What Is A Gel Battery?

A Gel battery is one of the most popular names in the battery industry. Gel cell batteries are not cheap, but they are more efficient and convenient than other types of batteries. Most of the time, however, you will see a gel battery to compare with an AGM battery since they have almost the same characteristics.

In this article, we will discuss some common questions such as what is a gel battery, how it works, and where you might use it. Next, let’s look at some interesting facts about gel batteries.

What is a Gel Battery?

A gel battery is a kind of sealed acid battery, which is also known as a gel cell battery. And, this sealed battery type is called VRLA or Valve Regulated Lead Acid battery. If we look at the technology, it is almost similar to the AGM battery. 

The AGM battery, however, is made with absorbent glass material and the gel battery contains gel in its electrolyte. And, that’s the reason why an AGM battery is slightly different from a gel battery. 

But, what is the need of using gelled electrolytes in a battery? Actually, the gel used in a battery helps to increase the solidity of the electrolytes. As a result, the risk of evaporation and spillage is reduced at a high rate. And, finally, you will get less corrosion of the battery cell.

Another positive side of this battery is, it is much lighter than other ordinary batteries. This happens only because of using fewer electrolytes in the battery. Using gel batteries, the acid stays motionless even if a small amount of gelled solidified electrolytes is injected into them. In addition, gelled cells can hold a charge for a much longer period of time, resulting in longer battery life. 

Coupled with such effective facilities, the battery is considered a durable battery. Because the battery itself is very absorbent in terms of extreme levels of temperatures. Honestly, gel technology has transformed the gel battery into a unique battery type.

General Usage of A Gel Battery

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The gel battery cell is vastly used in cellphones and camcorders. Besides, this battery is popular for some vehicles like motorcycles, high-end cars, marine vehicles, and equipment, etc. If you think about any common battery to use in these devices and vehicles, you have to follow a high maintenance schedule to run the battery perfectly. Because you need to add water regularly in the battery cell to keep the electrolyte levels normal.

But, in the case of a gel battery, you can keep your battery running perfectly with low maintenance, as you don’t need to do such things regularly.

Commonly, you will see deep-cycle batteries in cars. But, these batteries carry a high amount of acid inside them. 

In contrast, the gel battery carries less acid and fewer electrolytes. Since the electrolyte solution is completely transformed into a gelled solution, it is almost impossible to have any spillage from the battery. As a result, the acid cannot seep out of the battery. And, therefore, it is more suitable than other common batteries for high-end cars and this type of other vehicles.

How To Take Care of Your Gel Battery?

In order to keep your gel battery in good condition, you should properly maintain the battery. If you charge the battery at a higher rate, the battery cells can form excess gas inside them and create a dangerous situation. So, you need to maintain a stable charging rate for safe charging.

Additionally, charging at a lower voltage will prevent your gel battery from being suddenly overcharged. Be aware that overcharging gel batteries can damage them, which sometimes leads to them becoming permanently permeable. Consequently, gel batteries will lose their life expectancy.

Can You Make A Gel Battery from A Normal Battery?

It’s not uncommon to see something on the market called “battery gel”. This gel is actually used to convert a normal battery to a gel battery. However, it is not as reliable as a normal gel battery, but it does perform well. These methods generally work for deep cycle batteries, tall and regular tubular batteries, flat plate batteries, etc.

To use the battery gel in the batteries mentioned above, buy a bottle of battery gel and pour it into the sulfuric acid. Mix them well and pour them into the battery. After that, let the battery rest for a few hours in a clean and dry place. All these things are done, you can now charge the battery and use it normally.

Advantages of a Gel Battery

Low Maintenance

Regular maintenance is not mandatory for a gel battery. Because you don’t need to add water on a regular basis. For this reason, you do not need to worry about the battery and check it every day.

Less Chance of Acid Spillage

As the gel battery is made from a gelled solution, the thick gel-type solution is very hard to spill. So, the acid in the inside battery cells will simply remain steady whereas the smooth water is easily spilled in the case of other batteries.

Lighter Battery

You are already aware that the gel battery has less acid. Besides, the gel technology creates a setup with low amounts of electrolytes. As a result, the overall battery weight will be extremely diminished in that scenario. You can therefore consider this battery to be one of the lightest batteries available.

Works in Extreme Weather Conditions

The thick solution of gel can withstand critical weather conditions. When the weather is very cold, the thick gel solution can absorb the coldness and work nicely. By the same token, the gel battery is also able to handle higher temperatures, unlike the others.

Disadvantages of a Gel Battery

Expensive 

Gel batteries cost more, unfortunately. It is easy to understand that the price will be higher in a similar manner when there are numerous features with advanced technology in the battery. Although the gel cell is an expensive product, it is overall an efficient one.

Supports Low Voltage

Many people find it disturbing how slowly the gel battery charges. There is no way around it when you want to ensure the safety of your battery. Keeping the voltage low will prevent your battery from being overcharged. As a result, you will have to endure a prolonged charging process when using gel batteries.

Conclusion

We are now at the end of the discussion. As far as battery performance goes, gel batteries are among the best. Though this battery has some demerits, the benefits of the battery can outweigh the comparison to these demerits.

Undoubtedly, as an alternative to using a common battery, you can use a gel battery for your compatible vehicle and devices. By using a gel battery, you can expect greater performance from your automobile and electronics.