Duracell AGM

[jeff88]

Came across this while looking for "normal" batteries. I didn't know Duracell made AGM batteries. Has anybody every used a Duracell AGM (or any other Duracell starter battery) before?

Duracell AGM Battery

[Cobb]

I recall see energizer starter batteries once in either price club or fx back in the day.

[American Viking]

I've used AGM batteries for years in motorcycles, and recently I put an Exide AGM into the Lincoln.
Most batteries, even name brand AGM's are made in a few handful of factories and then labeled. Ever see a Yuasa battery with a Green seal (for an interstate)?

Honestly, I doubt that we will see lead acids around much more, and I think even AGM's are on the way out.

Gel and Li batteries are latest stuff.
In fact I can't wait to see a LiFePo sized for the monster battery in my Jetta(s)

[redpoint5]

The problem with LiFePo4 is that it becomes permanently damaged when charged in sub-freezing temperatures. Smart charging combined with a heating system would need to be implemented to protect the battery.

Since I sometimes ride my motorcycle in freezing temperatures, I've decided to run supercapacitors only, and forgo the battery.

[Cobb]

I want to give that a try, but the kits I see on ebay are hundreds of dollars.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by Cobb

I want to give that a try, but the kits I see on ebay are hundreds of dollars.

This 350F kit on Ebay is $65 and would probably do well to replace a battery on a motorcycle that doesn't have a computer (carbureted most likely).

I built my own kit with 400F capacitors and replaced the battery on my bike, but since it has a computer (fuel injected), it draws the voltage down to a level that will not start in about 4 days (8v approx). I've got a battery tender on it to maintain the voltage, but it doesn't really matter since I have a steep driveway and can always bump start if my capacitors are low.

This 1500F kit is $209, and would probably give my bike a couple weeks of sitting time. Not sure if it would fit in the battery compartment though, since my 400F is snug with the Styrofoam enclosure I made for it.

I wonder if a LiFePo4 battery could be connected in parallel to a supercapacitor with a resistor (70 ohms) to limit the current flow between the battery and the capacitors? The idea would be that only the capacitors would be used to start and run the vehicle, but have the battery provide a very small topping charge when the car sits. Charging at sub-freezing temperatures is OK as long as the current is held sufficiently low. From what I've heard, discharge at low temps is ok.

[Ryland]

Most states have an outdated law that required a wet cell battery to run the lights in cars because at the time wet cell batteries were the only rechargeable batteries out there, because of this it might be 100 more years before we see lead acid batteries leave, this is why even EV's have a lead acid battery that is charged off the dc to dc converter.

From what I remember there are about 4-5 lead acid battery companies in the USA and I don't recall any lead gel battteries in the USA.
Just like store brands, Duracel does not make their own lead acid battery.

[American Viking]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

The problem with LiFePo4 is that it becomes permanently damaged when charged in sub-freezing temperatures. Smart charging combined with a heating system would need to be implemented to protect the battery.

Since I sometimes ride my motorcycle in freezing temperatures, I've decided to run supercapacitors only, and forgo the battery.

That's not a problem. There are small stick on battery heaters that plug into an outlet for overnight warming. Once my bike is running the rear header dumps plenty of heat near the battery.
On the Lincoln back when it still had its lead acid battery in the trunk, I used one like this.
Kat's 22500 60 Watt 8.5"x 11.5" Battery Pad Heater : Amazon.com : Automotive

I also used a slightly smaller one on the Deka cell I had in my 96 mustang gt.

On my bike, I used to use this one on the AGM cell,
Amazon.com: Kat's 24150 150 Watt 4"x 5" Universal Hot Pad Heater: Automotive
modified with a quick connect plug to make unplugging just part of the start-up routine.

Now with the even smaller LiFePo battery, I'll probably grab one of these -
Amazon.com: Kat's 24050 50 Watt 2"x 5" Universal Hot Pad Heater: Swiss Army: Automotive

I also ride in below freezing temps and I've never had a battery issue with these little heaters.
They don't even need to be on all night. I used to put them on a timer that would run them for about 15 minutes every hour.
With the new all metal underseat tray on my vfr, I might have to increase the time a little bit to compensate for going from the oem plastic tray to a custom metal one.

[RedDevil]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

Charging at sub-freezing temperatures is OK as long as the current is held sufficiently low. From what I've heard, discharge at low temps is ok.

Any data on how much current at what temperature?
Would a NTC-based current limiter do any good? As to both limit the current and provide heat to the cells when it is cold, and gradually allow higher current as it heats up?

I want to make a small portable PHEV pack so I can charge it inside the house. But it would be handy if it could be charged inside the car too.

[Cobb]

When I bring my car(s) in for inspection they just hand me a sticker and ask me for 16 dollars. I tellem ti check it out, but they say I take care of my vehicles.

Originally Posted by Ryland

Most states have an outdated law that required a wet cell battery to run the lights in cars because ........