How Does 12v Deep Cycle Gel Battery Work?

  •   If you have ever bought batteries, you will know that they have their own advantages and disadvantages. Gel pad batteries are no different. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of gel batteries is the best first step in determining whether this type of battery is suitable for you.

      What is the 12v Deep Cycle Gel Battery?

      Before determining the pros and cons of the 12v Deep Cycle Gel Battery and how they will affect you, it is important to understand the exact meaning of a gel battery. Gel batteries are very similar to traditional lead-acid batteries. Silica is added to the electrolyte to form a gel-like substance.

      This thickening of the electrolyte means that the gel battery can be installed in various positions and does not emit smoke.

      Expert tip: This allows gel batteries to be used in applications with restricted ventilation.

      How does it work?

      The 12v Deep Cycle Gel Battery (usually called a gel battery) is a lead-acid battery whose valve is regulated. When the electrolyte is mixed with sulfuric acid and silica, it becomes a relatively fixed gel substance.

      This gel mixture allows batteries to utilize acid and electrolyte in the same way as traditional lead-acid batteries without the need for increased maintenance.

      advantage

      Maintenance-free: Since the battery is composed of gel instead of liquid, it can keep the battery working normally without maintenance.

      No leakage: Even if the wet battery is sealed in a plastic box, there is still a possibility of leakage. Gel batteries are also sealed, but there is a valve to eliminate excess pressure. This means that there is nowhere for the mixture to go between the gel mass and the pressure relief.

      Install them anywhere: The advantage of gel batteries is that they can be used almost anywhere because they will not leak and generally require no maintenance. This greatly increases the number of applications available for gel batteries.

      Minimal risk: When the traditional lead-acid battery is damaged, you will face a large-scale and dangerous cleanup (not to mention the impact on the objects that the battery acid may touch in the process). If the casing is damaged, the gel battery will not leak, thus reducing the risk of injury to the device and eliminating the danger.

      Anti-vibration: One of the biggest complaints of wet batteries is that they are very susceptible to extreme vibration and other shocks. Gel batteries absorb shock and vibration, making them ideal batteries for four-wheeled vehicles and other items.

      Smokeless: Because these batteries are made of the gel material, they produce very little smoke during use. This means that the need for ventilation is reduced, which increases the potential uses for gel batteries and makes it easier to charge anywhere.

      Discharge resistance: When using a wet battery, it is important not to discharge the battery too much. Otherwise, it will never be able to charge. Gel batteries are not like that. They are deep cycle batteries, which means they can discharge more and still charge like new batteries.

      Disadvantage

      Price: Although the benefits of gel batteries are obvious, so are the price tags. Many people want to switch from wet batteries to gel batteries, which is the biggest disadvantage.

      Charging challenge: When charging a gel battery, you need to plan to give it more time. The charging cycle of these batteries is very slow, but you cannot leave it and leave it. Because it is a gel and not a liquid, you need to remove it from the charger as soon as you are done. Leaving it on may cause electrolyte voids, which is irreversible damage.

      Thermal control: This is indeed a disadvantage for most batteries, and gel batteries are no exception. Heat is one of the fastest ways to shorten battery life. By controlling the battery's exposure to heat, you can extend the lifespan and keep the battery running like a new battery.