AGM and gel technology in vehicles

VRLA automotive 12-V batteries for standard vehicle electrical systems 

To complicate the situation even more, many of the properties of an AGM battery are already exhibited by modern, totally maintenance-free batteries with liquid electrolytes. This is particularly true for starter batteries as they are only expected to have a service-life of about 2000 h, which is considerably less than one-tenth of that which industrial battery manufacturers claim their products achieve when used in constant-voltage, float-charging applications. As a result, a VRLA battery will be used in vehicles with conventional electric power systems only if its advantages over a flooded battery are really needed. These include the following. 

Vehicles with high cycling duty ( 0.1Ah km ). These include taxis with a comprehensive array of electrical consumers. A similar requirement is exhibited by emergency vehicles such as ambulances and by motor homes, where cycling duty is of major importance due to extended engjne-off periods with electric equipment in operation. Operating temperatures should, however, be moderate. 

Vehicles with batteries mounted within the passenger compartment. The batteries can be used to power safety and convenience apparatus, and can be so located because VRLA technology will not leak electrolyte even if the container is broken. 

These application scenarios exploit the high power density, the high cycling stability at moderate temperatures, and the advantageous behaviour in recovery from complete discharge that are provided by AGM technology. Such attributes justify the additional cost of AGM batteries. 

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