Gel Battery Suppliers
Gel battery manufacturers produce batteries that don’t use liquid electrolyte and instead use silica gel. This prevents the electrolyte from evaporating or spilling and makes them a safe choice for many applications.
However, the coronavirus outbreak has severely affected gel battery market due to lockdowns and social distancing norms. This has delayed the availability of raw materials and has led to production delays.
1. Long Lifespan
A gel battery has a longer lifespan than traditional lead-acid batteries and is more resistant to overheating. These batteries have a gelled electrolyte composed of diluted sulfuric acid and pyrogenic silica. This helps the battery to maintain its internal structure and prevents it from spilling or evaporating.
Gel batteries are able to hold their charge and resist sulfation, allowing them to last up to twice as long as flooded lead-acid options. Their long lifespan makes them a smart choice for use in backup energy systems. In addition, the gel composition of these batteries allows them to operate in extreme temperatures.
They do not need regular water refills or maintenance. They can also be placed in multiple positions and do not produce fumes. However, it is important to note that the lifespan of these batteries is affected by gel battery suppliers temperature and usage. It is recommended that a battery be recharged and discharged at a low rate to achieve an optimal lifespan. A battery’s estimated cycle life span is determined by the number of cycles at a given DOD.
2. Low Self-Discharge
Unlike the wet batteries they replaced, gel cells do not need their users to add water or perform other regular maintenance tasks. This makes them a very convenient option for people who don’t have the time or inclination to do routine battery care. Gel batteries also have a longer cycle life compared to other lead-acid options and are less affected by high temperatures.
Gel batteries have an inner electrolyte that is made from silica, which turns the acid mixture into a jelly-like substance. This reduces movement within the battery, resulting in an extremely low self-discharge rate. In fact, a gel battery can be deep-discharged to zero volts without losing significant capacity.
Gel batteries also have one-way safety valves that allow internal gases to recombine, which further reduces gassing. This helps to protect the battery from damage due to overcharging and high temperatures. As a result, they are safer to handle than other lead-acid options. However, it is still important to use proper chargers and regulators.
3. High Durability
Deep cycle gel batteries are an excellent choice for a wide range of applications. They can last up to 15 years and offer over 500 full cycles at a 50% DOD. These batteries are also capable of providing a high level of performance in hot temperatures.
In addition, these batteries are virtually maintenance-free and can be used without the need for regular topping up with distilled water. They also require less charging and are more durable than flooded lead acid batteries. They can also be transported from place to place easily as they are sealed and do not contain any fluid.
However, it is important to note that these batteries are not suitable for starting cars. The reason is that they lack the cranking power of a conventional flooded battery and may suffer damage in this application. In addition, overcharging can cause voids in the electrolyte, which can reduce their lifespan. Therefore, it is advisable to use a special regulator when charging these batteries. Also, it is important to store these batteries in a cool location, as frequent exposure to hot temperatures can negatively affect the gel and cause it to shrink away from the plates.
4. No Fumes
Unlike standard lead-acid batteries that emit flammable hydrogen gas, gel-type batteries do not release fumes during use. This makes them safer to use in areas with less ventilation.
Battery failure from incorrect charging or poor maintenance can cause low acid/electrolyte levels resulting in high concentrations of hydrogen gas within the battery and possibly an explosion. This is much less likely in sealed gel batteries as the gases are contained.
Another benefit of gel battery technology is that it is shock and vibration resistant. This can be useful in power wheelchairs and scooters that must be used daily for mobility applications. Gel batteries are able to handle the shock and vibration without any damage or leaking of their electrolyte. This also means that these batteries can be more easily transported for installation in a variety of positions.
5. Easy to Charge
Compared to the conventional lead-acid batteries, gel batteries are safer because there is no risk of sulfuric acid spillage. They also produce fewer fumes and can be safely used in areas with limited ventilation systems. They are also lightweight and durable, making them suitable for off-grid solar systems.
Another advantage of gel batteries is their low maintenance requirement. They don’t maintenance free deep cycle battery require frequent topping-up with distilled water, which saves you both time and money in the long run. This is especially important in areas with unstable power supplies, where a high-capacity backup source is needed.
Gel batteries are also compatible with all inverters on the market, making them a great choice for off-grid solar systems. They can store energy from solar panels during the day, then be charged by the inverter at night when sunlight is not available. They can also be used as an emergency backup power supply when the utility grid is down. The only drawback is that they take longer to charge than other battery types. However, this can be avoided by controlling the amount of heat they are exposed to during charging.
