Gel batteries

gel batteries

All the gel batteries They are a complete revolution in the world of batteries. They are a kind of sealed lead-acid type battery and are therefore rechargeable. They use the same electrochemical principles that occur in redox reactions (oxidation and reduction) that serve to convert chemical energy into electrical energy and vice versa.

In this article we are going to tell you everything you need to know about gel batteries, their characteristics and their importance.

What are gel batteries

rechargeable battery

Gel batteries are a type of VRLA battery (Valve Regulated Lead Acid Battery), they are a type of sealed lead acid battery, so they are rechargeable. Like AGM batteries, Gel batteries are an improved version of lead-acid batteries because they use the same electrochemical principle (redox reaction) to convert chemical energy into electrical energy and vice versa.

Gel cells are the most recommended in solar photovoltaic systems / devices for own use because they have good durability, which also makes them more expensive compared to other types of cells. Compared to traditional batteries, it has fewer manufacturing materials and is easier to recycle, making it cleaner and more environmentally friendly.

Gel Battery Parts

Like lead-acid batteries, gel batteries are composed of individual batteries, each battery is about 2v, It is connected in series and the voltage is between 6v and 12v.

Among the main characteristics of gel batteries, we find them during their manufacturing process. These batteries have electrolytes in gel form (hence the name), which is achieved by adding silica to each battery's acid-water mixture.

To be safe, they installed a valve. If more gas forms inside than normal, the valve will open. These batteries do not require maintenance (filling with distilled water) because the water is generated inside the battery by the gas formed during the charging process. Therefore, they also do not release gas, allowing them to be sealed and placed in almost any position (except the upside down terminal).

Key features

Normally we find that the voltages of these batteries are 6v and 12v, and their most widespread use is in small and medium isolation devices that require long-lasting batteries.

The maximum current they can provide is 3-4 Ah to over 100 Ah. Compared to other types of batteries, they do not have a large capacity battery (Ah), but they can be compensated with a large number of charge and discharge cycles. The advantage of the gel battery is that it can achieve a large number of charge and discharge cycles, which can reach 800-900 cycles within its service life.

The depth of discharge of the gel battery is not a problem as it will not be damaged even if the capacity is repeatedly less than 50%. If they do not reach 100% of their capacity when charging, and can even spend a long time at 80% or less power, they will not be damaged. Among lead-acid batteries, the gel battery has the lowest self-discharge rate, maintaining 80% of its capacity for more than half a year. They are also the least affected by temperature self-discharges because they heat very little.

For the correct operation of the gel battery, it should be stored in a place where the temperature does not vary as much as possible. Being able to be, we will protect them from the elements. If we want to maximize the life of the batteries, we will not expose them to high temperatures, because as the heat increases, the gel inside will increase in volume and can damage the container.

On the other hand, the cold will also have a negative impact on gel batteries. When the temperature drops (-18C), it will cause the gel concentration to increase, which in turn causes it to increase internal resistance, thus affecting the output current.

How to charge it

gel batteries with acid

Gel battery charging will always be done via regular / charging controller. Ideally, and more comfortable, you get a regulator, you can configure the type of battery, so that Just set the parameters needed to charge the gel battery.

If you don't have an automatic regulator, always remember that the gel battery should be charged at a low voltage to avoid outgassing problems. Compared to other types of lead-acid batteries, gel batteries require a lower charging voltage. Just be careful, when charging gel batteries, their lifespan is about 12 years.

When looking for maintenance-free batteries for solar systems, caravans, boats, or any system in general that requires storage and without gas emissions, we have two options, mainly gel batteries and Agm batteries. Recently, New technologies have emerged to improve the characteristics, such as carbon gel batteries, that have better resistance to the cycle and partial load states.

How to choose between one technology or another? We will explain the characteristics of each technology and the advantages of both technologies. The AGM battery is a sealed battery whose electrolyte is absorbed in a glass fiber separator (absorbent glass material). There is liquid sulfuric acid inside, but it is soaked in the fiberglass of the separator.

Gel battery is a kind of sealed battery, its electrolyte It is non-liquid silica gel and the diaphragm material is the same as Agm and fiberglass.

Advantages and disadvantages of gel batteries

Next we will list the advantages of gel batteries:

  • Long duration
  • High resistance to depth of discharge
  • They do not require maintenance

These are the downsides:

  • High price
  • Low capacity compared to other types of batteries

Finally, you must know how to buy batteries. At this point, you should be clear about what you are going to connect to. Ideally, you should estimate the power consumption of the devices you want to connect to the battery and their working hours during the day. You must add 35% to this value, which means that before the possible loss of installation, you will already have daily electricity demand. When choosing a battery or battery pack, it is recommended that they have a self-contained capacity for two to three days.

I hope that with this information you can learn more about gel batteries and their characteristics.


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