- 1. What's a gel battery?
- 2. 10 Advantages of a gel battery
- 3. Disadvantages of a gel battery
- 4. How Does a gel battery Work?
- 5. When should you choose a gel battery?
- 6. Are gel batteries better than AGM batteries?
- 7. Are gel batteries better than flooded batteries?
- 8. What Is A Deep Cycle Gel Battery?
- 9. What Is The Difference Between A Deep Cycle Battery And A Gel Battery?
- 10. How Long Do Deep-Cycle Gel Batteries Last?
- 11. How Do You Revive A Dead Gel Battery?
- 12. Are Gel Batteries Worth It?
- 13. Get a Gel Battery For All Your Needs
The gel battery was invented in 1957. Gel batteries are one of two sealed lead acid batteries, the other being an AGM battery. Sealed lead acid batteries are distinct from other lead acid batteries in that they are maintenance-free.
Gel batteries are a maintenance-free alternative to flooded cell deep cycle batteries. They contain a silica-based gel in which battery electrolytes are suspended, allowing electrons to flow freely between plates. The nice thing about spill-proof gel batteries is that they don't leak even if the battery case is broken. These batteries also fight against corrosion and prevent overcharging.
The combination of Gel electrolyte along with highly porous glass micro fiber separator ensure reducing short circuit, higher capacity, longer service life,leak proof operation in any position. Brava advanced GEL Lead acid batteries approved with UL1989, CE, IEC60896, IEC61427, IEC60254, IEC60079 certificates provide maintenance-free and deep cycle performance for UPS, solar/wind, telecommunications, cathodic protection, navigation aids, remote monitoring, RV/marine, golf cart, switchgear, cellular radio etc.
What's a gel battery?
A gel battery is a dry battery since it doesn't use a liquid electrolyte. In a gel battery, the electrolyte is frozen with silica gel. This keeps the electrolyte inside the battery, preventing it from evaporating or spilling.
This design stabilizes the battery and gives it a low self-discharge. This is a handy feature for batteries that lie idle for long periods.
10 Advantages of a gel battery
- Maintenance-free. Because the batteries are comprised of gel instead of liquid, there is little to no maintenance to keep the battery working properly.
- 6-year lifespan.
- Better performance until its end of life then performance drops off sharply.
- You can install it sideways since it's spill-proof.Gel batteries have the advantage of being able to be used in virtually any position, because they don’t leak and are generally maintenance free. This greatly increases the number of applications gel batteries can be used for.
- Better heat tolerance.
- No Leaks: Even though wet cell batteries are sealed in a plastic encasement there is still the chance that it will leak. Gel batteries are also sealed but with a valve that removes excess pressure. This means that between the gel substance and the removal of pressure, there is nowhere for the mixture to go.
- Minimal Risk: When damage occurs to a traditional lead-acid battery you are faced with a massive and dangerous clean up (not to mention the impact on anything the battery acid may come into contact with during the process). Gel batteries will not leak out if the casing becomes damaged, so there is a reduced risk of harm coming to the equipment and clean up hazards.
- Vibration Resistant: One of the biggest complaints with wet cell batteries is that they are very susceptible to extreme vibration and other impacts. Gel batteries absorb the impact and vibrations, making them great batteries for items such as four wheelers.
- No Fumes: Because these batteries are comprised of a gel substance there are minimal fumes created as a result of use. This means that there is a reduced need for ventilation which increases the potential applications gel batteries can be used for, as well as making them easier to charge anywhere.
- Resistant To Discharge Death: When using a wet cell battery it’s important that you don’t allow the battery to discharge too much. Otherwise, it will never recharge. Gel cell batteries aren’t that way. They are deep cycle batteries which means that they can discharge more and still be recharged like new.
Disadvantages of a gel battery
- You need to store it in a charged condition although this is less critical than as for a flooded lead acid battery.
- It requires some ventilation as it releases gas when pressure builds up.
- Sensitive to overcharging though this is less so than AGM batteries.
- AGM is cheaper and can handle higher loads.
How Does a gel battery Work?
A gel battery (often referred to as a gel cell battery) is a lead-acid battery that is valve regulated. When the electrolyte is mixed with sulphuric acid and silica, it becomes a relatively stationary gel substance.
This gel mixture allows the battery to utilize the acid and electrolyte in the same way it would with a traditional lead-acid battery, just without the added maintenance.
When should you choose a gel battery?
Gel batteries are an alternative to flooded lead acid. They're suited for a battery backup system or an off-grid home. If you don't mind the extra expense, a gel battery is a better option if you're looking into lead acid batteries. This is because you won't have to worry about maintenance.
Are gel batteries better than AGM batteries?
Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries are the other sealed lead acid battery. How do gel batteries compare to AGM batteries?
For starters, gel batteries can be more expensive. They also need specific chargers to prevent overcharging. Not using these chargers reduces the batteries lifespan.
They're also don't work as well with appliances that need a higher current because they have a higher internal resistance.
On the other hand, gel batteries have a longer lifespan. This is because:
- They hold more acid because of their design.
- They have a better temperature tolerance. They have improved heat transfer to the outside. The gel moves heat, whereas the absorbent glass mat of the AGM acts as an insulator.
- They also maintain their performance over a longer period. AGM batteries gradually fade as they get older.
Feature | Gel batteries | AGM batteries |
Cost | Expensive compared to AGM batteries | Less expensive compared to gel batteries |
Charge | The battery can be ruined even if it is brand new if you make one charging mistake, like overcharging or using a tapering charger | Hold their charge well and charge quickly |
Technology | Gel paste suspends the electrolyte in the battery case of a gel battery | Internally, the electrolyte is wicked into a glass matt to prevent leakage |
Life expectancy | You can fully discharge gel batteries up to 90% and still get a much longer cycle life than you would with AGM batteries | Discharging your AGM battery more than 50% and up to 70% is okay, but doing so frequently will significantly shorten the battery’s cycle life |
Are gel batteries better than flooded batteries?
A flooded lead acid battery is a wet battery since it uses a liquid electrolyte. Unlike a gel battery, a flooded lead acid battery needs maintenance by topping up the water in the battery every 1-3 months.
Gel batteries are the safer lead acid batteries because they release less hydrogen gas from their vent valves. This makes them safer to install where there is limited ventilation. Hydrogen release or gassing is a minor safety concern with flooded lead acid batteries.
Because of how they're made, they can be oriented in any way. They can be stacked pancake-style which may improve cycle life. Flooded lead acid batteries are kept upright to avoid acid spills.
What Is A Deep Cycle Gel Battery?
A deep cycle battery is a type of battery that can use to provide power for extended periods.
It stores more energy than conventional batteries, and it’s able to withstand the repeated charging and discharging cycles necessary in solar installations or other renewable energy systems.
Deep cycle gel batteries are among the most popular types of deep-cycle batteries on the market today because they’re designed with safety in mind while still providing high performance.
What Is The Difference Between A Deep Cycle Battery And A Gel Battery?
It is not uncommon for people to confuse deep cycle batteries and gel batteries. They are very different in many ways, but the most important distinction is that a deep cycle battery can be used regularly while a gel battery cannot.
So this is the big difference that I have shared with you between the deep cycle and gel batteries. Furthermore, the difference is;
Deep cycle batteries are made of lead-acid cells, which produce an electric current when they react with sulfuric acid and water.
A deep cycle battery is typically used in a boat or RV. It can be discharged more without damaging it than many other batteries, but it’s typically heavier and less expensive.
While A gel battery has additives that help prevent the electrolyte from leaking out of the cell when it’s overcharged.
This makes them safer to use in certain situations, like on motorcycles or scooters, often exposed to extreme temperatures.
Gel batteries also cost more than most types of lead-acid batteries, which means you’ll usually only see them in higher-end products.
Knowing this information will help you find the best type of battery for your needs!
How Long Do Deep-Cycle Gel Batteries Last?
When peoples buy an expensive battery, they want the time of lasting the batteries should extend. However, you can use deep cycle batteries for over 6 years or more if you charge properly and care about it.
It is totally up to you how you are keeping this battery to taking care of and whats your charging routine is to charge your battery.
Because, as you know, if you charge the battery over time, the battery may damage.
How Do You Revive A Dead Gel Battery?
Because gel batteries are sealed, unlike fluid-based batteries, the cells cannot access them.
The best technique to repair and recover a gel battery is fully discharged it and then slowly charge it again.
Are Gel Batteries Worth It?
Gel batteries are worthwhile since their performance is maintained throughout their lifespan. Its build custom, according to Battery University, produces a dome-shaped curve in its power output. There is no declining voltage, which is a common problem with other batteries.
Get a Gel Battery For All Your Needs
Gel batteries offer the ability to save energy for the benefit of future generations. As the supply of electricity decreases, batteries become more important to human life as the population grows.
We recommend using a gel battery because:
- There will be no need to do routine maintenance.
- There will be no spills, providing no considerable and hazardous risk because you will not come into contact with the acid.
- Because of the low amount of corrosion, gel batteries can be used with sensitive electronic equipment.
- Gel batteries are extremely durable and vibration resistant.
- Because there is a reduced possibility of sulfuric acid burns, it is very safe.
- The battery will last far longer than a lead-acid battery for the same amount of use because of its high lifespan.