Technical Manual

Document No. 6-0101 Rev. F Page 12 of 40
Table 3-2. Comparison of Lifeline® AGM Batteries with Gel Batteries
Characteristic
Lifeline® AGM Battery
Gel Batteries
Electrolyte Stability
Excellent – AGM acts like a flexible
sponge and ensures good contact
between electrolyte and plates.
Prone to solid / liquid separation leading
to premature failure. Electrolyte loses
contact with plates due to cracks and
voids as the battery ages, especially at
higher ambient temperatures.
High Rate Performance
Excellent due to low internal
impedance.
Inferior. Plate spacing must be greater
to allow for gel passage during filling.
Gel adds to impedance, especially at low
temperatures.
Sensitivity to Charging
Voltage Levels
Moderately sensitive. Life is
somewhat reduced if charged
outside of recommended charge
voltage levels.
Very Sensitive. Life is greatly reduced if
charged outside of recommended charge
voltage levels.
Charge Acceptance
Rate
Excellent. Battery can be fully
charged in 2 hours if high inrush
current is available.
Inferior. Must limit in rush current and
charge time is at least twice as long to
reach full charge.
3.3 Lifeline® versus other AGM Batteries
Lifeline® AGM batteries have been specifically designed for true deep cycle, long service life
capability in adverse temperature and handling conditions. Concorde uses extra thick positive
plates, high density paste, thick AGM separator layers encased within a microporous
polyethylene envelope, thick walled containers with epoxy-sealed covers. A side by side
comparison of Lifeline® AGM batteries with typical AGM batteries from other manufacturers is
provided in the following table:
Table 3-3. Comparison of Lifeline® AGM Batteries with Other AGM Batteries
Characteristic
Lifeline® AGM Battery
Other AGM Batteries
Positive Grids
Extra thick grids (typically 0.095” or
greater) and extra thick plates
(typically 0.105” or greater), for long
cycle and float life.
Thinner grids, typically 0.045 to 0.060”.
Pasted Plates
High density positive paste for long
cycle life.
Lower density, resulting in lower cycle
life.
AGM Separator
Extra thick for maximum electrolyte
reserve. Premium grade of AGM with
extra fine fibers for long life.
Thinner material used. Inferior grade of
AGM without the extra fine fiber content.
Microporous
polyethylene
separators
Envelopes the positive plate to
prevent shorting due to shock,
vibration and dendrites
Not present, AGM is the only separator
protecting the plates.
Intercell connections
Massive over the partition connectors
provide a robust, leak proof
connection with low voltage loss.
Inferior through the partition welds have
less cross-sectional area, provide
weaker structural connection, and are
leak prone.
Battery Terminals
Copper alloy – low electrical
resistance and no exposed lead.
Lead alloy - higher in electrical
resistance and user is exposed to lead
contamination.
Container
Thick wall for rigid support of cell
elements and high compression of
AGM separator.
Thinner walls, less support of cell
elements and lower compression of
AGM separator.
Cover Seal
Cover is epoxied to container – high
strength bond for reliable operation at
temperature extremes.
Cover is heat sealed (melted) to
container – prone to separation and
leakage at temperature extremes.