are also great for electric vehicle service, uninterrupted power supply systems, robotics, and some ATVs and motorcycles.

What is a Flooded Battery

Possibly the most “traditional” type of battery, wet or flooded batteries are widely used in cars, stationary (large) uninterrupted power supplies, and of course, stand-alone energy systems. These batteries contain a combination of liquid electrolytes. The liquid in these batteries must be carefully measured and maintained to perform correctly.

How do Flooded batteries work

Flooded batteries use a liquid electrolyte-containing medium to trigger a chemical reaction. When the battery is connected, acid bonds to the lead plates. This causes a reaction that sends an electric current through the attached circuit. 

Pros and cons of Flooded batteries

Pros

Wet Cell batteries are typically the best for backup power applications, utility, and grid energy storage. Additionally, they are more cost-effective when compared to AGM batteries.

• Extended lifespan
• 100+ years of improvements and proven field use
• Highest ROI and lowest operating costs (50% - 90% less expensive than other chemistries
• Easy maintenance

Cons

Most of the cons of flooded batteries stem from the fact that they contain free liquid that requires periodic inspection and maintenance.  Flooded batteries can also be inadvertently damaged in forceful movement. Extreme climates can significantly affect the battery life because the electrolyte solution inside the battery can evaporate or freeze.

• Requires periodic inspection and maintenance. 
• It can be inadvertently damaged in forceful movement.
• Extreme climates may have a more significant effect on battery life due to evaporation or freezing.

While flooded batteries require maintenance, if taken care of properly, this type will last longer than many of its counterparts.

With AGM and flooded batteries, following the manufacturer's instructions for charging and maintenance is essential to secure optimum performance. If you are careful about connection processes, charging, and a safe storing environment, you are taking the necessary steps to protect your battery investment.

AGM vs Flooded Batteries: What You Need to Know

An Overview of AGM Batteries

AGM batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that can be used for electric vehicles, boats, ATVs, motorcycles, and they’re often used in off-grid power systems. They have special features that make them suitable for these types of jobs, but they also have some disadvantages. In this article, we'll give you an overview of AGM batteries and how they differ from other types of rechargeable batteries.

What is an AGM battery?

An AGM battery is one that uses an Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) inside the battery. This is a special type of glass material that acts as a sponge, soaking up any extra water in the battery. You can tell if your product has an AGM by looking for “AGM” on the label, or by using the model number to look it up on the manufacturer’s website. If you're not sure where to look, ask us! If you have a CROWN battery or are interested in one, the specifications for our batteries are available online to review.

AGM batteries are ideal for use in situations where you don't want your battery to be damaged by water or humidity. They're also great for marine applications because they can withstand the salinity of seawater.

AGM batteries are filled with electrolyte and sealed, which means they don't need to be topped off or refilled like a flooded battery would. This makes them ideal for use in applications where there is little chance of access to water, such as a marine environment or off-grid power supply.

AGM Batteries vs Regular Batteries

AGM batteries are also known as “maintenance-free” or “dry” batteries because they do not contain liquid electrolyte. The electrolyte is replaced with an absorbent fiberglass mat material that allows for more efficient conversion between electrical energy and chemical energy. This design also means that these types of batteries do not leak acid like regular lead-acid batteries.

In addition to being maintenance free, AGM batteries have other advantages over traditional lead-acid models:

• More efficient than regular batteries
• Durable
• Longer-lasting
• Charge faster
• Can be stored in any position without affecting performance (whereas traditional models should be kept upright)

How are AGM Batteries Different than Deep Cycle Batteries?

AGM batteries are more expensive than traditional deep cycle batteries, but they are also more durable. They can be mounted in any position and can take a lot of abuse. AGM batteries are also more resistant to shock and vibration than regular batteries, which makes them ideal for use on motorcycles or in other applications where there is a lot of movement. AGM batteries are less susceptible to heat than traditional deep cycle batteries, so you will experience less power loss during long-term storage or high-heat days.

Do AGM Batteries Need to be Charged Differently Than Other Batteries?

AGM batteries do need to be charged, however you should never charge an AGM battery with a charger meant for a lead-acid battery, or vice versa. To charge an AGM battery, make sure you have a charger that is designed for this type of battery, which may be different than the charger that was included in your car or boat’s onboard equipment.

Whether or not a charger can be used for AGM batteries should be noted on the charger’s label.

Benefits of AGM Batteries

AGM batteries have a number of benefits over regular lead-acid batteries:

• More efficient and last longer than regular batteries
• Environmentally friendly
• Less toxic than traditional gel or flooded cell batteries
• Durable
• Increased safety because they do not allow hydrogen gas to escape during charging or discharging cycles

The main benefit of AGM batteries is their energy density. This means that they can store more energy per unit weight than other types of lead-acid batteries. This makes them ideal for applications where weight is a major factor, such as in marine or RV applications where space and weight can be limited.

Another benefit of AGM batteries is that they can be recharged more often than other types of lead-acid batteries without causing damage to the battery. This makes them ideal for applications where frequent charging is required, such as in emergency lighting systems or backup power supplies.

AGM batteries also have a longer lifespan than traditional lead-acid batteries. This is because they can withstand more charge cycles before losing their ability to store energy. In addition, AGM batteries are also more durable because they do not contain any liquid chemicals which could leak out of the battery if it is damaged during use or transport.

How to Choose an AGM Battery

1. Consider Reserve Capacity

Look for a battery with a high reserve capacity. This means that the battery can deliver more amperes (current) for longer periods of time, and has a low internal resistance, which means that it is not prone to overheating or overcharging.

2. Check the life span

Select a battery with a long life span. Check how many years you want the battery to last — this will depend on how often you use it and how much power it provides.

3. Check for reliability, safety, and maintenance needs

Choose one that is reliable, safe, maintenance free and environmentally friendly. If possible, try comparing standby performance rather than just starting performance because this gives a better indication of what happens when the engine is off but still running other equipment like lights.

If you are buying a battery for an emergency power supply, look for one that has been tested at least once per year and labeled as “spill proof”. This will make it easier to transport and store.

If you need a battery for your car, look for one that has the correct voltage and amperage capacity. This will ensure that it fits your vehicle and can handle the electrical requirements of all its components. If you are planning to get a deep cycle battery, ask how many cycles it can provide before needing replacement — this will depend on how often it is used and how much power it provides.

If you are planning to get a deep cycle battery, ask how many cycles it can provide before needing replacement — this will depend on how often it is used and how much power it provides. If you are buying a battery for an emergency power supply, look for one that has been tested at least once per year and labeled as “spill proof”. This will make it easier to transport and store.

An AGM battery can save you time and money

An AGM battery will cost more than a regular lead-acid battery — but it'll last longer and save you money in the long run.

They last longer than regular batteries. Because they don't have any liquid inside them, AGM batteries have fewer components to fail, so they last longer than traditional car batteries.

They're more efficient than regular car batteries. In addition to lasting longer and costing less over time (in terms of maintenance), AGMs are also less toxic and easier on the environment than other types of automotive power sources because they don't contain any corrosive liquids; this makes them safer for disposal after use as well as for recycling once their useful life is done with.

So, we’ve looked at a few key ways in which an AGM battery can be helpful. For one thing, they offer excellent performance in a wide range of temperatures. They also have high discharge rates and are generally easier to maintain than other kinds of batteries. We hope this guide has helped you understand more about the benefits of AGM batteries and how they might fit into your energy usage and storage needs.

What’s next?

They’ll walk you through your options – and give you insights so you can decide whether Crown’s AGM batteries are right for you.

For more What is the difference between an AGM battery and other batteries?information, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.