Gelled Electrolyte Batteries
Industrial
Deep
Cycle Batteries
Internal
Resistance
of a Battery
Effects
of
Temperature
on Batteries
Gelled Electrolyte Batteries
Gelled batteries, or "Gel Cells" contain acid that has been "gelled" by the addition of Silica Gel, turning the acid into a solid mass that looks like gooey Jell-O. The advantage of these batteries is that it is impossible to spill acid even if they are broken. However, there are several disadvantages. One is that they must be charged at a slower rate (C/20) to prevent excess gas from damaging the cells. They cannot be fast charged on a conventional automotive charger or they may be permanently damaged. This is not usually a problem with solar electric systems, but if an auxiliary generator or inverter bulk charger is used, current must be limited to the manufacturers specifications. Most better inverters commonly used in solar electric systems can be set to limit charging current to the batteries.
Some other disadvantages of gel cells is that they must be charged at
a lower voltage (2/10th's less) than flooded or AGM batteries. If overcharged,
voids can develop in the gel which will never heal, causing a loss in
battery capacity. In hot climates, water loss can be enough over 2-4 years
to cause premature battery death. It is for this and other reasons that
we no longer sell any of the gelled cells except for replacement use.
The newer AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries have all the advantages (and
then some) of gelled, with none of the disadvantages.
Wind Alternators/Generators----- Solar Panels s----- Home Generation via Alternator/Generator
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