Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2021-09-08 Origin: Site
A gel battery is a valve-regulated, maintenance-free, lead-acid battery. Gel batteries are extremely robust and versatile. These types of batteries produce few fumes and can be used in places without much ventilation.
How does a gel battery work?
Advantages and Disadvantages
Do not confuse AGM batteries with Gel batteries
A gel battery is a valve-regulated, lead-acid battery in which a predetermined quantity of an electrolyte, together with sulphonic acid is combined with silica fumes. This chemical reaction results in an immobile, gel-like mass giving these batteries their name. The gel batteries are virtually maintenance-free as they use one-way open valves that allow the internal gasses to recombine into the water, hence removing any need to check to top up distilled water or monitor the water level. Gel batteries are extremely robust and versatile. They are safe to be installed in places where ventilation is limited, due to fact that they have a very low (virtually zero) gas/fumes production, which means you can even install the batteries inside your home.
Advantages of Gel batteries
Gel batteries are becoming increasingly popular for solar systems due to the following reasons:
1. Best suited for Deep cycle applications and their life is generally in the 500 to 5000 cycles range
2. Maintenance-free
3. Spill-proof
4. Minimal corrosion therefore compatible with sensitive electronic equipment
Disadvantages of Gel batteries
1. High initial cost
2. In case of overcharging water cannot be refilled.
3. Special chargers and regulators are required.
4. Hot temperatures can affect adversely acid can turn the gel hard and may shrink away from plates.
These days AGM batteries are often mistaken as Gel batteries due to their numerous similarities –
1. Both are recombinant – meaning that the oxygen produced on the positive plate is absorbed by the negative plate. Now instead of producing hydrogen, the negative plate produces water, thus maintaining the water content in the battery. This is the reason why AGM and Gel batteries are valve regulated, sealed, spill-proof, maintenance-free, resistant to vibration, and can be installed in any position.
2. The striking difference between the two is that of the electrolyte. Electrolyte being used in Gel batteries has a look of jelly whereas the AGM batteries have electrolyte absorbed in glass mat like separators. Due to the properties of electrolyte used in gel batteries the battery loses power fast at temperatures below 32-degree F whereas AGM batteries work efficiently in cold temperatures.
3. Finally, gel batteries are best suited for deep discharge as they are more acid-starved, protecting plates better compared to AGM batteries. The AGMs are more compatible where a high current is required.
Champion Power Tech Co., has developed a variety of different gel batteries. If you are in the gel batteries business, you can consider using our cost-effective products.
