As the use of portable electronics continues to increase, so does the need for battery storage devices. To meet these demands, a variety of rechargeable batteries have been developed, each with their own unique features and applications. The two most commonly used rechargeable batteries are AGM and Li-ion batteries, which are found in nearly all electronic devices and are essential components of these devices.
AGM Battery
AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries are a type of rechargeable battery known for being leak-free. You might also hear them called gel batteries because they use an agar gel electrolyte instead of the usual liquid one. They come in all shapes and sizes and are found in a bunch of everyday items like cell phones, cameras, laptops, and toys.
You’ll often find AGM batteries in portable power supplies, lighting, mobile phones, and digital cameras, among other electronic devices. They’re known as high-energy batteries because they pack a lot of power into a small space.
The AGM stands for advanced energy materials, and these batteries store a lot of energy using high-capacity electrodes. They use an innovative non-lithium cobalt material that swaps out lithium for sodium.
Advantages
- AGM batteries have a longer life and better energy efficiency compared to li-ion batteries.
- They’re safe to use in cold weather conditions.
- Generally, AGM batteries cost less than lithium batteries.
- They’re more eco-friendly and recyclable.
- You can recharge AGM batteries many times before they wear out.
- These batteries can handle high-power situations and are more resistant to heat and cold.
- They’re more durable and last longer than lithium batteries.
- AGM batteries are lightweight, affordable, and easy to carry around.
Disadvantages
- Their lifespan is shorter than some other battery types.
- AGM batteries can be more expensive than other options.
- They tend to self-discharge faster than alternative battery types.
- AGM batteries can be on the heavier side.
- They might not be suitable for every application.
Lithium battery
Lithium-ion batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that boasts a high energy density and remarkable storage capacity. These batteries come in a range of forms, from AAA to 9V, and are composed of three basic components: a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte.
They are renowned for their toughness and durability, earning them nicknames such as “rock-solid” and “indestructible.” This is due to their incredibly high energy density, which means that they contain an enormous amount of energy per unit volume; indeed, just one cubic inch of lithium-ion battery holds more energy than ten cubic feet of gasoline!
As far as long-term storage is concerned, lithium-ion batteries are second to none. Unlike other batteries, which gradually lose their potency over time, lithium-ion batteries can retain their full power for up to 15 years after they are first manufactured.
Rechargeable and perfectly safe for use with electronic devices, lithium-ion batteries are the most commonly used batteries in the world today. They come in all shapes and sizes and can be found in a vast array of electronic devices, from the remote controls in your car and home appliances to your cell phone and laptop. They are also found in a wide variety of everyday items, including hearing aids, pacemakers, and wheelchairs.
Advantages
There are a number of advantages to using lithium-ion batteries. For one, they have no memory effect, which means that you can charge them whenever you like without having to wait for them to be fully discharged first. They are also much safer than AGM batteries, and boast a much higher capacity. Furthermore, they are significantly lighter and last longer than AGMs, and are more stable at low temperatures.
Disadvantages
However, there are also a number of disadvantages to using lithium-ion batteries. For example, they can be dangerous to store and use, as they often lack safety features such as those found in AGM batteries. They are also flammable and can cause fires, which means that they must be stored in fireproof containers. Additionally, they are not recyclable, and contain high levels of toxic metals and other compounds. Finally, they are more expensive to produce and recycle than AGMs, and don’t last as long.
Choosing the right battery
When it comes to batteries, AGM (lead-acid) and lithium-ion are two popular options available on the market. The choice between these two types of batteries largely depends on your needs and requirements.
Charging time: Lithium-ion batteries typically have shorter charging times compared to AGM batteries, making them a more convenient option when you need to quickly charge your device while on-the-go. On the other hand, AGM batteries require a full night of charging to get a full charge, and need to be recharged every 1-1/2 to 3 years, depending on usage.
Depth of discharge: Lithium-ion batteries have the highest power density and can store the most energy per unit volume, making them ideal for portable electronics like cell phones, digital cameras, and mp3 players. However, they do have some drawbacks, such as degrading with use and having a memory effect after a certain number of charge/discharge cycles. AGM batteries, on the other hand, are economical and have a much lower power density than lithium-ion batteries, but don’t suffer from the problems associated with them. They also have an extremely high depth of discharge rating, which means they will still deliver 70% to 90% of their capacity after thousands of cycles.
Lifespan: Lithium-ion batteries have longer lifespans than standard AGM batteries, and are lighter and more powerful, but also more expensive. AGM batteries have a lifespan of 2 to 5 years, while lithium-ion batteries have a lifespan of 5 to 10+ years.
Rated capacity: It is the battery’s ability to hold a specific amount of electrical charge, measured in milliamp-hours (mAh). AGM batteries have a much higher energy density than lithium-ion batteries, which means you can get much more battery life from a single charge. However, the capacity of an AGM battery is only about 1/3 to 1/2 that of a lithium-ion battery, making them less desirable for portable electronic devices such as cell phones.
Temperature tolerance: Lithium-ion batteries are generally not as tolerant to high temperatures as AGM batteries, as they contain electrolytes that can evaporate when exposed to too much heat, causing the circuit to short and the device to malfunction. AGM batteries, on the other hand, are often preferred for pedalboards because they don’t have any electrolytes or fluids to leak and offer a higher level of protection.
Internal resistance: AGM batteries have higher internal resistance, but are reliable and have a longer life span. Lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, have excellent capacity retention and low internal resistance, but need to be recharged regularly due to high self-discharge rates.
Here’s a comparison of AGM and Lithium-ion batteries side-by-side:
| AGM BATTERY | LITHIUM-ION BATTERY |
|---|---|
| AGMs have a longer life span than Lithium-Ion batteries | But Lithium-Ion batteries can be recharged much more often |
| Higher internal resistance | Low internal resistance |
| Does not conduct electricity particularly well | Makes a good conductor of electricity |
| AGM batteries can be recharged by just connecting them to a regular 110v outlet | Li-ion batteries need special equipment to charge them |
| Used in everything from heart-rhythm monitors to MP3 players | Most often used in high-tech gadgets |
| AGM is not a highly reactive metal, so it is far less likely to cause problems if it comes into contact with the skin | Lithium is dangerous if misused or improperly treated |
| AGM batteries are much cheaper than lithium-ion batteries | Lithium batteries are expensive than AGM batteries |
| AGM batteries are safer and last longer than lithium batteries | Lithium batteries are dangerous and must be disposed of properly |
| AGM batteries cause memory effects | Lithium doesn’t have any memory effect like AGM batteries |
| Durable | Most durable |
| The AGM battery is safer for people and the environment than other battery types | Lithium-ion batteries have been tested in humans and found to be safe |
Conclusion
AGM batteries are a good option if you are looking for long-term durability, while lithium-ion batteries are ideal for playing needs and offer a longer lifespan. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your specific needs and requirements.