The development of the AGM battery was a collaborative effort among several companies and researchers in the mid-20th century.
AGM technology continued to evolve, and by the 1970s and 1980s, AGM batteries started to find applications in commercial and industrial sectors, particularly in telecommunications, UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) systems, and emergency lighting due to their reliability and maintenance-free operation.
In the 1990s, AGM batteries became more widespread in the automotive industry. They were utilized in vehicles with advanced electrical systems and start-stop technology due to their ability to provide high cranking power, fast recharging, and resistance to vibration.
The internal structure of an AGM battery consists of several key components:
- Lead Plates: AGM batteries contain lead plates, which serve as the positive and negative electrodes. These plates are typically made of a lead-calcium alloy to improve their durability and reduce water loss during charging.
- Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM): AGM batteries feature a fiberglass mat separator that is saturated with electrolyte (usually sulfuric acid). This mat is placed between the lead plates and acts as a sponge to hold the electrolyte in place, preventing spillage and allowing for a maintenance-free design.
- Electrolyte: The electrolyte in AGM batteries is typically sulfuric acid (H2SO4), which is absorbed into the fiberglass mat. This electrolyte facilitates the electrochemical reactions that occur during battery discharge and recharge cycles.
- Battery Case: The battery case houses all the internal components and provides physical protection and containment for the electrolyte and other materials.
