Lifeline AGM Opinions

[Pblais]

Mark,

The charge rate was another feature. You can push energy into an AGM faster, though I don't recall exactly how much.

There is yet another factor that is important that you missed. The rate is different (if using a smart regulator) and that is a plus but because the internal resistance of an AGM is lower the amount of energy you have to use is actually lower too. So if you recharge your bank with a motor generator you will use less fuel. So it is not just the rate of charge but the amount of charge.

Regualtion is the most important part of making a battery bank last long and charge fast.

[hellosailor]

Typically, you can charge wet lead at 1/5"C" and AGM at 1/4"C", so there's a 20-25% difference in the charging times required, depending on which way you look at it, and assuming the charging system can pump out the power.

[Pblais]

I think there are just too many ways to get this all wrong as far as setting everything up properly then trying to actually measure the real measuremnts. Stories are just stories.

You'll find some other battery / charging posts by our moderator "RICK". Rick is just someone that has worked for compaines that remain nameless, likes to boat (RV too I seem to recall) and can even write well. FWIW, we all consider him just about as good as you can get with this electrical stuff. There is a thread going on about smart 3 stage chargers now search around and you'll see lots more related to all this.

For myself I had some problems on my boat and I happen to run into a guy that taught DC electronics to the Army helicopter mechanics, then retired and worked in boat yards until he had a stroke and his wife put him on short leash. He just works for a few days a week now. he can sort out a rats nest of wires quite fast. You need to start at one end and go all the way through from alternator, charging, and regulation not to mention just good wiring practices. Just the battery isn't going to get you all the way done.