AGM (absorbed glass mat) is a special design glass mat designed to wick the battery electrolyte between the battery plates. AGM batteries contain only enough liquid to keep the mat wet with the electrolyte and if the battery is broken no free liquid is available to leak out. Gel Cell batteries contain a silica type gel that the battery electrolyte is suspended in, this thick paste like material allows electrons to flow between plates but will not leak from the battery if the case is broken. More often than not AGM Batteries are mistakenly identified as Gel Cell Batteries. Both batteries have similar traits; such as being non spillable, deep cycle, may be mounted in any position, low self discharge, safe for use in limited ventilation areas, and may be transported via Air or Ground safely without special handling. AGM Batteries outsell Gel Cell by at least a 100 to 1. AGM is preferred when a high burst of amps may be required. In most cases recharge can be accomplished by using a good quality standard battery charger or engine alternator. The life expectancy; measured as cycle life or years remains excellent in most AGM batteries if the batteries are not discharged more than 60% between recharge. There are some AGM batteries we sell that offer excellent 80%+ deep cycle abilities. Gel Cell Batteries are typically a bit more costly and do not offer the same power capacity as do the same physical size AGM battery. The Gel Cell Battery excels in slow discharge rates and slightly higher ambient operating temperatures. One big issue with Gel Batteries that must be addressing is the GEL CHARGE PROFILE. Gel Cell Batteries must be recharged correctly or the battery will suffer premature failure. The battery charger being used to recharge the battery(s) must be designed or adjustable for Gel Cell Batteries. If you are using an alternator to recharge a true Gel Cell a special regulator must be installed. If you are unsure which battery or charger is best for your application, please call or email our tech people for help making the correct selection See https://www.batterystuff.com/kb/articles/battery-articles/gel-vs-agm.html
I used the term magnetic losses as a simplification for hysteresis losses which are kind of difficult (for me) to explain but basically the higher the current generated in the windings the greater the losses which end up as heat generated within the stator's armature. If the output current is reduced then the heat produced is also reduced which should improve the reliability of the alternator. I do know how alternators work and I am well aware that if there is no load on the alternator then the voltages within it will rise leading to a breakdown of the insulation. Here is a link to Shindengen's website where they describe the different regulator types that they produce. The SH847 is of the type they describe as a Three-Phase Open Regulator/Rectifier" whereas the FH020AA is a "Three-Phase Short Regulator/Rectifier"
Thanks Derek... I have a read... The video was meant for a wider audience. Re-reading my post I see I didn't make that clear.
