» »

The difference between the helium accumulator from the acidic. Gel battery: pros and cons

27.09.2019

Batteries are the most different types, appointments, they differ in their composition, specifications and other parameters.

What batteries are

The accumulator batteries for cars are divided into:

  • alkaline or salt, as an electrolytic carrier performs a solution of alkali;
  • acid, works on sulfuric acid.

These are the most common types of batteries used in cars over the past decades.

Gel rechargeable battery can be found in many specialized stores

The third type is calcium batteries. The disadvantage of such devices is that they have a very small capacity of self-charge, but small in overall dimensions. In this type, calcium is actively used. The price is quite high due to complexity in production.

Absolutely all types of batteries are served, not serviced and small serviced.


Another variety of batteries - gel battery for car . Such batteries appeared on the automotive spare parts market more recently. The development and implementation of gel batteries of industrial and domestic applications has long ago, but they have not yet been made for machines.

  • The serviced batteries are poured with electrolytic liquid (electrolyte) and charged current directly at the factory. Such a battery is ready for operation immediately after purchase. Nowadays, there are few models of this type on the market, although before such a technique was advanced in automotive Industry. This type of battery needs constant care and maintenance, topping the water and the elegant, constant recharging. Here it is possible to replace each block of plates separately. The shelf life of the non-operated battery can not be more than twelve months.
  • Not served batteries similar to the principle of action with the option described above, but have several differences. Since the battery case is closed, the entire liquid and condensate do not go out. Boxes here is not possible here, it is impossible to fill in liquids inside. These batteries are intended for very soft conditions of the car.
  • Low-service (dried) batteries. They are the most common types of batteries in today's markets. Have huge the lineup And a fairly flexible pricing policy. It is similar to two previous versions Batteries and has fallated necks over each "jar". There is the ability to control the level and topping of electrolytic fluids.

Gel battery: pros and cons

The principle of action of a conventional lead battery is the system of installed vertical lead plates impregnated with electrolytic liquid - sulfuric acid. So that the plates do not receive a short circuit, special plastic dielectrics are placed between them. They are made in the form of conventional plates, which have the ability to prevent the penetration through their surface of electrical energy. Each such boxing is separately, the car owners call the "can".

If these boxes are connected by a sequential scheme according to the scheme, the battery is obtained. The gel battery contains completely different components, and works on another principle of action.

If earlier it was possible to choose a battery for its main characteristics, now the choice is made in the type of execution. Gel batteries contain lead high-quality cleaning, which increases the characteristics several times.

As part of gel batteries - rolled fiberglass separators and plates from the above lead. Thus, the surface area of \u200b\u200bplates impregnated with electrolytic liquid increases. As a result, the current strength and battery capacity increases. Another advantage of the gel accumulator is that instead of a liquid electrolyte, a gel composition is flooded, which is the same electrolyte. It does not destroy the plates, and there is no evaporation into the atmosphere. This gives extension of the battery life for a long time.

Such a gel produces only two firms in Germany with a patent for this composition. Absolutely all battery manufacturers are purchased gel only in these corporations. This makes the production of gel batteries costly.

The case of these batteries is very durable. There are cases when the cracked rechargeable battery rushed and used yet for a long time.

With long-term storage of the gel battery, it does not fail, and easily charges to one hundred percent. The charge time of such devices is very low - about two hours.

The temperature mode is from minus sixty degrees Celsius, to the same indicator with a plus sign. At extreme temperatures, there is no emergency discharge or other battery malfunctions. Gel batteries, with all their longevity, do not require any maintenance, remaining fully efficient over long years. It is withstanding three times more charge cycles - discharge than previous types of batteries.

The last weighty advantage of the gel battery is the ability not to highlight any gases, which expands the scope of application from cars to electrification of country houses.

Of the minuses it can be noted that the prices for gel batteries are two, three times higher than that of the counterparts. Does not withstand recharging - you need to follow the charge indicator. High price, this is a temporary phenomenon. After a few years, prices will decline, and to buy a gel battery can afford every motorist.

Outcome

The development tendency of the production technology of gel battery batteries of automotive destination tells us that in the very near future it will ous out all versions of electrical energy drives from the car spare parts around the world. Having a lot of advantages over the predecessors, such devices will become much more efficient and economically more expedient.

Cars without batteries are just useless piles of metal. Any battery is a power source for the automotive onboard network, which ensures the safety of driving, protection and comfort of transport. Without a battery, it will not be possible to start the car, and the alarm and numerous sensors will stop working. That is why car owners should seriously refer to the choice of the battery. Any incomprehensibility of the technical characteristics of the battery and the needs of the car can lead to malfunctions or even damage vehicleAfter that, expensive recovery will be required. The strongest energy is spent on the engine launch, then it can be automatically restored from the generator.

The characteristics of the batteries differ by nominal voltage:

  • 6 volts - for easy equipment, including small quadrocycles, buggies, mopeds;
  • 12 volts - for overall quad bikes, motorcycles, all passenger cars;
  • 24 volts - for special equipment and heavy diesel trucks.

Thus, the most common are 12 volts accumulators.

Innovations in the electrical supply of the car led to the creation of the device, which is called, because in contrast to the usual filler of the AKB, there is an acid solution in the form of jelly or gel. The first gel battery appeared in the era of the development of space and became leaders in resistance to complete discharge. Jelly mass is capable of spending a few times better and charge active elements. In other words, the charger, and the generator will give the charge of the battery of this type faster, which will significantly extend its life.

Gel acb have a capacity of 12-200 amps-hours and have their advantages and cons, recovery after discharge passes without prejudice to energy intensiveness. Such batteries do not need maintenance and are manufactured in two technologies:

  • AGM - ABSORPTIVE Glass Mat - translated as "absorbing fiberglass". An ordinary solution of sulfuric acid is an electrolyte, but the emptiness between the electrodes is filled with microscopic fiberglass. This material is a separator that does not give an acid. As a result, a single gel-like mass is obtained.
  • GEL - GEL ELECTROLITE - the electrolyte in the form of a gel is obtained as a result of adding silicon dioxide acid to a solution.

Models of gel battery batteries are not too different. In common specifications Include:

  • Polypropylene shockproof case;
  • Absolute tightness;
  • Self-adjusted hermetic valves;
  • Terminals with corrosion protection;
  • Connecting solid massive elements;
  • Construction of durable twisted into the roll;
  • Leads from lead special cleaning.

During the planned technical inspection, they are tested for the density of electrolyte. The procedure (density recovery) includes topping the battery of a small amount of distilled water into the rechargeable battery. For gel batteries, such a check is not needed, since the dense consistency of the electrolyte is not lost over time, and it does not occur even during the damage to the plastic case.


Gel batteries have a higher electrolyte density

GEL and AGM Technology Batteries

AGM car battery contains almost 100% gas recombination. In contrast to the usual battery, this type of battery absorbs fiberglass (separator) all products chemical reactions (oxygen, hydrogen), and does not throw them into an external environment. Batteries These gases are returned to the electrolyte, thus the initial energy intensity of the battery occurs. The minimum warranty for the service life of the gel battery type AGM is 400 full charge-discharge cycles. In nonconnected form, this device is very slowly discharged - about 20% of the total energy intensity per year.

The GEL type has a slightly smaller recombination of gases, in the rest of its properties as such as AGM type. This model is guaranteed for 10 years and withstands 800 cycles of complete charge-discharge without loss of energy intensity. After complete discharge, the GEL battery does not need urgent recharging.

Pros and cons of the gel battery

The gel battery can be used only in transport, where the high-precision charge mechanism is supported. In foreign I. domestic cars There is a voltage of the range of 12-16 volts. To recharge this type of battery, the voltage should not exceed 14.4 volts, otherwise the gel melts and it will not be possible to restore it. It is also undesirable to exploit the gel battery under conditions of a strong frost, which will cause a thickening of electrolyte, the loss of its characteristics and lowering the power of the battery is twice. Battery restoration in such cases is problematic.

What are the pluses of this type of battery? The gel battery is ideal for those car enthusiasts that install additional electrical equipment on their car and thus enhance the overall load on the electrical system of the machine. If there is air conditioners in the car, televisions in head restraints front chairs for rear passengers, subwoofers, salon heating - all this can very much. It can be replaced by gel, subject to the provision of proper voltage and positive air temperature. Be sure to consult with specialists of a licensed service station or car service before purchasing this type of battery, because it may be that such technology is incompatible with the electronic system of your car. It should also be found in the technical documentation of your car, what characteristics should be at the battery. The battery with smaller indicators is not recommended, but with large - permitted. Restoring the car systems after installing an incorrect battery can be expensive repairs.

Pluses of the gel battery:

  • Service is excluded because there are no technological holes in the housing;
  • During the recharge, there is no selection of poisonous vapor;
  • The electrolyte state allows you to install AKB in any position;
  • In case of damage to the case, the gel flow is excluded;
  • Long service life - 10-12.

Cons Gel Battery:

  • Not designed to serve under strong frosts;
  • High price - ranging from 12,000 to 21 000 r.;
  • It needs high-precision automotive electronics, since the standard voltage range of 12-16 volts is embedded on many machines.

Thus, the gel battery will be excellent option For emergency power supply system, but is poorly suitable for use in cold climates.

Many consider this one and also with AGM, others say that inside helium - but also those and others are not right.

GEL - From the word "gel", and not helium (although there are such batteries). Here is a completely different principle of electrolyte device.

There are also two sets of plates - negative and positive, but instead of electrolyte between them, a special gel is poured between them (as the manufacturers say it is silica gel), when it is frozen, turns into a solid, with a huge amount of pores inside (this is done on production damage). This gel holds inside the electrolyte. Due to the fact that it fills all the pores and space inside, the plates are obtained, as if wrapped in it, which increases their service life, because they practically do not appear. In such batches there is no short circuit due to sinking plates, which is already much increase in service life.

The plates in GEL batteries are also made of pure lead, which has no high resistance, they are also perfectly gaining a charge and give big currents per unit of time.

Gel batteries have further increased service life, so the average battery can last for at least 7 years, and a warranty is given for five years, the maximum period of work on the assurance of some manufacturers can reach 15-20 years. "GEL" perfectly cope with deep discharges (100%), they withstand from 340 to 400 such cycles. full discharge or 550 - 600 cycles up to 50%, and about 1300 depth of 30%.

As you can see this quite competitive technology.

Starting Toki.

Here the advant is completely on the side of the more advanced gel batteries, if you compare their currents with AGM, then the difference will be almost 1.2 - 1.5 times.

If a AGM can give about 500 - 700 amps.

That GEL issues from 700 to 1000 amps

In fairness it is worth noting that ordinary acidic batteries often work on currents at 300 - 400 amps, so that even 500 - 700 amps will be "for the eyes" for the cold winter.

Comparison at prices

Here, "Palm Championship" holds "AGM" technology, they are relatively inexpensive, the initial cost of 6,500 rubles! Of course, the usual "acid" can be bought for 3000 - 3,500 rubles, but it will be lower, as well as a short service life.

Batteries in gEL technologyNow there are now inappropriate money, namely the initial price from 15,000 rubles, and the maximum that I could see about 27,000 rubles in stores, it was true that it was a capacity of 80 am / h and a starting current of about 1000 amps. But the warranty on such AKB will be at least 5 years (and I have seen 7-10 years), it will work for a long time.

So it is definitely to decide for a good battery and pay well.

As you can see, these accumulators are similar in the absence of liquid electrolyte, as well as pure lead in the structure of the plates. But the main technology is still different - AGM "mats" from fiberglass between the plates in them electrolyte. In GEL - there are no mats, the gel is flooded, which solidifies and keeps the electrolyte, also does not give the plates to contact.

Useful video

In this end the article, read our automotive knife.

Any motorist knows why you need a battery, but not everyone understands what it happens, and even more so in the principle of his work.

In the understanding of the ordinary buyer, the battery is a kind of plastic hermetic box with terminals. Inside boxing placed lead electrodes, filled with electrolyte. It turns out as a result of chemical reactions that occur between electrodes and electrolyte. The current is functionally needed for various mechanisms and devices.

The battery accumulate (accumulate) in itself electricity, which is given to the outer chain as needed.

The restoration of the initial occurs due to an external source of electricity. This process is called charging, and converts electric energy in chemical.

Types of batteries

Different types of autonomous power sources differ not only by the principles of work, cost, but also by parameters:

  • sizes (weight and volume);
  • capacity;
  • number of recharging cycles;
  • temperature mode;
  • shelf life;
  • the possibility of accelerated charging;
  • self-discharge rate (in case of long storage);
  • service life, etc.

Pluses of gel batteries:

  • does not need maintenance;
  • not afraid of tipping;
  • does not proceed in case of damage to the case;
  • duration of service life up to 10 years.

Cons of gel batteries:

  • high price;
  • instability to strong frosts;
  • requires the most complex electronics in the car;
  • permanent monitoring of indicators.

Which battery is better, as well as, what power storage device you need it, it will help to understand the above information. The main advantage of any source of current reusable is the ability to reload them again and again to full power. Will this gel battery or acid solve only you.

The development of the automotive industry gives each transport owner a wide selection and excellent opportunities for buying spare parts and additions in different price categories. If earlier it was important to find the right battery according to the requirements, clarifying its power and voltage, today you can choose not only according to the characteristics, but also by type of execution. Recently, popularity is gaining quite interesting technology - car gel batteries that are more durable and easy to operate than standard options.

The main difference in the design of such a battery is instead of the liquid electrolyte in the system there is a jelly mass, which is better conducting current and faster charging active elements. This means that both the generator and the charger will give a charge to your battery faster, extending his life.

The main advantages of the gel battery for the car

The technology of replacing the liquid filler of the battery on the gel is present for a long time. It did not receive a fairly wide distribution for a number of reasons, but has a considerable amount of advantages. Such a battery keeps the charge longer. It is often used by fans of additional electrical equipment, which increases the overall load on the electricity system in the car.

Subwoofers, air conditioners, televisions for the rear passengers in the head restraints of the front armchairs and electrical stoves of the cabin - all this is largely affected by the battery operation. Conventional batteries are often not designed for such a load, therefore you can replace them with gels with the following advantages:

  • much less active discharge when using a large number of equipment;
  • fast charging using charger (about 2 hours to 100%);
  • replenishment of a larger number of lost charge when the generator is working;
  • durability while compliance with operating modes;
  • lack of need to serve the battery;
  • work in any position, as well as stable power.

Gel batteries for cars allow complete discharge. If ordinary acb after deep discharge begin to collapse inside, then the gel filling of such batteries prevents destruction. A sufficient large number of advantages was the reason for the wide distribution of this technology. Perhaps gel batteries have not only advantages?

Indeed, like any other invention in the field of automotive technologies, the batteries with gel filling provide a number of inconvenience to their owners. Consider the main disadvantages of such technology.

Cons of the use of gel battery

By the number of deficiencies an order of magnitude less than advantages. But the status of these minuses cannot allow the driver to give very big money for the battery, because it may be short-lived and poor-quality. There are a lot of reviews of machine owners who are talking about not enough good work in their acquisition. After reading the list of advantages of gel batteries, you could and do not read the publication to the end, going to the automotive store. If so, you should know and a number of minuses of your acquisition before you print the packaging.

The most notable flaws of gel batteries can be described as follows:

  • too high the price that makes a minor advantage of durability;
  • very noticeable sensitivity to high currents and instant destruction under their impact;
  • the need for smooth current when charging, otherwise the gel filler melts;
  • the inability to use for a long time in the cold.

Especially touching the last flaw. If this battery can not be used in the cold, which one is all sense from him? Many share this point of view, because the use of one battery in summer and the other in winter is a rather strange way of operation of the car. If you have already purchased a gel battery, get the usual battery for the winter.

Also, it is also not pleased with the possibility of electrolyte smelting at elevated currents. 16V for this battery is already too, because on old cars to apply such batteries at all possible. If you want to save on replacing batteries, it is better to put the batteries that the manufacturer of your car recommends.

More information about gel batteries in the following video:

Let's sum up

The theme of the use of gel batteries is only beginning to move into a circle of drivers. Do not everyone know about the existence of such a wonder, but not every learned in a hurry to change its usual battery for this is an unknown invention. If you decide to purchase a gel battery for a car, learn more about its compatibility with electrical system Your car. It may be that the use of such technology is not boarding your car and is impossible at all.

This technology for those who love new items and wants to integrate in their car all the most modern. But for practical daily operation, it is better to use the most common and familiar battery batteries. They are less arrogant and do not require seasonal replacement to other power facilities. Do you have experience with gel batteries?