AGM Batteries
 

anyone have any experience with the Absorbent Glass Mat batteries from Cabela's? Thinking of buying 2 on wednesday and could use some feedback.

Re: AGM Batteries
 

I researched those a while back. For some reason there seems to be three different versions with three different charging methods. Nobody tries to explain why or how to tell which one you have. They sound like they would be wonderful if you can get some straight technical info.

Re: AGM Batteries
 

I have no experience with the Cabelas units,
but I use AGM batteries in my off-grid solar setup.
I went for the AGM instead of the usual flooded lead acid because they can take a much deeper discharge without getting ruined.
I got mine from:
http://www.batterywholesale.com/
with good results, if you don't mind the headaches of freight shipping.

Re: AGM Batteries
 

I do NOT recommend AGM batteries in deep cycle service.
For carefully monitored standby/float service they are ideal. In backup/solar power storage AGM batteries can function adequately, and with minimal maintenance over their life cycle, but require very careful and narrow voltage control parameters.
If an AGM battery is deeply discharged it is very difficult and somtimes impossible to bring back to life.
Several deep discharges will destroy most AGM batteries.
In a well designed ( shallow discharge) system, with very good controls, including TEMPERATURE compensated charge profile, properly calibrated LOW VOLTAGE load disconnect, and prompt recharging after each partial discharge cycle an AGM battery bank can give long service, and may well be economically attractive.
A haphazard program of 'discharge until the inverter stops working', and then charging it up for 5 or 6 hours while the generator is running will probably NOT maximize the life of an AGM battery bank.
DEEP cycle Flooded lead-acid batteries are still the best bargain in terms of life cycle and usable kilowatts stored per dollar cost.

Re: AGM Batteries
 

AGM batteries are routinely used in renewable and off-grid power systems. AGM batteries are low maintenance and do not release toxic gases as a typical flooded lead-acid battery will.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for charging and maintenance and you will be fine.

Re: AGM Batteries
 

Yes this is exactly my understanding as well. Note that AGM does not release gases, which is a big reason for using them in UPSes. However very large UPS installations often use the cheaper batteries. Besides, most power outages for e.g. datacenters and offices last less than 5 minutes.

Re: AGM Batteries
 

Sulfation goes through the roof when you discharge any lead acid battery below 2 volts per cell. Even with flooded technology, I'd be leery of "discharging" until the inverter goes dead.

AGM batteries came into existance to solve physical movement, vibration, and orientation issues. They are most like Gel cells, or SLA batteries.

I wouldn't build my primary system out of SLA batteries number one due to the cost. I'd also want access to the electrolyte for testing and maintenance issues as well. I think it would almost be mandatory.

Now if you had an application where environmental factors dictated that you needed to orient the battery in a strange fashion, or absolutely couldn't risk electrolyte leaks then I'd go AGM.

Re: AGM Batteries
 

FWIW....expensive as heck but i have had excellent results..........3 years so far using Optima spiral wound agm batterys(blue tops) in my fishing boat....both for the starting battery and my seperate 24v troll motor setup.....

most of you understand troll motor ussage so enuf said

be intresting to see how long they make it so far so good

Re: AGM Batteries
 

Well, i think i'll hold off for now while i do some more research.
I will mainly be using these to run smaller inverters (less than 1000 watts) and a battery powered pallet lift.
And i see the Cabela's batts are "dual purpose" starting/deep cycle.
Thanks for all the replies so far. good info...

Re: AGM Batteries
 

FYI:
http://www.windsun.com/Batteries/Battery_FAQ.htm