Gel batteries appeared on the market recently, so many do not know what features, advantages and disadvantages they have. The first thing that catches your eye is the high cost, but it is worth noting that they are significantly better than ordinary alkaline batteries. After all, with their help you can always start any serviceable car, but in Russia GEL batteries have not received widespread use and there are also reasons for this.
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What is a gel battery and technology feature
The gel battery is a sealed and completely maintenance-free battery. By structure, it is closer to AGM batteries. The main difference and feature is the presence between the positive and negative plates of helium soaked in electrolyte. After this gel is poured, it hardens and completely envelops the plates, completely isolating them from each other and protecting them from mechanical damage and short circuits between each other.
In other words, instead of liquid electrolyte, a thick gel is located between the plates. Therefore, the plates can be as close to each other as possible. Due to this, more of these plates are placed in the housing. Which in turn significantly increases the capacitance and inrush currents. Gels also protect the plates from sulfationTherefore, the battery is not at all afraid of deep discharges.
Pros and cons of gel batteries
The technology is quite new and raw, but already has a huge number of advantages, but there are significant disadvantages that manufacturers have yet to eliminate.
The following advantages of the device can be distinguished:
- long service life of 10-20 years;
- completely maintenance-free batteries, set and forgot;
- works in any position, although it is not recommended to turn over, as they can short-circuit the terminals;
- the gel seals the plates and does not allow them to crumble;
- can be used in the office and at home, since there is no evaporation;
- refined lead is used, it allows you to charge very quickly;
- very high starting currents, will lead the car in any frost;
- resistant to deep discharges (up to 400 deep discharges);
- recommended for use on vehicles with a Start-Stop system;
- practically does not lose charge when idle.
However, the gel battery also has its drawbacks. Among them are:
- very high price, costs 3-4 times more expensive than a regular maintenance-free acid-calcium battery;
- Do not exceed the charge value above 16v, since the gel may begin to melt. As a result, the plates are exposed and closed;
- the same situation can happen if the battery overheats due to weather or from a running motor;
- at temperatures below -30 degrees, the gel may freeze, crack and crumble, which will expose the plates.
Gel batteries are not recommended for use in cars or other devices that do not have working modern electronics, since an obsolete or faulty one can supply increased voltage from the generator, from which the gel turns into a liquid and settles.
If you plan to use the battery at very low temperatures (below -30), then it is better to take AGM or Efb.
Where and why use gel batteries
Gel batteries of 6 volts and 12 volts are used for UPS in non-ventilated rooms, in autonomous power supply systems, for powering various electric generators. In addition, they can be a common starter device for a motorcycle and for a car. The scope is wide and this is due to the fact that:
- no need to top up water;
- there is no toxic gas emission, which makes it possible to work with batteries of this type in enclosed spaces.
The scope is constantly expanding as new developments occur. At the moment, gel batteries are used:
- as an uninterruptible power supply (traction batteries of 12 volts have been uninterrupted for about three years, which is a fairly high indicator);
- in autonomous systems and backup power systems;
- to power substations and power plants (often backup);
- when servicing industrial facilities of various configurations;
- in fire and security alarm systems;
- in systems where auto-start of diesel generators is needed;
- to power portable equipment;
- as a backup power source for communication systems and telecommunications.
Places where batteries of this type are used are primarily due to performance characteristics.
Important! When choosing, they pay attention not only to the general parameters, but also to the recommendations of the manufacturer about the location of the battery, the ambient temperature, and the level of charging voltage.
The difference between GEL and AGM
The batteries have more similarities than differences, but they still exist. The AGM battery is created on special absorbent glass mats that allow the electrolyte to not spread and not evaporate. Since the plates are tight, the battery capacity increases. The electrolyte is safely stored inside, and this makes it possible to put the battery on its side. AGM batteries withstand more than 200 cycles of full discharge, not susceptible to frost. They still have electrolyte in a liquid state, so they can emit vapors.
In GEL batteries, electrolyte is a thick gel. Therefore, there is no evaporation, the battery is safer and more environmentally friendly. Both technologies use refined lead, but GEL can withstand twice as many deep discharge cycles, up to 400. The service life is also increased.
Did you have or have Gel battery? Then tell us in the comments about your impressions about him, this will greatly help other motorists and will make the material more complete and accurate.
Gel Battery Maintenance
The batteries are completely maintenance free and do not require any personal care. It is enough to follow the operating instructions. Avoid overcharging and overheating. Wipe from dirt and moisture from time to time, so as not to be short between the terminals.
The battery itself is not very whimsical. Even if a fully charged battery lays on the shelf for 3 years, it can easily start the car. Sometimes it may be necessary to recharge it, although due to the nature of the technology, it is enough to drive several meters to fully charge from a serviceable generator.
Detailed instructions for charging gel batteries here.
