SunXtender Technical Manual

Document No. 6-0100 Rev. H
Page 12 of 43
Table 3-2. Comparison of Sun Xtender® AGM Batteries with Gel Batteries
Characteristic
Sun Xtender® 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 Sun Xtender® versus other AGM Batteries
Sun Xtender® 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 Sun Xtender® AGM batteries with typical AGM batteries from other
manufacturers is provided in the following table:
Table 3-3. Comparison of Sun Xtender® AGM Batteries with Other AGM Batteries
Characteristic
Sun Xtender® 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.