My names Dave and i am a salesman and technical engineer for an online company that has supplied portable power products in the UK and worldwide for the past decade . Inverters, battery charger, batteries, solar panels and much more.
Have Joined to offer my advice and learn myself ....
Batteries are a huge part of any portable vehicle and choosing the correct type could save you hundreds of pounds
The most common battery for Marine, RV and solar applications is the lead-acid battery, but there are many kinds. First let's look at what makes them similar: Lead acid batteries use an electrolyte that consists of sulphuric acid, and plates made up of lead to chemically store electrons. These batteries consist of cells tied together to provide an adequate amount of electrical energy storage for the need. The lead acid battery stores a relatively large amount of power, for a relatively long time, in a relatively small space. This portable power makes these batteries ideal for these applications.
So what makes these batteries different?
Even though inside all AGM, GEL and flooded batteries contain lead acid, the internal construction of the battery divides them into their respective categories.
Absorbed Glass Matte or "AGM" batteries are the latest and greatest in lead-acid batteries. An AGM battery uses a separator consisting of fiberglass between the plate and wrappers to hold the electrolyte in its place with capillary action. Combining the lead plates, electrolyte, and fiber glass separation fibers in a confined space, AGM batteries create a "physical bond" by way of capillary action. Similar to how water creeps up a towel when it is put in a bathtub. This capillary action holds the liquid inside the glass matting, making the AGM Battery "spill proof" if it is ever exposed. Due to the tight packing of an AGM battery, it is also the most impact resistant, and boasts the least internal resistance. The lower internal resistance increases the output voltage, decreases charging time, and reduces losses to heat as power flows through the system. AGM Batteries then bring the trump card to the table, they are maintenance free. Premium AGM batteries recombine the gases produced internally, back into liquid. This recombination makes the AGM battery maintenance free. No acid leaks, no mess while charging, no corrosion on surrounding parts. You plug in these batteries and walk away. AGM batteries can do anything that flooded and GEL batteries can do, just better.
Flooded or "wet cell" batteries are the most commonly used batteries on the market today. Flooded batteries come in the widest variety of shapes and sizes due to their widespread usage in a multitude of industries and applications. Flooded batteries again use lead plates, a sulphuric acid electrolyte, and plate separators but that is where it stops. Usually flooded batteries are not sealed, and do not recombine the gases to liquids internally. Instead, these gases are vented externally. Internal gases produced are released directly to the environment. Through these same vents can flow acid, steam, and condensation, leading to maintenance. Flooded batteries do require maintenance, in the form of water, to routinely replenish lost electrolyte through the vents. Lead plates start to deteriorate when they touch the atmosphere, so if you fail to maintain your batteries, they will corrode and fail. Flooded batteries hold very good rates of charge for the price, but require more work. Unfortunately due to the internal construction, flooded batteries have the weakest internal construction, and some very high internal resistance statistics.
GEL cell batteries are also sealed just like the AGM battery listed above. That is where the similarities end. A GEL battery uses a silica (sand) to turn the sulphuric acid into a jelly like substance. This jelly is then used as the electrolyte. Great care must be taken with GEL batteries not to expose them to high amperage situations. High amperage situations can literally 'SCAR' the jelly inside of a GEL battery, creating a pocket. These pockets allow the plates to begin corroding, leading to premature failure. GEL batteries should not be used for fast charging/discharging, or high amperage charging/discharging situations. Use the other types listed above for these high amperage situations. GEL Batteries are slightly stronger in regards to internal construction than a flooded battery, but pale in comparison to the physical strength of an AGM battery.
In order to understand the difference in performance between each battery type it is best to use the Watt-Hours they are rated at.
I use an AGM battery with a roof mounted 80 watt solar panel,does the job great and knowing they can handle a bit of abuse and being flattened without lasting damage makes them worth the extra in my opinion. I rarely camp with hook up and this combination rarely gives me a problem even though i camp all year round.
What swung it for me was after dragging my AGM battery down the road for approx 3 miles (don't ask) it still worked despite a large chunk of the battery missing having been worn away by the tarmac. I used it for 2 more nights and replaced it when i got home. Lead acid would have been game over and the side of my caravan no doubt soaked in sulphuric acid.
Welcome aboard Dave, many thanks for the interesting info above.
They look the same so you assume they are the same but obviously not by your detailed post.
All depends on how and what you use it for really.
We have a seasonal pitch so all of our vans only even travel once to there and once when they are changed, thus for me normal "wet" lead acid was fine as it is contstantly charging via the EHU and never really gets discharged.
If I were to be touring then I would be looking for somthing that does not mind being deep discharged every once in a while perhaps when no hook up was available.
But then add to this that we Run a 5m Zodiac Rib (boat) out of the Gower and could never consider a wet battery, AGM is well suited as it is happy too with the high current requirements of starting the outboard.
Horses for course's really. Each will perform well in its intended use situation.
You are correct it does all depend on the individual requirements. However the majority of the time AGM batteries are always better suited they can withstand a high cold cranking to start an engine and discharge at a slower rate than conventional lead acid batteries..
For example an Exide 80AH lead acid battery can provide 350 watt hours before being discharged as 50% is the max... an Exide 80AH AGM battery can provide 900 watt hours as you can nearly 3 times the amount of power
An AGM battery will last 5-10 years with moderate use and the performance will not decrease over time... your standard lead acid battery if sealed and with moderate use will last around 5 years but the performance and discharge rate will not be same 2 years down the line as it was when new.
I have had my lead acid caravan battery for at least 6 years and works fine. My car battery came with the car nearly 6 years and 81,000 miles ago. Never had a problem with either and haven't had a lot of problems with batteries down the years. I think the manufacturers are trying to create a market for unnecessary 'high performance' batteries.
I don't know how trucks and heavy plant machinery have managed down the years with wet batteries. Its a mystery
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Topic: Different battery types information
