AGM batteries

mena661 wrote:

beemerphile1 wrote:
Maybe I don't understand the term equalize? I thought equalize is the stirring of the electrolyte. Since neither AGM or gel have electrolyte (liquid), how would equalizing be beneficial?

AGM still has electrolyte.

Of course they have electrolyte, so do gel cells. However it isn't a liquid as compared to typical flooded. AGM electrolyte is a saturated mat of fiberglass cloth.

Does the electrolyte in that saturated cloth flow/pour? If it doesn't flow/pour, I question the benefit of equalization.

beemerphile1 wrote:
Maybe I don't understand the term equalize? I thought equalize is the stirring of the electrolyte. Since neither AGM or gel have electrolyte (liquid), how would equalizing be beneficial?

AGM still has electrolyte.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VRLA_battery

red31 wrote:
I thought equalize meant to make equal when different cells were unequal, uneven sulfate.

This is equalizing.

Almot wrote:

Puzzles me.

The big question remains - WHEN. Lifeline manual officially says - when 20% capacity has been lost. Lifeline engineers in that sailor's blog that you must remember, unofficially said to equalize once a month if you don't charge them fully every time, otherwise the lifespan shortens a lot.

Other manufacturers simply don't say anything on the subject.

Oh well, is it another endless debate coming?

Confusing to me also. MEX says they can all use Lifeline's EQ/conditioning routine but not all will say you can. What makes Trojan so different than Lifeline or Deka. It's all basically the same construction and chemistry. Or maybe it isn't??

Fullriver batteries:

Refresh charge
If Fullriver batteries are properly charged they should never require an equalizing charge. If they were not properly charged and there is a decrease in capacity, recharge the batteries and make sure they complete the entire charge cycle. If the batteries are stored for extended periods of time, recharge them as follows:

I thought equalize meant to make equal when different cells were unequal, uneven sulfate.

I note that Lifeline claims an Equalizing charge can be used to provide a Conditioning charge for Lifeline batteries as follows ...

semantics to me. While 'trends and tendencies' seems vague, I think it is better than blindly following.

Maybe I don't understand the term equalize? I thought equalize is the stirring of the electrolyte. Since neither AGM or gel have electrolyte (liquid), how would equalizing be beneficial?

mena661 wrote:
Deka lists an equalizing voltage but no instructions that I can find on when to perform that procedure.

Puzzles me.

The big question remains - WHEN. Lifeline manual officially says - when 20% capacity has been lost. Lifeline engineers in that sailor's blog that you must remember, unofficially said to equalize once a month if you don't charge them fully every time, otherwise the lifespan shortens a lot.

Other manufacturers simply don't say anything on the subject.

Oh well, is it another endless debate coming?

IMO best to consult the manufacturer's instructions. The Trojan User's Guide for instance says:

"WARNING Do not equalize deep-cycle AGM or gel-cell batteries."

Almot wrote:
Only Lifeline aka Concord has recommendations and instructions on how and when to equalize their AGM - they call it "conditioning".

Deka lists an equalizing voltage but no instructions that I can find on when to perform that procedure. I'd go with what MEX says on that.

One of the teachings many give about AGM's is "Do Not Equalize" yet the manufacturers give instructions for equalizing on their web sites.

Fact is.. Equalize "AS NEEDED" not based on a calendar. but if the batteries seem to be loosing capacity, Give it a try. Battery type (With one exception) does not matter here.. DO NOT EQULIZE GEL CELLS (of curse 100 amp hour class Gel Cells and larger.... Kind of rare,, AGM very common, Gel, usually have amp hour ratings in the single digit range and even those have been replaced by AGM in many cases).

There is no real 6v vs 12v debate in AGM batteries. Chemistry is the same.

I have used Optima and Lifeline. I recommend Lifeline for the RV as it has more power for the occupied space.