Gel Cell Battery Information
A gel cell battery is a type of VRLA or valve-regulated lead-acid battery. These batteries are used in situations where deep cycling (running the battery to little or no charge) and unusual battery positioning occur.
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Gel
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Unlike standard "wet" batteries that employ a liquid electrolyte (think battery acid), the electrolyte in gel cells are suspended in a thixotropic mass, notes mkbattery.com. According to fishingandboats.com, thixotropic electrolytes are generally solid, but liquify while recharging.
How They Work
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Like a "wet" battery, gel cells have positively and negatively charged lead plates to create the current across the electrolyte. The difference is that the gel cells do not produce gas, but generate water, which allows them to be completely sealed, according to mkbattery.com.
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Applications
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Gel cell batteries are commonly found in sailboats, electric vehicles, and off-road vehicles. Mkbattery.com also reports that they are used in wet environments to power emergency lighting and in uninterrupted power systems.
Advantages
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As the electrolyte is solid, self-regulates moisture and is completely sealed, gel cell batteries rarely spill or leak. This allows them to be mounted in positions other than upright.
Disadvantages
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Gel cell batteries have special charging requirements, lower power output than other battery options and do not perform as well in low temperatures, according to batterystuff.com.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Marc
