NEW AGM "Break-In"

[Shockah]

"Discharge 50% - Recharge Quickly"

^^^ I read that in a recent thread here, but can't find it now.

Is that recommended procedure for AGM Break-In?
Does it help to extend cycle life?

Thanks!

[Volusiano]

I don't know much about batteries but I recently bought an AGM battery to replace my motorcycle old/dead battery. It was not cheap, $75 from Walmart. You basically pour the liquid solution into the battery, wait for about 20-30 minutes for the liquid to gel up, then seal the whole and charge it up before using. There was no "break-in" instruction in the manual required.

So is there really a "break-in" procedure for AGM?

[Shockah]

So is there really a "break-in" procedure for AGM?

That's what I am asking...

[inetdog]

"Discharge 50% - Recharge Quickly"

^^^ I read that in a recent thread here, but can't find it now.

Is that recommended procedure for AGM Break-In?
Does it help to extend cycle life?

Thanks!

The closest thing I could find that was authoritative about the commissioning process for new batteries was http://www.solarpaneltalk.com/showth...ll=1#post67614

But that was in reference to FLA rather than AGM and also was the instructions from one battery manufacturer based on the specific process they use for manufacturing, shipping, and installation.

I do not recall seeing any similar instructions for AGM batteries. But to some extent the initial charge/discharge/recharge cycles change the mechanical condition of the active material on the electrodes and may affect initial capacity. But I have not heard of any effect on cycle life.
If the battery arrives in a low state of charge, then charging it immediately will have an effect on both capacity and cycle life down the line. But a controlled discharge would not be a mandatory part of that process.

Let's see what Dereck (Sunking) has to offer on this topic, since I am having problems locating my digital copy of the Battery Bible.

[Shockah]

The closest thing I could find that was authoritative about the commissioning process for new batteries was http://www.solarpaneltalk.com/showth...ll=1#post67614

But that was in reference to FLA rather than AGM and also was the instructions from one battery manufacturer based on the specific process they use for manufacturing, shipping, and installation.

I do not recall seeing any similar instructions for AGM batteries. But to some extent the initial charge/discharge/recharge cycles change the mechanical condition of the active material on the electrodes and may affect initial capacity. But I have not heard of any effect on cycle life.
If the battery arrives in a low state of charge, then charging it immediately will have an effect on both capacity and cycle life down the line. But a controlled discharge would not be a mandatory part of that process.

Let's see what Dereck (Sunking) has to offer on this topic, since I am having problems locating my digital copy of the Battery Bible.

Thanks...

My CRS ailment is acting up this weekend, but I vaguely remember it was Sunking who made the statement.
I believe he was addressing an issue PaulCheung(sp) was having.
Possibly on the same thread where Sunking used the comparison of CCA @ 7.2volts.
Sorry, I only retain bits and pieces.

I just read it last night, along with a bunch of other threads over a 4 hour period...

I tried site-search today but came up dry... :/

[inetdog]

I tried site-search today but came up dry... :/

I don't rely on the builtin Forum search, but I did try various Google searches with the qualifier "site:solarpaneltalk.com" and did not find anything either other then the thread I linked to.)

[Shockah]

I don't rely on the builtin Forum search, but I did try various Google searches with the qualifier "site:solarpaneltalk.com" and did not find anything either other then the thread I linked to.)

Thanks.

Hmmm,,, maybe they were being sarcastic with each other .

Well inetdog, if you're not aware of any AGM "break in" procedure, then I'd say it is safe to assume there is none.

[Shockah]

I don't rely on the builtin Forum search, but I did try various Google searches with the qualifier "site:solarpaneltalk.com" and did not find anything either other then the thread I linked to.)

BTW, it's midnight in Cali... what you doing online so late?

[inetdog]

BTW, it's midnight in Cali... what you doing online so late?

Nightlight savings time.

[Shockah]

I found it!!!

The Bits & Pieces I remembered were a bit inaccurate, but here it is...

Yes any new battery needs a few cycles to reach full capacity.

Any recommendations on DOD when cycling a new battery?

50% ought to do it. Just make sure you recharge immediately.

So, does this apply to AGM?

Thanks!

[inetdog]

The Bits & Pieces I remembered were a bit inaccurate, but here it is...







So, does this apply to AGM?

Thanks!

To some extent.
If you do not go below 80% SOC at any time it may take quite awhile in normal use to reach full capacity, but again it should not affect cycle life.

A lot depends on whether the manufacturer went to the expense of cycling the battery before shipping it.

[Shockah]

To some extent.
If you do not go below 80% SOC at any time it may take quite awhile in normal use to reach full capacity, but again it should not affect cycle life.

A lot depends on whether the manufacturer went to the expense of cycling the battery before shipping it.

Thanks...

the batteries I have been getting off the shelf are ±12.8v.

I went to Sams Club to check these out ...

They're $100 cheaper than Sears (Odyssey), but have been sitting on the shelf for 12-13 months.

[Mike90250]

.....They're $100 cheaper than Sears (Odyssey), but have been sitting on the shelf for 12-13 months.

at 12.8V they should be OK AGM have very low self-discharge when new.

[Shockah]

at 12.8V they should be OK AGM have very low self-discharge when new.

The (13 month old) AGM @ Sam's Club was down to 12.6 ... safe to buy?

Sam's offers only 12 month warranty (from date of purchase).

[Volusiano]

I hear that AGM self discharge rate is about 3% a month? So at 13 months, that's roughly 40% or so.

So there you go, you get the near 50% discharge that you're looking for already!