Understanding the Types of Lead-Acid Batteries

Lead-Acid Batteries are a well-understood technology and widely used for solar and off-grid
backup energy storage. A lead acid battery generates energy through chemical reactions, which
are reversible. However, if the batteries are not handled properly, there is degradation in the
battery performance as the physical damage can affect its internal structure.

Leading China Battery Manufacturers claim that lead-acid battery is often confused as a
separate technology altogether. However, the majority of batteries found in most modern day
vehicles are lead-acid, including AGM. Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries, along with
Flooded (or Wet Cell), Gel Cell, and Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB) are sub-sets of lead-acid
technology. The two most common types of battery are wet cell and absorbent batteries. The
first type requires regular refilling with distilled water, whereas the sealed type is maintenance
free.

FLOODED OR WET CELL BATTERIES They are the most common and economical lead-
acid chemistry. They have a liquid electrolyte solution, that is why they are known as
wet. Now, this liquid requires regular maintenance after charging and discharging cycles
and also of the electrolyte every 3-6 months. If a flooded battery is accidentally

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 overcharged, additional electrolytes can be added to the battery, making it more
resistant to improper charging. Care must be taken to avoid coming in contact with the
battery acid and must be installed in the vertical position.

ENHANCED FLOODED BATTERY It is an economical battery which is usually used in

micro-hybrid vehicles. It is designed in a way to withstand the cyclic demands of start-
stop vehicles. They are similar to flooded or wet cell batteries in a way that they too
have a liquid electrolyte solution but designed to handle two times higher cycling
endurance and roughly 16 percent increase in duty cycle. Despite its increased
performance for start-stop applications, EFB batteries are charged similar to standard
flooded batteries, and installed in the vertical position.

ABSORBANT GLASS MAT BATTERY They are the latest technology of non-spillable
batteries developed by China battery manufacturers. AGM batteries, instead of using a
gel agent, use a fiberglass-like separator that absorbs the electrolyte in place. The result
is they perform far better than the Flooded and Gel Cell batteries because they have a
low internal resistance, cycle down to 80-percent depth-of-discharge and charge up to
five times faster. Likewise the Sealed Lead-Acid batteries, AGM batteries are sensitive to
improper charging.

ADVANCED ABSORBANT GLASS MAT BATTERY Advanced absorbent glass mat battery
commonly known as AGM+ batteries are much more similar to the traditional AGM
batteries. But there exists one difference, they have higher cycling endorse and lower
internal resistance. These types of batteries are ideally used for micro-hybrid, start-stop
vehicles.

All in all, the most important aspect of the lead-acid batteries as recommended by China
battery manufacturer is the physical care of the batteries as their both charge and discharge
along with the mechanical treatment play a vital role in the battery longevity.

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