Selection, device and charging of the gel battery, popular models

The importance of a power source in a car cannot be understated. It’s equally important to know which battery is better choose if necessary. Numerous commercials offer a lot of brands, reveal the benefits of their product. But, in order to determine the ideal option, you need to know all the parameters and characteristics of the necessary device.

In this article we will try to fully consider what properties a gel battery has and indicate its pros and cons.

Be sure to watch 2 videos on gel and AGM batterieswhat it is and how they differ from each other.

What is a gel battery?

Video on AGM batteries and their difference from gel

What is and what does a gel battery look like?

The principle of operation of such a battery has no difference from other types of batteries. The main difference in design. The production technology of a gel lead-acid device implies complete tightness and the inability to service models of this type. In it, the electrolyte, which is concentrated between the plates, has a gel, that is, an absorbed texture.

But in other batteries, an electrolyte is a mixture that consists of distilled water, as well as sulfuric acid. The gel consistency of the filler in the new generation devices is achieved by adding a silicone composition to it. She thickens the mixture.

A certain number of cylindrical-shaped plastic blocks connected into a single whole form the gel battery case.

The main components in such batteries are:

• electrodes with negative and positive charges;
• electrolyte;
• composition of porous separator plates;
• housing box;
• a certain number of terminals;
• valves.

According to the principle of operation of the battery, a source with a charge gives it away. During such a transmission, the voltage drops and, at the same time, the electrolyte density decreases.

Gel Battery Life

The battery life declared by the gel battery manufacturer is approximately 10 years. It should be assumed that this is the maximum operating time of the device under ideal and non-replaceable conditions for its use.

Gel-batteries are subject to rapid wear under the following conditions:

1. A sharp and dramatic change in temperature conditions. A significant decrease in service life may result from a fall to −30 ° c and an increase above + 50 ° c. This is due to changes in the electrochemical activity of the battery during such exposure.
2. Constantly uncharged battery condition in the device.
3. Long battery life on recharging, despite the already fully charged device.

I would like to note that an increase in temperature during operation also affects the increase in the development of corrosion of the plates in the unit.

Advantages and some disadvantages

The main advantage of gel batteries is the unchangeable productivity and the absence of leakage of filler in any position of the device.

There are still a lot of additional reasons, considering which you should purchase just such units for your cars:

1. High environmental friendliness and safety of the gel battery. In case of violation of the tightness of the housing, the electrolyte does not leak out of the device. And in ordinary batteries, where lead and acids are located, the latter, with constant interaction with the metal, erode into the atmosphere. In their place, water accumulates in the battery.
2. Great practicality when compared to conventional batteries. Of which a sufficiently large amount of gas is released during the operation of the device. The gel electrolyte does not allow this, since it blocks the way for the gas to exit, delaying it inside its own vapors. It contains a very thin layer of fiberglass, which provides the electrolyte with a sufficient consistency. This design of the device allows the separators together with the working composition also to take on the function of separating the plates.
3. Reliable tightness of the device. This indicates the safety of the unit during the workflow.
4. Immunity of gel models to temperature changes.
5. No need for special care.
6. Batteries are not afraid of a complete discharge. They have more reserves.
7. Long life of appliances. Subject to all operating conditions. In order to bring the gel battery into complete unusability, it is necessary to subject its body to significant mechanical damage, or to grossly violate the rules of use.

Despite its popularity, the gel battery has not only advantages, but also disadvantages. They do not tolerate battery recharging. What makes them the most vulnerable today. When such a gross violation of the charging rules of these devices occurs, their service life is reduced significantly.

Given all these circumstances, there are certain requirements for the on-board electronics of vehicles, with which a gel battery is applicable. For longer preservation of such a battery, the car generator must be in perfect condition. And the tension in it of the drive belt is normal. It was because of the increased sensitivity of the gel batteries to recharging that they could not be used earlier.

Scope of application

Despite the improved technical characteristics that are superior to previously used analogues, the gel models are compact in size. Not so long ago, a spiral layout is used in these devices. Where the plates are helical. And the separator along with the electrolyte are concentrated in the center of this entire spiral structure.

The advantages of gel-filled batteries make their use valuable for cars that take part in rallies or are often operated in adverse weather conditions.

Given the constancy of the power supply, the reliability of the devices, these batteries serve as an excellent source of energy that improves the performance of audio systems. And due to the lack of gas in the battery, they can be placed directly in the passenger compartment. This, in turn, will reduce the cost of the owner of the vehicle for the purchase of a large amount of wiring.

Choosing the best option, you should pay attention to the manufacturers. Verified companies will always look the most attractive to buyers. One of the characteristic features, which some consider a lack of gel batteries, is high cost.

How to properly charge the gel battery

Gel batteries are significantly susceptible to quantities such as voltage and the strength of the supplied current. For this reason, such batteries require charging with constant adjustment of certain characteristics. To recharge these models require special devices. Devices charging lead-acid batteries are not suitable in this case.

When buying a charger for your gel battery, consider the following points:

• the possibility of autonomous turning off the current after stopping the charging process
• protective mechanism against overheating;
• stability of voltage used;
• adjustment of charging parameters according to temperature indicators of both the environment and the battery itself. The presence of temperature compensation;
• current adjustment.

It is recommended to charge in stages:

• given the stress;
• watching the decrease in current;
• carefully observing the minimum indicators of voltage, current supply.

Gel batteries are demanding on the conditions of recharging. Pulse devices that charge them are suitable for them, following all the parameters, regulate the necessary values ​​in the network, and can also use emergency shutdown of the current supply. Remember that a sealed lead charger is not suitable for gel batteries. The current that the device emits adversely affects the gel.

How to properly charge the gel battery

Proper charging of gel-batteries involves the use of such current strength at the time of replenishment of energy consumption that would be equal to only 10% of the total battery capacity. For example, a 60 Ah battery should be charged with a current of 6 volts. For urgent recharging, you can apply 30%. On the instrument case there is always data indicating the recommended maximum current during the charging period.

The value of voltage is also important. The recommended value is not more than 14.5 V. Otherwise, it may begin to destroy the battery. The gel composition will begin to lose its properties in terms of density and eventually will completely lose its properties. These parameters are also indicated on the devices by companies that produce battery. You need to look for them on the case, after the words where it says "Cycle use".

We want to draw your attention to the fact that for gel devices, it is possible to use the charging mode to maintain energy. This is necessary in the field of battery maintenance, which requires periodic recharging. Information on the voltage used in this case is also present on the instrument housing in the line where “Standby use” is written.

Electrolyte replacement, battery recovery

If the service of the purchased power source is carried out according to the manufacturer's recommendations, then this guarantees a sufficiently long service life of the device. But unforeseen situations may occur. Noticing that the battery has swollen, do not try to revive it yourself. Also, when the plates are destroyed, the best option for the owner is to purchase a new battery.

In what cases can you reanimate your gel battery? If the battery capacity is lost, do not exclude the drying of the gel filler. These circumstances allow you to restore fluid balance by adding distilled water to the device.

This can be done in several stages:

• cover removal;
• removal of all rubber plugs on the banks of the device;
• picking up 2 cubes of liquid in a syringe, pour it into jars in a row;
• give time for a reaction. You will need to leave the device alone for 3-4 hours;
• if necessary, add a little water again in the same way, or remove excess water;
• checking the voltage level. This can be done at the terminals of the device;
• reinstalling the plugs and battery cover;
• setting the battery to recharge.

The best manufacturers of gel batteries

Today, the production of gel batteries of various configurations has been established. They also vary in cost and characteristics. Knowledge about existing models and the parameters you need will help you choose the option you need.

Optima Yellow Top

The most unique and progressive technology used by American developers in this model was used. They patented a spiral method of laying plates, which made it possible to learn the compact dimensions of devices of this type. They are characterized by banks with a cylindrical shape.Even the little ones in capacity batteries They have a high level of inrush current, which is equal to 765 A. The model is characterized by a fast current output rate of sufficiently high power. This is already appreciated by fans of a good car audio system with a loud sound. The battery can withstand the increased loads of impressive stereo systems. These batteries are also used in motorsport. Due to its resistance to vibrations, as well as to severe overloads. Car owners who wish to purchase Optima Yellow Top can do this at a price of 20,300 rubles.

DELTA GX 12-60

Manufacturers guarantee a sufficiently long service life of the model, speaking of 10 years. Particular attention should be paid to the stability of the device to deep discharge and the possibility of use with a fairly wide range of temperature fluctuations. Maintains in working condition from -40 to + 40 ° C. Of course, for such a pleasure you have to pay a good price. The average price of such a unit on the market is approximately 12,700 rubles.

VARTA ULTRA DYNAMIC

German engineers managed to release the most reliable model of a gel device. This device can cope with any requirements of modern automakers. In the battery, electrolyte, which, due to the uniqueness of the technology, has the ability to be absorbed into a separate separator. And there it already becomes a gel. At any tilt, the battery continues to work. VARTA ULTRA DYNAMIC will last long, reliably and provide excellent inrush current. A drawback of the model is the possible loss of power when used in low temperature conditions. The price can reach 17 500 rubles.

Taking into account all the advantages of gel batteries, I would like to note a well-deserved increase in consumer attention to these varieties. Once you pay a decent amount, you can get a good device that will last you a long time.