Charging an AGM while still being used

[bobfather]

There are a lot of Google answers saying that you can't charge an AMG whilst also applying load. That said, solar panel charging systems do this, they charge batteries that are being used to power household items. Caravan/motorhome AMG leisure batteries are charged while under load. Cars do too however this is a poor example because the car draws from an alternator, not from a battery. In a perfect world, disconnecting the AGM during charge cycle is ideal, but is it truly required. Drawing power during charging will certainly increase charge cycle time but is it harmful in some way to the battery or charger.

I'm trying to set up an uninterrupted 12v supply. I could achieve this with two AMG's connected with a 'close before open' switch allowing uninterrupted output and still allowing charging of the unloaded battery.

Any thoughts?

[Griffith4ever]

Wherever you read that is an utter load of bks. :-)

AGM batteries are simply lead acid batteries with an absorbent glass matting inside to stop spillage. (There are other minor differences of little consequence).

AGM batteries are nothing special and you absolutely can charge them with solar whilst in use. Every VW California, and many other campers use AGM batteries, and they have solar.

What you CAN'T do with any type of lead acid battery is ascertain their state of charge whilst under load.

[buggalugs]

Almost every car driving down the road is charging an AGM battery while it’s being used

[bobfather]

buggalugs said:

Almost every car driving down the road is charging an AGM battery while it’s being used

I get that but in the case of cars, the alternator produces so much power that, whilst being driven, all power usage is drawn from the alternator so the battery isn't being loaded. I'm trying to design a system that doesn't have an external 12v supply supporting the battery. Electricity cannot flow in two directions at the same time. When I load the battery I assume that stalls the charging cycle. I'm concerned that the CTek charger will become damaged due to the load trying to draw from the charger

[Griffith4ever]

I've already told you the answer.

Stop fretting. You cannot overload a charger by using the battery at a high load. The charger will only put in what it is capable of.

It WILL charge your battery when it's in use, as long as your load does not constantly exceed the charger output capability, but that's obvious really.

Chargers put in current based on the battery voltage, up to their max rating. Any higher load will draw the remainder from the battery until it is depleted, and then your load will fail as the charger may not be able to supply enough for it.

Whatever you have read, you have either mis read, or it's rubbish. I own a business based entirely on what you are talking about.

Edited by Griffith4ever on Monday 16th May 10:27

[Bacon Is Proof]

bobfather said:

There are a lot of Google answers saying that you can't charge an AMG whilst also applying load. That said, solar panel charging systems do this, they charge batteries that are being used to power household items.

Therein lies your answer, or, wot Griff said.
Mine are doing it right now.