Gel batteries

Gel batteries versus traditional batteries

A gel battery acts much like a lead battery. However, there is a difference, in a gel battery is no water between the plates, but a more or less solid gel substance . Gel batteries are maintenance free and therefore closed, you cannot refill them. There is a safety valve thrue which gases can escape if the battery is loaded too deeply or too fast, but because the probability of gassing in a gel battery is negligible, these batteries can be installed anywhere. The lifespan is similar to that of AGM batteries. AGM batteries are popularly called gel batteries.

Gel battery

Gel battery construction is as shown in the diagram. The positive and negative grids are cast from a calcium/tin lead alloy to reduce grid growth and corrosion. The active material is manufactured from a high purity lead (99.9999%) to minimize the negative effects of impurities. Separator is manufactured by a world leader in the field, utilizing the latest German technology. The base material is a micro porous duroplastic exhibiting excellent high temperature stability and mechanical strength, resulting in very good resistance to vibration and mechanical shock. The integrity of the battery will be maintained under extreme conditions.

Gel battery separator

The purpose of the separator is to maintain a constant distance between the positive and negative plates, totally eliminating the possibility of short circuits whilst allowing the active materials to fully react with the gelled electrolyte. The separator also has an open construction, which allows little resistance to the flow of the electrolyte during filling.
A thin layer (typically O.4mm) of non-woven glass mat is an integral part of the separator and is placed against the positive plate for
improved surface contact.

Gel battery construction

Gel battery construction with case removed and cover cut away to show internal battery parts.

Applications for gel batteries

• Cycling / Float service
• Residential
• Telecommunications
• Refrigeration
• Photovoltaic (PV)
• Solar
• Wind
• Engine Starting
• Electrical Wheelchair
• Electric Vehicle (EV)
• Floor Cleaning Machines
• Water Pumping
• Golf Caddy / Trolley
• Portable Medical Equipment
• Cathodic Protection
• Boats
• General Marine
• Navigation Aids