Lifeline Technical Manual

Document No. 6-0101 Rev. D Page 5 of 38
CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION
1.1 Company Background
Concorde Battery Corporation was founded in 1977 and is a manufacturer of premium quality
lead acid batteries. Originally, Concorde’s main product emphasis was dry charged and gelled
electrolyte lead acid batteries. In 1985, Concorde developed its valve regulated, absorbent
glass mat [AGM] technology for use in aircraft applications. The success of this technology in
the aviation market has been outstanding. Concorde is now the largest manufacturer of valve
regulated lead acid batteries for both commercial and military aircraft.
In 1986, Concorde further developed the AGM technology for deep cycle applications. This
development effort provided higher energy density (higher capacity) and better cycle life than its
gelled electrolyte battery. Concorde soon discontinued the gel product line and concentrated all
engineering developments on the AGM product line. In 1987, Concorde began supplying the
marine and recreational vehicle market with our deep cycle AGM batteries. Over the years it has
been our design expertise, quality and customer focus that has made Concorde a leader in
providing the best battery available for this market segment. Concorde is committed to the
proposition that the customer deserves the best performing and highest quality product. Our
batteries are tailored to the application rather than make the designer/user settle for what is
available. It is this commitment – to meet the needs of the customer – that sets Concorde apart.
1.2 Overview of Lifeline® AGM Technology
Lifeline® AGM batteries are valve-regulated, recombinant gas, absorbed electrolyte, lead acid
batteries. The cells are sealed with a pressure relief valve that prevents gases within the battery
from escaping. The positive and negative plates are sandwiched between layers of glass mat
consisting of a blend of glass micro fibers of varying length and diameter. This blend features
superior wicking characteristics and promotes maximum retention of the electrolyte. An
envelope of micro porous polyethylene surrounds each wrap of glass mat to further protect the
plates from shorting. Electrolyte is absorbed and held in place by the capillary action between
the fluid and the glass mat fibers. The mat is over 90% saturated with the electrolyte. By design
it is not totally saturated with electrolyte, a portion is filled with gas. This void space provides the
channels by which oxygen travels from the positive to the negative plates during charging.
When the oxygen gas reaches the negative plate, it reacts with lead to form lead oxide and
water. This reaction at the negative plate suppresses the generation of hydrogen that otherwise
would come off the negative plate. In this manner, virtually all of the gas is “recombined” inside
the cell, eliminating the need to add water, resulting in “maintenance free” operation.
Furthermore, since the acid electrolyte is fully absorbed in the AGM separator, the battery is
nonspillable even when turned upside down.
1.3 About this Manual
This manual is intended to provide the customer with technical information for selecting,
installing, operating, and servicing Lifeline® AGM batteries. The next Chapter provides a
detailed description of the product, its design features and materials of construction. Concorde
is very proud of this innovative product line and we think you will share our enthusiasm.
Chapter 3 provides a comparison of Lifeline® with other lead acid technologies: flooded-
electrolyte batteries, gelled-electrolyte batteries, and AGM batteries from other manufacturers.
Chapter 4 presents an overview of the battery specifications for the Lifeline® product line;
detailed specifications for each model are published separately. Chapter 5 provides instructions
for storing, operating and servicing Lifeline® AGM batteries. Chapter 6 gives important safety
information. Further technical information can be found in the Appendices. If you have
additional questions beyond what is covered in this manual, please contact Concorde Battery
Corporation or any of our distributors.