An AGM battery, or absorbed glass mat battery, is a type of lead-acid battery in which the electrolyte is held in an absorbent glass mat (AGM) separator instead of flowing freely in the cells. This separator absorbs and contains the electrolyte, preventing spillage even if the case is broken.
AGM batteries are commonly used in automotive applications where they are often referred to as maintenance free batteries. They are also used in other applications where spillage would be problematic, such as golf carts and wheelchairs.
AGM batteries have several advantages over traditional lead-acid batteries:
1. They can be mounted in any orientation - traditional lead-acid batteries must be mounted upright to prevent spillage.
2. They require less maintenance - there is no need to add water to an AGM battery, as there is with a traditional lead-acid battery.
3. They are more resistant to vibration and shock - this makes them ideal for use in vehicles where there is a lot of movement and vibration.
4. They have a higher discharge rate - this means they can provide more power when needed, such as during start-up of a car engine.