Gel batteries are a type of valve-regulated lead acid(VRLA) battery that uses a gel electrolyte to immobilize the electrolyte solution. Gel batteries are also referred to as gel cell batteries. Because they require no maintance and can function in multiple orientations these batteries have become more and more popular in a wide range of applications. The pros of Getting a battery are it is maintenance-free, has lower cost, has Minimal risk, has No leaks, is installed anywhere, has No fumes, has chemical protection, and vibration resistance, safe and environmentally friendly. The cons of a Gel battery are it has a High initial cost, High internal resistance, Sensitivity to overcharging, Limited deep cycle performance, and is more expensive than flooded lead acid. Following are the pros and cons of Gel batteries to better understand this topic.
Benefits or Advantages of Gel Battery
- The gel battery is maintenance-free.
- It is very safe as less risk of sulphuric acid burns.
- Lowest cost per month(Cost /month of life).
- Lowest cost per cycle(cost/ life cycle).
- It is rugged and vibration-resistant.
- Spill Proof.
- There is less chance of clean-up hazards and damage to the equipment.
- They do not experience corrosion.
- Gel battery life is generally in the 500 to 5000-cycle range.
- It reduced the need for ventilation.
- There is no risk of leakage.
- Up until the very end of life, performance is strong before rapidly dropping.
- It can be mounted in any position.
- Sensitive electronic equipment is compatible with minimal corrosion.
- Offer excellent deep cycle performance.
- It doesn't develop memory which reduces battery capacity to recharge.
- Better withstand shock and vibration.
- The most common application of a gel battery is in an electric vehicle.
- It offers more resistance to extreme temperatures.
- It can be installed or used near sensitive electronic equipment.
- Offer extremely low self-discharge rate.
- Produce water by combining oxygen and hydrogen.
- A large variety of battery sizes is available.
- Classified as nonhazardous material for road transportation.
Drawbacks or Disadvantages of Gel Battery
- It is a high initial cost. It is more expensive than AGM batteries.
- High internal resistance.
- Gel batteries are typically heavier than AGM batteries.
- High manufacturing cost than AGM but cheaper than flooded.
- A special charger and regulator are required.
- Water cannot be refilled in the case of an overcharge.
- Gel batteries are more expensive than wet cells.
- Charging at a slower rate as compared to lead acid batteries.
- Gel batteries are highly sensitive to high temperatures.
- Sensitive to overcharging.
- Gel batteries require more maintenance than AGM batteries.
- It is subject to release gases.
- It can moderate specific energy and load current.
- It requires a special SMART charger and regulators.
- It must be stored in a charged condition.
- Gel batteries can be discharged at a lower rate than AGM batteries.