What is a gel battery?
Gel batteries, also known as colloidal lead-acid batteries, represent an advancement over traditional lead-acid counterparts. Unlike the liquid electrolytes in standard batteries, gel batteries employ colloidal electrolytes, demonstrating superior safety, capacity, discharge performance, and service life.
Gel battery Manufacturing Technology:
Gel batteries utilize a manufacturing process where the electrolyte is fixed in silicone gel. The gel’s spatial network structure, formed by the polymerization of gel particles, effectively secures the sulfuric acid electrolyte. This method ensures stability, analogous to using jelly to fix the sulfuric acid electrolyte.
Innovation Beyond Flooded Batteries:
A significant improvement over flooded batteries, gel batteries leverage silicone gel to fix the electrolyte. Gas transmission occurs through channels formed by cracks in the gel, allowing for unrestricted electrolyte movement. This design facilitates efficient gas transmission, crucial for electrolysis, with no strict limits on liquid quantity.
Colloidal Lead-Acid Batteries:
Colloidal lead-acid batteries, using gel electrolytes devoid of free liquid, boast numerous advantages. The absence of liquid minimizes the risk of thermal runaway, a common issue in ordinary batteries. Additionally, the large electrolyte capacity and robust heat dissipation capabilities contribute to enhanced performance and longevity.
Key Advantages of Gel Batteries:
- High Quality and Long Service Life: Gel battery form a solid protective layer, preventing corrosion and extending life by 1.5 to 2 times compared to traditional lead-acid batteries.
- Efficiency and Environmental Friendliness: With a cycle number exceeding 550 times under normal use, gel batteries offer a safe and eco-friendly solution, free from acid and gas precipitation.
- Low Maintenance and Long Shelf Life: Gel batteries require minimal maintenance, ensuring a clean surface and acid-free life. Their resistance to plate sulfation and reduced grid corrosion contributes to a long storage period and less self-discharge.
- Wide Temperature Range Suitability: Designed for diverse environments, gel batteries excel in a wide temperature range (-40 to 65°C), making them ideal for regions with extreme weather conditions.
Drawbacks of Gel Batteries:
- Exhaust Gas Residue: Early exhaust gas may carry colloidal particles containing acid, potentially leading to reports of acid leakage.
- Thermal Runaway Risk: Despite inhibiting water loss, the excellent oxygen cycle generates heat, introducing the risk of thermal runaway in gel batteries.
In conclusion, gel batteries present a compelling option for those seeking enhanced energy efficiency, especially in challenging environmental conditions. While they exhibit notable advantages, users should be mindful of potential challenges associated with their unique characteristics.