The Advantages of a Gel Battery
In this article, we’ll explore the advantages of a Gel battery. These batteries are valve regulated, have long service life, and require no maintenance. So, what’s the difference between a Gel battery and a flooded battery? The main differences are in the design, maintenance, and valve regulating. We’ll also discuss how these three factors make a Gel battery a great choice for your next battery purchase. But, first, let’s look at how they differ.
Gel battery is a type of lead-acid battery
While AGM batteries are similar to gel batteries, the main difference is that gel cells use silica to change sulfuric acid into jelly. The jelly is used as an electrolyte in the battery, and this type of battery must not be exposed to very high amperages, as this will ‘SCAR’ the jelly and cause premature failure. Moreover, it is not advisable to use a GEL battery for fast charging and discharging, as it can cause the battery to overheat and develop pockets in its structure.
Compared to AGM batteries, gel batteries are known to have higher cycle life and better performance in hot climates. They are less prone to sulfation, and can operate for up to 1000 cycles when discharged to 75%. Moreover, they are tolerant to varying charging and float voltages. Gel batteries are not suitable for high-current applications. But they are suitable for stationary applications, such as solar panels.
Gel batteries have many benefits compared to conventional lead-acid batteries. Besides being safer, they don’t have water levels to monitor and expel gas. The gel batteries are also easier to install in different locations and they produce very little fumes during operation. Hence, they are widely used in motorized wheelchairs and scooters. So, if you are considering purchasing a gel battery for your vehicle, read on!
While all lead-acid batteries contain lead, they differ in their construction. Some of them are flooded and other contain gel. The difference between gel and AGM is primarily in the electrolyte composition and the way they are separated. Gel battery is the most popular among these two. AGM batteries are less expensive, but do have better load capabilities. While both systems are highly promising, gel is currently the most preferred in communications and UPS installations.
As with AGM batteries, gel batteries need to be charged at a lower voltage than AGM ones. Overcharging can damage the battery and reduce its lifespan. Similarly, a GEL battery requires slower charging cycles than flooded lead-acid batteries. To protect your battery, you should use a SMART charger designed for gel batteries. And remember that it’s important to select a charger that is designed for gel batteries, otherwise it may result in improper charging and premature failure.
It is valve regulated
If you have ever bought a lead-acid battery, then you know what a valve regulated battery is. This type of battery is characterized by the limited amount of electrolyte in the plate separator. It is also known as a sealed lead-acid battery. There are a few differences between valve regulated and sealed lead-acid batteries. This article will discuss the differences between the two types and the benefits of each.
Valve regulated lead-acid batteries can be divided into two categories, namely Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) and Gelled Electrolyte (Gel). AGM dominates the valve regulated lead-acid battery market, as they are widely used in motorcycles and ATVs. Deep-cycle AGMs are commonly used in off-grid solar power installations and large amateur robotics. The Gel segment, on the other hand, is growing at a rapid rate over the forecast period. Gel batteries are primarily used in generators, electric wheelchairs, and certain recreational vehicles.
The main difference between valve regulated and sealed lead acid batteries is the way they contain electrolyte. In the former case, the electrolyte is trapped within a separator between the positive and negative plates. In the latter case, a gelled battery has a channel between the plates for oxygen circulation. The SiO2-PVC type is characterized by the use of a gel and PVC partition, with the electrolyte separated into the two plates.
There are many advantages to using a sealed lead acid battery. Compared to other types of lead acid batteries, it is lightweight, valve-regulated, and safe for use in portable devices. For optimal performance, recharge the battery after use and keep it topped up with fresh juice every four weeks. This will prolong its life and make it more durable. In addition to this, it will rejuvenate the cells and extend the service life of your battery.
It has a long service life
A good quality Tubular Gel battery has a long service life of up to 20 years, and a cyclic life of 5500 cycles. However, this is not a guarantee that your battery will last as long as it should. It is crucial to properly care for your battery to extend its life, which can be as long as six months. Avoid leaving the battery uncharged and charge it periodically, and use a solar charge regulator when using a solar panel to charge your battery. Otherwise, it may damage the battery.
A Gel battery has a long service life because of the valve construction. Small gel batteries use a valve made of EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), while high-quality large gel batteries use a more elaborate valve design. These factors improve moisture retention. However, this service life does not apply to all battery types. As long as you’re not using the battery for excessively high temperatures, a Gel battery is a good choice.
A gel battery’s long service life is another benefit. Unlike liquid batteries, gel batteries are maintenance-free. Because the gel substance is a solid instead of a liquid, they will not leak. Furthermore, they can be stored in almost any position. Moreover, they are environmentally friendly. As the technology for recycling continues to develop, the market for this type of battery is expected to grow at a 4.0% CAGR. By 2028, the global gel battery market will reach $2,776.9 million. The main restraints to the growth of the global gel battery market are availability of substitutes, sensitivity to overcharging, and the need for a specific charger.
A gel battery’s service life depends on its capacity. A standard 2-volt traction Gel battery has a lifespan of 15 years. This battery can discharge up to 1500 cycles, but it must be recharged before it loses 20% of its capacity. If you’re looking for a deep-cycle battery, then a 2-volt Gel battery is a better choice. Its long service life makes it ideal for larger systems.
It requires no maintenance
If you’re looking for a battery that requires no maintenance, you’ve come to the right place. These batteries use glass fibre mats and gel to store the electrolyte. They’re also a good choice for limited spaces as they release minimal fumes, and they can be recharged anywhere. However, these batteries can’t be left charging for a long time, since the gel inside the cell cannot be left to sit without being charged. Overcharging these batteries will cause the electrolyte to void, and damage them irrevocably.
There are some key differences between gel batteries and AGM batteries, but both are VRLA batteries. While both have a vent valve, the gel battery uses a Thixotropic composition that helps protect its plates from corrosion. They also work in extreme temperatures, so they’re better suited for power-hungry winter utilities. But, when it comes to the maintenance of these batteries, there are some differences. If you’re wondering what makes a Gel battery superior to an AGM, read on.
While there are many advantages to using a gel battery, it’s important to remember that proper maintenance will increase its lifespan. Ensure that the battery never goes below 60%, and charge it up to 100% every day. Never leave it sitting or let it discharge to 100% because this will lead to blown-out batteries. For best performance, charge the battery at least twice a day. However, be sure to disconnect the battery before storing it in the vehicle.
One major benefit of a maintenance-free gel battery is its cost-effectiveness. They are recyclable and cost-effective, and can provide a valuable source of energy. The main drawbacks of traditional batteries are their sensitivity to overcharging and the need for specialized chargers. In addition, some countries have imposed restrictions on activities related to the covid-infested battery, which has affected the global market for this product.
The Trojan 8V-Gel battery is state-of-the-art in gel battery technology. It is maintenance-free and features true deep cycle technology. It can be used for a variety of applications, from electric golf carts to solar back up power to a forklift. With its unique design, this 8-volt gel battery is a great option for a wide range of applications. So, what are you waiting for? Take a look at the benefits of this gel battery today!
