AGM Explained

• Improved active mass efficiency, through better absorption of the acid
• Increased lifespan due to minimal active material shedding due to battery design
• Higher cold start values
• Totally Maintenance Free – zero water consumption
• Spill proof/leak proof
• Designed to meet latest OEM vehicle demands
• Compatible with sensitive electronic equipment
• AGM technology now factory fitted to numerous luxury cars and “Stop – Start” vehicle where increased AGM battery features are required

Yuasa’s world leading motorcycle and industrial AGM (absorbent glass mat) technology comes to the automotive market. The Yuasa automotive AGM battery has been engineered to meet the growing extreme power demands of recently introduced vehicles now starting to enter the European aftermarket. Yuasa’s automotive AGM experience comes from vehicles such as the Mazda MX5 and the famous Toyota Prius and has now been launched for European vehicle battery designs.

The new Yuasa AGM European 096 and 019 sized batteries provide reliable starting whilst coping with the extreme power needs of the modern vehicle. Laboratory evaluation is boasting 4-5 times the cyclic durability of standard conventional flooded product and typically 16% higher starting power, even at lower temperatures. Increased reaction surface area ensures increased energy densities for faster engine rotation during starting and therefore maximising fuel efficiency.

The AGM batteries utilises the same absorbent glass mat technology as used in Yuasa Motorcycle and Industrial batteries which have been on the market for over 44 years (1965). This absorbent glass mat absorbs the battery’s acid, enabling a more efficient use of the cell’s volume without the need for electrolyte reservoirs, as needed with conventional flooded batteries. The absorbent glass mat gives a number of key benefits to the design of the lead acid battery:

• Within normal operating conditions, the use of the individual cell valve design and glass mat plate separation ensures gas recombination occurs and ensures that no water is lost therefore negating the need for electrolyte reservoirs and freeing the user from maintenance.
• One way venting system providing partial pressure in each cell ensuring 100% leak proof and safe handling.
• The acid absorption of the glass mat means that the battery packs can be operated under higher pressures than conventional flooded batteries this has benefits including significantly prolonging battery cycle durability by minimising paste shedding.
• The increased pack pressures of the AGM battery increase the batteries resistance to vibration.
• More reaction surface area ensuring higher starting capacity within the same footprint as conventional ?flooded batteries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the differences between flooded and AGM Lead Acid batteries?
A. See above, AGM batteries are built using a glass mat separator which enable all the electrolyte required by the battery to be stored within the glass mat, also allowing any gasses given off during charging to be recombined into water meaning that the batteries are totally maintenance free. The design benefits of the glass mat over conventional flooded batteries enable the battery pack to operate under higher pressure without the fear of insufficient electrolyte between the plates, leading to the step change in durability offered by AGM batteries over flooded. The quality of the glass mat is a critical item in ensuring the optimum life of the battery versus its application. This experience has been gained by Yuasa from over 44 years experience in the field using this technology. The automotive application battery designs are balanced with greater high rate starting performance and cycle life for the increased service/technological requirements of modern vehicle designs.

Q. What are the differences between GEL and AGM (starved) batteries?
A. Both are recombinant batteries (i.e. under normal operating conditions they recombine the gases given off during charging to form water) and both are classified as sealed valve regulated.

The major difference is that in the AGM, the electrolyte is fully soaked into a special absorbed glass mat separator which immobilises the acid, whereas in the GEL batteries the acid is mixed with Silica to form a GEL also immobilising the acid. The benefits of AGM over GEL are that with the use of absorbed glass mat, the battery pack can be operated under a greater operating pressure so improving cyclic durability. With GEL, similar pack pressure can not be used so durability is usually provided by increased paste density which is good for life but not as good for high rate startability performance as required for automotive applications.

Q. Why is charging voltage so critical to both GEL and AGM batteries?
A. Charge voltage is critical with these types of batteries as both are recombinant batteries. This means that the oxygen that is normally produced on the positive plate in all lead acid batteries recombines with hydrogen given off by the negative plate. The recombination of the hydrogen and oxygen produces water, which recycles back to the battery acid, therefore the battery is maintenance free and does not need topping up.

The sealing vent used in the design ensures that a positive internal pressure is maintained to ensure the recombination of the gasses occur and not allow the cell ?to dry out and fail.

In addition, the valve must safely release any excess pressure that may be produced during overcharging ?(e.g. alternator rectifier fault), otherwise the cell would be irreversibly damaged. The excessive pressure that the valve is releasing is both hydrogen and oxygen which can not recombined within the battery so breaks the cycle, ?net result is that battery would eventually dry out.

It must be noted that an AGM battery must never be opened once it leaves the factory, as sulphation could occur on the plates leading to an irreversible loss in performance.

Gel batteries are more critical to correct charging as overcharge can lead to the gel being irreversibly damaged, AGM are not subject to this failure mode and hence are more suitable for automotive use.

Q. Can I store my AGM battery in my garage during the winter or will it freeze?
A. As with flooded batteries, providing the batteries are kept ?in a charged state, batteries can be stored without any fears of freezing.

Q. Can I store my AGM battery on the garage floor?
A. Many people have the impression that when batteries sit on concrete the energy “leaks out”, the truth is that you can let any modern battery sit on concrete without fear of harm or accelerated self discharge.

This myth stems from the days of the old wooden/glass case batteries, where damp floors led to water soaking up into outer wooden cases causing swelling of the wood. In fact with modern batteries in hard plastic cases, concrete is generally an excellent surface on which to store a battery. The key issue is that the floor should not have any sharp objects which may damage the battery casing; there are no electrochemical reasons.

Q. Do AGM batteries have a memory?
A. No, this is only a function of Nickel Alkaline Battery system such as Nickel cadmium.

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Yuasa Number

Yuasa battery part numbers are based on the BBMS (British Battery Manufacturers Society) standard which has been used and understood by the UK aftermarket business for many years.

DIN Number 72310 1988

Used to identify battery types, the DIN (German Industrial Standard) Part Number system is traditionally used within Europe, but has now been replaced by ETN number system.
e.g. 560.49

• 1st digit – Voltage
  • 1-2 = 6 Volt Battery
  • 5-7 = 12 Volt Battery
• 2nd & 3rd digits – Nominal capacity
  • 560 = 60Ah @ 20 hour rate
  • 660 = 160Ah @ 20 hour rate
• 4th & 5th digits –  The unique code number referencing battery performance and features

ETN Number

The ETN (European Type Number) was introduced to replace the DIN Number during Europeanisation of Battery standards. The ETN is a combination of the DIN numbering system which facilitates the changeover and gives further technical details.

The introduction of the ETN system has led to nearly 2000 part numbers being issued during its formal control period up to 2006 and therefore can lead to added confusion if cross referencing of part numbers is required without the formal number index records. The control of number issue by Eurobat was disbanded in 2006 and subsequently issued numbers are now difficult to understand as no formal central records are kept and issued.
The 9-digit ETN offers additional information to the DIN 
numbering system.
e.g. 536 046 030

• 1st digit Voltage – 1-2 = 6 volt Battery, 5-7 12 volt Battery
• 2nd and 3rd digits – nominal capacity
  • 560 = 60Ah @ 20hour rate
  • 660 = 160Ah @ 20hour rate
• 4th, 5th and 6th digits – Unique code number
  • 5th and 6th digit can refer sometimes to older battery design and original DIN number (4th and 5th digits)
  • The unique code number gives details of endurance level, cold cranking performance level, vibration level, lid, terminal and clamping parts
• 7th, 8th and 9th digits – Cold Cranking Performance
  • There are 2 different EN ratings: EN1 and the EN2
  • This can cause confusion, as is unclear to the end user which standard is used, especially with the use of digital conductance testers which cannot currently test to both standards.
  • Details to which specification the battery is supplied to is hidden within the unique 
 code number.

Cold Cranking Performance (Amps)

The Cold Cranking Performance (CCA) measures the starting performance of the battery. In simple terms, the higher the CCA, the easier it will be to start the vehicle.

SAE (J537 Jun 1994 American Standard)

This is the starting test according to the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers). The test specifies that the battery at a temperature of –18°C will deliver a current equal to the Cold Cranking Amps for 30 seconds with the voltage staying above 7.2 volts (3.6 volts for a 6 volt battery).

Although subject to battery design, an approximation of SAE to DIN CCA relationship is:- SAE = (DIN x 1.5) + 40.
Battery performance drops off quickly with temperature, so this test is a good check of a battery’s starting ability. With a 10 second voltage of EN rating and its need to support 30 seconds to 7.2V, the SAE test gives a good view of high rate capacity capability of the battery.

DIN (German Industrial Standard at -18°C)

Again, as with SAE, the DIN test is carried out at -18°C. The fully charged battery is discharged to 6V with the rated test current. The voltage must be at least 9.0V after 30 seconds and the time to achieve 6V must be at least 150 seconds.

Although subject to battery design, an approximation of DIN to SAE CCA relationship is:- DIN = (SAE – 40) x 0.66.
Since the introduction of modern fuel injected vehicles and the need for fast starting, the DIN standard has lost favour amongst automotive vehicle manufacturers. Nevertheless, it does show a clear relationship with the amount of materials used within the battery, but not startability.

IEC (International Electro Technical Commission) (IEC 60095-1 Nov 2006)

Again, the IEC test is performed at -18°C . After a rest period of up to 24 hours after preparation (according to 6.2 of standard), the battery is placed in a cooling chamber with air circulation at a temperature of -18°C +/- 1°C until the temperature of the middle cell has reached -18°C +/- 1°C. The battery is then discharged according to the standard and is required to meet a voltage of 7.5V after 10 seconds and 7.2V after 30 seconds. the battery is then rested for 20+/-1 seconds after which the battery is discharged at 60% of the original current and is required to meet a voltage of 6V after 40 seconds, in accordance with table 7 of the standard. The IEC standard has a relationship between the SAE and IEN1 standard and for Yuasa batteries the SAE value can be assumed to equal IEC.

EN (EN50342.1A1 Nov 2011 Item 5.3)

The EN test also is performed at -18°C. The EN requirement is however split into two levels: EN1 and EN2.

EN1 – The battery is required to meet a voltage of 7.5V after
10 seconds; and after 10 seconds rest, the battery is further discharged @ 0.6 x original current and is required to complete 73s in the second stage, giving a total combined discharge period of 90 seconds (assume initial period equates to (10s/0.6) 
16.7 seconds.

EN2 – The first discharge is the same as EN1, but the second discharge period to 6.0V should achieve 133 seconds, giving a total time of 150 seconds. The discharge current’s ability to meet both designs is very much subject to battery design and can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and design to design. However, as an overview of our competitor benchmarking work at Yuasa, the relationship between EN1 and EN2 is:-
EN2 = 0.85% to 0.92% EN1

Due to this relationship, we usually display SAE as our standard to minimise confusion.

JIS (D5301: 1999)

The Japanese Industrial Standard test is carried out at -15°C. The automotive batteries are usually tested at either 150A or 300A with different 10s /30s voltage and durability requirement to 6V. For European applications, we believe this does not give as clear a view to the customer of battery startability and is rarely shown and used within the European aftermarket.

Marine Cranking (MCA)

This Marine cranking test is based on SAE CCA requirement but carried out at the higher temperature of 0°C, usually indicated on batteries as CA (Cranking Amps) or MCA (Marine cranking Amps) rather than CCA (Cold Cranking Amps). The cranking current (CA/MCA) is typically 25% higher than the corresponding SAE CCA marked battery. It is advised that this should be checked with respect to any Marine related cranking current enquires.

The number of automotive battery standards in the world 
market’s are numerous. Yuasa currently use the SAE CCA standard as a norm, giving a clear, balanced representation of battery cranking performance between startability and starting endurance.

According to EU1103: 2010 Capacity Marking Directive, Yuasa use capacity (20 hour) and EN1 CCA as specified in standard EN50342.1 A1 2011. Please note, due to algorithm issues in existing impedance testers on the market, all testing on Yuasa batteries should follow the old SAE algorithm (not EN or IEC as ranges are still specified against obsolete versions of the standard).

Reserve Capacity Minutes (EN50342.1 A1 Nov 2011 Item 5.2)

The Reserve Capacity is the amount of time in minutes that a battery at 25°C can deliver a current of 25 Amps until the voltage drops to 10.50V (5.25V for a 6-volt battery).

25 Amps represents a typical electrical load on a car under normal running conditions, so the Reserve Capacity gives an indication of the time that a vehicle with a normal electrical load will run with a broken alternator or fan-belt. This is a good, practical test.

Obviously, the more electrical accessories you turn off, the further you can drive the car.

Reserve Capacity was originally used to give an indication of the capacity of the battery if the then charging system (dynamo) failed and the duration of driving time left after charging warning light first appeared. With the greater dependability of modern vehicle charging systems the direct usefulness of reserve 
capacity to the automotive user has dropped, but does show the relative drop off in battery performance as the discharge current 
is increased.

Ampere-Hour Capacity at 20 Hour Rate (Ah) (EN50342.1 A1 Nov 2011 Item 5.1)

The Ampere-Hour Capacity measures the total amount of electricity stored in a battery.

An Ampere-Hour represents the amount of electricity when a current of 1 Ampere passes for 1 hour.

The Ampere-Hour Capacity varies with the rate at which the battery is discharged; the slower the discharge, the greater the amount of electricity that the battery will deliver.

The Ampere-Hour Capacity is the amount of electricity that a battery will deliver during 20 hours before the voltage falls to 10.50V. For example, a 60Ah battery will deliver a current of 3A for 20 hours.

Recommended Charge Rate (Amps)

This is the recommended current for charging batteries with a constant-current charger.

For more details, see Section G of ‘All You Need To Know About Batteries’.

Dimensions – Length (mm)

This is the dimension over the longest part of the battery, including the hold-down if fitted.

Dimensions – Width (mm)

This is the dimension over the widest part of the battery, including the hold-down if fitted.

Dimensions – Height (mm)

This is the overall height of the battery to the tops of the terminals if these are proud of the lid.

Weight with Acid (kg)

This is the average weight of the battery as supplied.

Cell Layout

Cell layout and polarity diagrams can be found in the ‘diagrams’ tab on each Yuasa battery product page. Alternatively, the battery’s datasheet can be downloaded.

Terminal

Information about the type of terminal fitted to the battery can be found in the ‘technical specification’ tab as well as the ‘diagrams’ tab.

Container Features

Again, information about container hold-downs and other features can be found in the ‘diagrams tab’ on each Yuasa battery product page.

Handles

Information about whether the battery is fitted with carrying handles can also be found in the ‘technical specification’ tab.

End-Venting

There are now several batteries in the range that have end-venting, rather than the normal venting through the individual vent-plugs.

Information about whether the battery is fitted with end-venting at the negative end can be found in the ‘technical specification’ tab.
The battery is fitted with a gassing outlet according to EN60095-2 + EN50342.2 2007 item 5.5.3 and Figure 10 to allow remote venting of the battery.

State of Charge Indicator

A clever floating ball and prism device fitted to one cell of the battery to give a quick visual guide to battery state of charge and electrolyte level within the battery. If concerns are noted, it should be used as advice to seek further engineering support.

Lid Features

An indication of lid design feature which may be specific to vehicle fitment:-

• Block – T shaped lid feature to give recessed area for terminals, and for European types this is sufficient for top clamping according to IEC 60095-2 and EN50342.2 007 item 5.5.1.
• Flat – Flat lid feature with no raised plugs which could interfere with manufacturers top clamp frame.
• Raised plugs – Raised vent plug design sitting above the top face of the lid.

Semi-Traction Features

These make the battery suitable for applications in which there is some cycling (e.g. vehicles with tail-lifts).

GS Yuasa Automotive Online Battery Look Up Tool

GS Yuasa endeavour to incorporate the most up to date and accurate information into the online battery look up tool. We gather the OE data and compare this information against the batteries in our range. We then output a match between original battery fitted by the vehicle manufacturer and the GS Yuasa battery range.

Inevitably there might be marginal differences in CCA and Ah between what was originally fitted and the battery in our range. The very small differences involved will not have a detrimental effect to the electrical system within the vehicle.

Notes

Throughout the life of any Lead Acid vehicle battery the capacity will slowly reduce due to aging effects and usage. At the end of battery life, the lack of capacity and subsequent drop in voltage may cause electrical error codes. When a new battery is fitted any error codes caused by the old battery could remain. When the vehicle is then presented to a garage, an assumption might be made that the new battery has caused the problem. Small variances in Ah between OE and aftermarket batteries will not cause electrical problems of this nature.

Battery standards such as EN50342.1, allow for variances in actual Ah and the label rating, to account for variances in manufacturing. These differences will be evident in OE batteries as with any after market battery.

 

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Auxiliary Battery Overview

Modern vehicles with CO2 reduction technologies, high levels of specification, and new electronic driver aids may feature an auxiliary battery alongside the main vehicle starter battery or high voltage system battery on Hybrid and electric vehicles. Auxiliary batteries vary in size and specification dependent on the demands placed on it by the vehicle electrical system and can be used as a safety back-up to support the main battery when required or to provide voltage for specific vehicle systems all of the time.

IC Dual Battery Systems

The dual battery system isolates all power supply sensitive electrical components which may be affected by low voltage from the primary battery during the engine starting phase.

Two contact switches are used to change the power supply into two separate circuits when an engine start is required.

Electrical power is then supplied to the sensitive electrical components from the secondary battery when an engine start is in progress.

The primary battery supplies power to the starter motor and maintains essential power to the Engine Management System (EMS) which is essential for engine starting.

Primary and secondary battery voltages are monitored to ensure sufficient voltage is available for the next start event and charge can be supplied to the secondary battery when required.

IC Dual Battery System Components

System components:

1. Starter motor
2. Primary battery
3. Power & EMS loads
4. Field effect transistor
5. Contact switch 1
6. Contact switch 2
7. Secondary battery
8. Sensitive loads
9. Alternator
IC Dual Battery System Operation

System Conditions – Start Required

• Contact 1 open
• Contact 2 closed

The primary battey supplies the starter motor and the secondary battery supports power supply sensitive components

System Conditions – Engine Running

• Contact 1 closed
• Contact 2 open

The primary battery is being charged by the alternator and the secondary battery is isolated from the circuit.

If the system detects a low auxiliary battery voltage contact 2 will remain closed once the engine is running to enable the auxiliary battery to be fully charged by the alternator.

Once the auxiliary battery is fully charged contact 2 will open to prevent damage to the axuiliary battery and reduce alternator and consequently engine loads to save fuel and reduce emissions.

 

Hybrid Vehicle Auxiliary Battery

Most Hybrid vehicles such as the Toyota Prius feature a conventional 12 Volt auxiliary battery in addition to the high voltage hybrid system battery.

The 12 Volt battery is not used for engine starting or to power the traction motors but is used to supply power to:

• Accessory systems
• Headlights
• Audio systems
• Computer controls

 

Electric Vehicle Auxiliary Battery

Electric vehicles such as the Mitsubishi i-miev feature a conventional 12 Volt auxiliary battery in addition to the high voltage traction battery.

The auxiliary battery is not used by the traction motor but is charged by the traction battery and is used to support all of the electrical systems on the vehicle with the exception of:

 

• Air conditioning
• Heating system

 

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Introduction: Car batteries are the heartbeat of your vehicle, providing the necessary power to start the engine and operate various electrical components. As automotive technology advances, so do the types of batteries available on the market. Among the newer options are Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) and Enhanced Flooded Battery (EFB) technologies, designed to offer improved performance and reliability. In this blog post, we'll delve into the differences between AGM and EFB car batteries to help you make an informed decision when choosing the right power source for your vehicle.

What are AGM and EFB Batteries? AGM and EFB batteries are both types of lead-acid batteries, commonly used in modern vehicles, especially those equipped with start-stop systems and other advanced electrical features. While they share some similarities, such as their basic composition and function, there are distinct differences in their design and performance characteristics.

Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Batteries: AGM batteries are constructed with a unique design that incorporates absorbent glass mats sandwiched between the battery's plates. These mats are saturated with electrolyte, allowing for better retention and distribution of the acid solution. This design feature enhances the battery's durability and resistance to vibration, making AGM batteries ideal for vehicles with demanding electrical requirements.

Key Features of AGM Batteries:

1. Enhanced Durability: AGM batteries are highly resistant to vibration and shock, making them suitable for rough driving conditions.
2. Maintenance-Free: Unlike traditional flooded batteries, AGM batteries are sealed, eliminating the need for electrolyte maintenance.
3. Faster Recharge: AGM batteries have lower internal resistance, allowing for quicker charging and higher output currents.
4. Deep Cycle Capabilities: AGM batteries can withstand deeper discharges without suffering damage, making them suitable for vehicles with frequent start-stop cycles.

 

Choosing the Right Battery for Your Vehicle: When selecting a battery for your vehicle, it's essential to consider your specific driving habits, vehicle requirements, and budget constraints. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

1. Vehicle Compatibility: Consult your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations to determine whether AGM or EFB batteries are compatible with your vehicle's electrical system.
2. Performance Requirements: If your vehicle features advanced electrical systems or frequently undergoes start-stop operation, AGM batteries may offer superior performance and longevity.
3. Budget Considerations: While AGM batteries typically command a higher price point than EFB batteries, they may provide better long-term value due to their durability and maintenance-free operation.
4. Environmental Conditions: Consider factors such as temperature extremes and driving conditions when selecting a battery type, as these factors can impact battery performance and lifespan.

 

 

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Introduction: Your car's wheels are more than just round rubber and metal. They rely on a complex interplay of components to ensure smooth and safe operation on the road. Among these crucial parts are wheel bearing kits, wheel hubs, and wheel nut sets. In this in-depth guide, we'll explore these essential components, their functions, importance, and maintenance tips to enhance your understanding and help you optimise your vehicle's performance.

Understanding Wheel Bearing Kits: Wheel bearing kits consist of bearings, seals, and sometimes hubs, designed to support the wheel's rotation and maintain its alignment. Here's what you need to know:

1. Function: Wheel bearings enable smooth wheel rotation by reducing friction between the wheel hub and spindle.
2. Importance: Properly functioning wheel bearings are essential for safe driving, as worn bearings can lead to wheel wobble, vibration, and compromised vehicle handling.
3. Maintenance: Regular inspection and replacement of worn or damaged wheel bearings are vital to ensure optimal vehicle performance and safety.

Exploring Wheel Hubs: Wheel hubs are the central component of the wheel assembly, connecting the wheel to the vehicle's suspension system. Here's why they matter:

1. Function: Wheel hubs provide a mounting point for the wheel, allowing it to rotate freely while supporting the vehicle's weight.
2. Importance: Intact wheel hubs are crucial for maintaining wheel alignment, stability, and proper functioning of the braking system.
3. Maintenance: Periodic inspection and maintenance of wheel hubs, including checking for signs of wear, play, or damage, are essential to prevent potential issues and ensure safe driving.

Delving into Wheel Nut Sets: Wheel nut sets secure the wheel to the hub, ensuring proper alignment and preventing wheel detachment. Here's what you should know:

1. Function: Wheel nuts, along with wheel bolts or studs, fasten the wheel to the hub, providing a secure connection.
2. Importance: Properly tightened wheel nuts are critical for preventing wheel loosening or detachment while driving, which can lead to accidents or damage.
3. Maintenance: Regular inspection of wheel nut torque and condition, as well as replacement of worn or damaged nuts, is essential to maintain wheel security and safety.

Importance of Maintenance: Regular inspection and maintenance of wheel bearing kits, wheel hubs, and wheel nut sets are crucial for vehicle safety and performance. Adhering to manufacturer recommendations and promptly addressing any signs of wear, damage, or looseness can prevent costly repairs and ensure a smooth and safe driving experience.

Conclusion: Car wheel components, including wheel bearing kits, wheel hubs, and wheel nut sets, are integral to your vehicle's performance and safety on the road. By understanding their functions, importance, and maintenance requirements, you can ensure optimal operation and longevity of your vehicle's wheels. Regular inspection, proper maintenance, and timely replacement of worn or damaged components are essential practices to enhance vehicle safety and driving experience.

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