Lead-Acid Batteries are very popular. In fact, these batteries are commonly used in power systems and motor vehicles. Two of the most common lead-acid batteries are AGM batteries and Standard batteries.
The primary purpose of these batteries is to provide power. Both types of batteries use electrolytes to do the same. Now, a battery cannot provide power forever. It needs to be recharged regularly.
The electrolyte in these batteries contains acid, usually sulphuric acid. As you use the battery, electrons and the sulfur build up on the anode and cathode.
In contrast, when recharging takes place, these electrons and sulfur break away from the metal plates. Consequently, the electrons return to the electrolytes and can regularly move through the battery again.
Now that you know what happens when you charge a battery, we can delve into the AGM and Standard battery details.
We have mentioned the ways to charge both AGM and Standard batteries. In addition, we also mention a few tips that can help you improve the charge cycle of your battery!
Standard batteries, also known as Flooded Rechargeable Batteries, are some of the most commonly used batteries. These batteries have a liquid mixture that houses the electrons. This liquid mixture consists of acid and water. When you plug in this battery for charging, the electrons return to the electrolyte.
Charging these batteries is a simple process. On recharging, a strong signal pulse is emitted. The higher the frequency of this pulse, the faster is the charging process.
Charging tips for a Standard Battery
With any battery, the main problem that comes with charging is overheating. Overheating is a big problem for Standard batteries. The heat generated during charging causes the water in these batteries to evaporate.
Moreover, this process further increases the temperature of the battery. However, this problem is mostly seen in old batteries.
One advantage of Standard batteries is that you can use fast chargers for charging them. This is because the electrolytes present in these batteries are not affected by fast charging.
However, the drawback of fast charging is that water tends to evaporate faster. Moreover, this can cause overheating. Fast chargers from reliable companies usually do not cause such problems.
Unlike AGM batteries, you can regularly top off the water in standard batteries. This is because these batteries have a removable top. As a result, adding water whenever needed is very easy. Once this is done, the battery continues to function at its best potential.
AGM Battery Charging Process
Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries are dry lead-acid batteries. This means that you cannot add any water to it. As a result, they are commonly used as a replacement for Flooded-Cell Batteries.
Since you cannot add water directly, another way must be used to recharge these batteries. AGM batteries use the help of a catalyst to bring back the water that is lost. Platinum is used as the catalyst. With its help, an AGM battery can convert hydrogen atoms into water. These hydrogen atoms are created when you charge the battery.
The water that is created is absorbed by the glass mats present in these batteries. After that, the glass mats suspend the electrolyte so that any leakage does not occur. Subsequently, the battery continues to function as normal. However, be careful not to damage the catalyst present in these batteries. As they are sealed, if the catalyst is lost, it cannot be replaced.
Charging tips for an AGM Battery
Now that you know what happens when charging takes place, it is time to take a look at charging AGM batteries correctly.
It is recommended to charge the AGM battery low and slow. Adding low pulses over long periods prevents the battery from heating. Moreover, charging the battery slowly ensures that the battery does not overcharge. Overcharging and heating are very damaging to the battery and can hurt its charge cycle.
Apart from this, you must also ensure that you don’t undercharge the battery. Most manufacturers include labels to remind you of this very fact.
Batteries that do have this label usually come with monitors that can monitor the live status of charge in the battery. Also, these computers can slow the amount of charge entering the battery when it is almost full. This helps reduce the chances of the battery overheating.
Few manufacturers also include special chargers. These changers have special sensors to detect the charge status of your battery. As a result, they can stop charging the battery when it is fully charged. You can use these chargers if you are particularly forgetful about unplugging your battery from its charger!