To improve the serious decline of Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery capacity, you can follow these steps.
1. Proper Charging
- Use a Smart Charger: A smart charger can adjust the charging rate based on the battery’s condition and prevent overcharging.
- Correct Voltage Settings: Ensure the charger is set to the correct voltage for AGM batteries (typically around 14.4-14.7V for bulk charging and 13.2-13.6V for float charging).
- Avoid Overcharging and Undercharging: Consistently overcharging or undercharging can significantly reduce battery life. Ensure the battery is charged to full capacity regularly.
2. Regular Maintenance
- Clean Terminals: Keep battery terminals clean and free of corrosion.
- Check Connections: Ensure all connections are tight and free from corrosion to maintain good electrical contact.
3. Temperature Management
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Keep the battery in a controlled environment to avoid exposure to extreme temperatures. High temperatures can cause faster degradation, and very low temperatures can reduce capacity.
- Insulation: Use insulation to protect the battery from extreme cold if it’s stored in an unheated area.
4. Proper Storage
- Fully Charge Before Storage: Ensure the battery is fully charged before storing it for long periods.
- Periodic Charging: If the battery will be stored for a long time, charge it periodically (every few months) to prevent deep discharge.
5. Equalization Charge
- Perform Equalization: Occasionally perform an equalization charge (a controlled overcharge) to balance the charge among all cells and prevent sulfation. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for equalization.
6. Avoid Deep Discharges
- Shallow Discharges: Try to avoid deep discharges. Keeping the discharge depth shallow (e.g., not below 50%) can significantly extend battery life.
- Use Battery Monitors: Install battery monitors to track the state of charge and avoid deep discharges.
7. Sulfation Removal
- Desulfation Chargers: Use a desulfation charger or a charger with a desulfation mode to help remove lead sulfate crystals from the plates. This can help recover some lost capacity.
8. Quality Products
- Use High-Quality Chargers and Accessories: Ensure all accessories, including chargers and connectors, are of high quality and suitable for AGM batteries.
By following these steps, you can help maintain and potentially improve the capacity and lifespan of your AGM battery.
