hrvoje bregovic

Hello Troy,
I'm not keeping track of what my discharge is. As said above, only once to 11,8 V three years ago. In the morning it's usually 12,2 - 12,25. The charging starts with morning light. The question of "where did the water go" remains. And, finally  - it's a VRLA type of batteries.

Troy Rhodes wrote:In your first post, you ask if you should add water to your batteries, and then in your next post you say they are maintenance free...it can't be both.



Note that AGM batteries do not normally have any liquid electrolyte, and adding water would almost never be a good idea.

I think you got good advice to contact the manufacturer.


Good luck, and I would like to know what you find out.


How far do you normally discharge your battery bank?  - only once to 11,8 in 5 years

How was/is the battery bank monitored for depth of discharge? - no monitoring: the inverters never cut-out due to deep discharge until the said batt. went dead.



Thanks in advance,

troy

Hello, Troy,
here are facts on AGM: Absorbed Glass Matte or "AGM" batteries are the latest and greatest in lead-acid batteries. An AGM battery uses a separator consisting of fiberglass between the plate and wrappers to hold the electrolyte in its place with capillary action. Combining the lead plates, electrolyte, and fiber glass separation fibers in a confined space, AGM batteries create a "physical bond" by way of capillary action. Similar to how water creeps up a towel when it is put in a bathtub. This capillary action holds the liquid inside the glass matting, making the AGM Battery "spill proof" if it is ever exposed.

Now, surely the matte cannot hold unlimited qty. of liquid, so I guess my question remains. Thank you.

Galen Young wrote:Contact the manufacturer ask they for the proper maintenance of your batteries.

These batteries require no maintenance. Enjoy "out there in Maine" !

Have a "Sole" AGM battery that went dead after 4 years of service. No particular stresses during its life. One of the cells is dead and a sudden drop is read after applying larger load. It worked in a 4 pcs. battery bank (to provide 12 and 48 volts). Anyway, it seemed to be really dry after trying to measure voltage on each of the cells. After adding water, the dead cell went from 0,13 V to 1,96 in about 40 minutes. I then poured 1 liter of dist. water in all the cells and let it be for a day. Today, not a single drop would come out of the battery after I turned it upside-down. Does that mean it would be wise to fill the other (good) batteries with some quantity to eventually avoid their defect ? Could lack of liquid be the cause of damage ? Thank you out there !