Various latest battery technology was developed nowadays. Batteries that drive requests with enhanced performance than old models. One in-demand is gel batteries. They are typically used for various electronic devices or vehicles.
This ultimate guide will help you understand more about gel-type batteries’ benefits, applications, capacity, and other features.
Enjoy reading while learning!
What is Gel Battery?
Gel battery is power storage that comes with silica gel or sand. This feature changes the battery’s internal acid into a broad liquid. The mentioned batteries are an excellent solution for wet lead-acid power storage issues. Instead of utilizing fluid electrolytes, the gel is applied.
Moreover, even if gel can function like a liquid, gel ones have more spilled and splash resistance. That makes them more applicable for transportation and other usages that are exposed to potential leakages.
How It Functions
Gel-type batteries regulate with a valve and are lead-acid batteries with counted electrolytes. They are merged with sulfuric acid and silica vapor. Their chemical outcome produces immobile or gel.
Moreover, gel-type batteries utilize single-path, unclosed valves. That enables the inner gasses to integrate again into the water. The process also gets rid of required water inspection and amount detection.
The formed gel is effectively utilized as the solidifying solution. It helps the battery’s inner design rigidity, keeping the plates and active elements stable. The gel merges or glues plates and electrolytes, forming one segment.
Comprehensive Advantages
Flexible
Equipped with an AGM separator, the electrolyte in gel batteries have tightly absorbed. Therefore it can be placed in any direction.
Maintenance free
A water refill when charging the battery is not required. The hydrogen gradually takes in electrolytes and is reversed by plates. That’s why a balance charge is not needed including maintenance.
Advanced Performace Rate
High current discharge and charge are possible with gel batteries. It performs well in applications that require higher rates due to the low internal resistance features.
Longer Charging Cycle
The properties of gel batteries such as alloy lead-calcium have advanced characteristics. Providing longer charging life is part of that since it has anti-corrosion.
Temperature Resistant
At varying temperatures, cells’ electrolyte keeps them from freezing and evaporating. This makes it possible for the battery to operate effectively in numerous temperatures.
No leakage
No leakage is possible due to the absence of liquid acid. Additionally, this demonstrates that dealing with harmful substances will be avoided.
Vibration-Proof
The other feature of the gel-type battery is that they absorb vibration. With its protected cover, non-conductive plastic, shock, vibration, and pressures are tolerable.
Gel-Type Battery Shortcomings
With all of its advantages, gel batteries only have two major drawbacks.
Charging is the first serious drawback. It’s the gel battery’s biggest problem since there are a lot of potential hazards. Similar to how they only need to be charged slowly. It can also cause problems in the battery if it is not followed.
They should also be closely monitored because it is not advisable to overcharge them. When it’s complete, the charger must pull out right away.
Overcharging the battery may result in electrolyte voids due to the gel inside. It could cause long-term issues and impair the battery’s general performance.
The other following disadvantage of them is their high initial cost. And despite being more expensive than other batteries, based on the capabilities, it’s clear to assume they’re fair.
Where to Use Gel-Type Batteries
For solar
For this use, gel batteries are a great choice. They are perfect for small, low-energy systems that don’t require maintenance. When selecting them for solar applications, consider the following qualities.
- Temperatures adaptation
- Lifecycles
- Storage properties
For cars
It has been found that they offer potential advantages for use in cars. Gel batteries are more pressure and impact resistant than other types. But while selecting a suitable battery, it’s crucial to consider the following characteristics.
- Ampere capacity
- Operating voltage
- Inrush current
For golf carts
For a slow-discharge application such as this, they are perfect in most choices and features. It can deliver constant power all way through. When selecting the best battery for golf carts, keep these factors in mind:
- Charge and discharge cycles
- Energy Efficient
- Lifespan
For mobility scooters
An ultimately recommended battery for such users. With unrivaled performance and robust qualities, this made them exceptional. For a guarantee of experience, make sure it includes these attributes.
- Warranty support
- Battery Capacity
- Voltage
For motorcycles
The battery is highly the most popular for motorcycles. It possesses advanced qualities worth proving. Part of that is a high capacity and recharge speed. For optimum use, check the following:
- Temperatures adaptability
- Cycle life
- Voltage
For RV
With this battery capacity, all the demands for the said application are met. From resistance, cycle life, and other attributes. Other than that, more aspects to thought about include
- Storage capacity
- Battery Management System
- Replacement warranty
Gel & Lithium Batteries Differences
Both gel and lithium-type batteries are beneficial to suitable applications. Gel-type is perfect for testing or affordable solar utilization. While lithium batteries are excellent for long-term setup, preventing repeat replacement.
The following define their differences.
Working Temperature
The gel and lithium-type batteries have the almost same operating temperature.
Gel ones have ranged from -25°C to 50°C, while lithium battery has about -25°C to 55°C.
Charging Temperature
Both batteries have a charging temperature of more than 0°C.
Weight
Lithium batteries are heavier than gel ones.
Li batteries have about 27.4 kilograms, while gel-type has only 12 kilograms.
Security
In terms of safety, the gel-type power storage is not easy to explode. However, the Li batteries require suitable BMS to control them.
Service Life
Gel batteries have about 3000 times deep recycle service life, while lithium ones have 13, 500 times deep cycle.
Cost
Lithium batteries have more than 50% higher cost than gel-type batteries.
Gel and AGM Battery: Similarity & Variation
Gel-type and AGM batteries have multiple things in common.
One thing is their being recombinant. That means the (+) plate-formed oxygen is caught up by the negative ones. It creates water that’s kept inside the battery.
Therefore, both battery types have less maintenance, are anti-spill, are vibration-resistant, and involve valves for regulation. They are also suitable for set up in different spots.
Even if the gel and AGM batteries have multiple likenesses, they also have broad differences.
The difference between the two batteries is their electrolytes. Gel electrolytes have a jelly-like appearance, while AGMs come with glass-mat-like dividers.
Moreover, the gel’s electrolyte features reduce power when at an operating temperature of 32°F. However, the AGM batteries are excellently functional in chilled temperatures.
Lastly, compared to AGM, the gel ones require more acid, making them ideal for deep discharging. And that secures the plates. Whereas AGM batteries are applicable for usage where high electricity is needed.
How Long is the Lifespan of a Gel-Type Battery?
The lifespan of gel-type power storage always depends on different factors, including the way they are charged and used. Additionally, their working temperature and charge capacity also matter.
In 90% charging condition, the unutilized 12V gel batteries typically last about 72 months. And remain at their 80% normal capacity.
When we talk about their life assumption, gel-type batteries can last about two decades, having about 5,500 charging cycles.
Conclusion
Therefore, we can conclude that gel batteries are more beneficial to every ideal project. However, we also knew their limitations, likenesses, and differences from other batteries.
The knowledgeable information above indeed helps you decide if it’s suitable for your applications.
Contact our team now for more information and your inquiries!