User Manual

3939
LEAD-ACID BATTERY GLOSSARY
ABSORBED (OR ABSORPTIVE) GLASS MAT
A type of sealed lead-acid batteries. The electrolyte is absorbed in
a matrix of glass fibers which holds the electrolyte next to the plate and
immobilizes it, preventing spills. AGM batteries tend to offer good power
characteristics, low internal resistance and high charge efficiency.
AMP, AMPERE
Unit of electrical current. Abbreviated “A”.
AMP-HOUR, AMPERE-HOUR
Unit of electrical energy, one Amp of current flowing for one hour.
Abbreviated AH.
CELL
A single battery canister usually grouped together with other cells to form
batteries of various voltage configurations. Open circuit voltage (OCV) of a
charged and rested lead-acid battery is 2.1V/cell.
CYCLE
A “cycle” is a somewhat arbitrary term used to describe the process of
discharging a fully charged battery down to a particular state of discharge.
The term “deep cycle” refers to batteries in which the cycle is from full charge
to 80% discharge. A cycle for an automotive battery is about 5%, and for
telephone batteries is usually 10%.
ELECTROLYTE
An electrically conductive medium in which current flow is due to the
movement of ions. In a Flooded lead-acid battery the electrolyte is a solution
of sulfuric acid and water.
FLOODED CELL
A traditional lead-acid battery. The electrolyte is an ordinary liquid solution of
acid and water. Flooded cells are prone to off-gassing hydrogen during charge.
They must be periodically checked for fluid level and distilled water added as
necessary. Flooded cells are also typically less expensive than AGM or GEL-type
lead-acid batteries.
GEL
A sealed VRLA lead-acid battery. The gelified electrolyte used in these models
is a mixture of sulfuric acid and fumed silica. GEL batteries typically offer
extended cycle life over sealed VRLA AGM batteries when operating in higher
temperatures and are better-suited to slower, deep discharge applications.