A gel battery s a valve regulated, lead acid battery in which a pre-determined quantity of an electrolyte, together with sulphuric acid is combined with silica fumes. This chemical reaction results in an immobile, gel like mass giving these batteries their name. The gel batteries are virtually maintenance free as they uses one-way open valves that allow the internal gasses to recombine into water, hence removing any need to check to top up distilled water or monitor water level. Gel batteries are extremely robust and versatile. They are safe to be installed in places where ventilation is limited, due to fact that they have a very low (virtually zero) gas/fumes production, which means you can even install the batteries inside your home.
Carefully select the right charge controller for your gel batteries
Special consideration should be given when selecting chargers for gel batteries as they get charged at lower voltages. Overvoltage can lead to failure and reduced performance. Sometimes the term GEL cell is commonly referred to sealed, maintenance free batteries and marked as a setting on charge controllers. This can be confusing and may lead to the wrong selection of chargers or incorrect settings while charging. In case of using other charging methods like alternators, proper regulators must be installed to keep control over charging voltage. General charging voltage range of batteries is 14.0 volts to 14.2 volts, and float voltage range 13.1 volts to 13.3 volts.
Advantages of Gel batteries
Gel Batteries are becoming increasingly popular for solar systems due to the following reasons:
Best suited for Deep cycle applications and their life is generally in the 500 to 5000 cycles range
Maintenance free
Spill proof
Minimal corrosion therefore compatible with sensitive electronic equipment
Rugged and vibration-resistant
Very safe as less risk of sulphuric acid burns
Lowest cost-per-month (cost / months of life)
Lowest cost-per-cycle (cost / life cycles)
Disadvantages Gel batteries
High initial cost
In case of overcharging water cannot be refilled
Special chargers and regulators are required
Hot temperatures can affect adversely acid can turn the gel hard and may shrink away from plates
