Lithium gel battery introduction

Batteries are items that are available in a variety of specifications. According to the specifications and components of batteries, there are about 5 types of batteries which include the following: flooded batteries, sealed batteries, AGM batteries, VRLA batteries and GEL batteries. Although the focus of this article is on gel batteries, we run through the other types of battery to give insight into the differences and structure and components.

Flooded batteries are a type of battery that are traditionally applied in different kinds of devices and appliances. These batteries are deep cycle batteries with features such as the freedom of movement of the electrolytes within the cell compartment. One can also fill these batteries with distilled water as the need arises. Flooded batteries are applied in a lot of the traditional backup energy devices. Flooded batteries include motorcycle batteries as well as ATV batteries and golf carts batteries.

VRLA stands for valve regulated lead acid batteries. This kind of battery is a subcategory of sealed batteries. These batteries also are especially known for their valve regulating system. The valve regulating system is an extra security feature that ensures the regulated release of oxygen and hydrogen while the battery is charging. These batteries serve as batteries of scooters as well as toys and alarms.

Sealed batteries include all batteries that are more strictly restricted than flooded batteries. Users of flooded batteries have access to the compartments: this is not the case of sealed batteries as users have restricted access to the components of the battery. Thus, the components of the batteries are filled with enough materials to serve the user throughout specific periods.

AGM batteries are batteries with a design that is aimed at effective recharge and discharge. The design of this form of battery is also the intimate alignment of components such as the active material of the plates. AGM means Absorbed Glass Mat, and these batteries can be regarded as a subcategory of VRLA batteries with a unique battery. AGM batteries are batteries such as boat and UPS batteries.

What is lithium gel battery?

Gel batteries are batteries with features that make them more suitable for use in recent times for most portable devices. The features of these batteries include the silica additive that is usually part of these batteries to stiffen up the components. The features of these batteries also include a recharge voltage that is lower than a lot of the other types of batteries.

The features of these batteries make them more suitable than the other forms of batteries, especially in deep circle applications. The features of this kind of batteries also make them suitable for use in conditions such as hot conditions. The features of gel batteries make them especially poised for vast application across different sectors. These batteries are also known to exude minimal fumes thus allow a wide range of placement options.

Gel batteries can be regarded as a form of VRLA batteries as they have valves which regulate the output of oxygen and hydrogen, especially when it is being charged. As a form of sealed battery, gel batteries have a predetermined level of electrolyte. This electrolyte could be combined with other components such as silica, especially in lead acid batteries.

Because of the components of gel batteries, chemical reactions within these batteries produce a gel-like substance. The production of this gel-like substance gave these batteries their name. As mentioned above, gel batteries require a low charge voltage. Thus these batteries could be easily overcharged if chargers are not carefully selected. Because of the susceptibility of these batteries to overcharge, their features include those that prevent overcharge such as a limited charge voltage range. The charge voltage range of gel batteries is 14.0 to 14.4 volts, while the float voltage range of these batteries is 13.1 to 13.3 volts.

Since batteries that are sealed and require low maintenance are categorized as gel batteries, lithium gel batteries are thus lithium with these features as well as a limited voltage range. The characteristics of lithium gel batteries also include suitability for deep cycle applications.

Because of their similar features, gel batteries could be mistaken for AGM batteries. These similar characteristics include the fact that these batteries require little maintenance. These batteries could also be easily placed as they exude minimal fumes as lead acid batteries. Both types of batteries also have spill proof features. AGM and gel batteries are also known to be resistant to corrosion and are sealed batteries.

The differences of both forms of batteries, however, include the fact that gel batteries are more sensitive than AGM batteries. The electrolytes of these two types of batteries are other distinguishing features. Gel batteries, for example, have electrolytes with a gel form. AGM batteries, on the other hand, have electrolytes that are within separators in the form of absorbed glass mats.

Pros and cons of lithium gel battery

The pros of these batteries include the very obvious characteristics from their features. These batteries require little maintenance, and this is a major pro of lithium gel batteries. Because of the sealed and compartmentalized nature of these batteries, they are also very spill proof. It is also noteworthy that these batteries are compatible with very sensitive equipment because of their features such as resistance to corrosion. It is also noteworthy that these batteries can be used for a range of 500 to 5,000 cycles. Other features that encourage the use of these batteries include low cost per month and cycle which users are likely to incur.

Because of the sensitivity of these batteries, they required peculiar chargers and charging regulations, and this could discourage their use. However, the manufacturers of these batteries specify the charging regulations clearly. The initial heavy cost of these batteries could also discourage their use.

Applications of lithium gel battery

As noted above, gel batteries are suited for deep cycle applications. Thus these batteries are applied in devices and appliances such as wheelchairs and RVs. These batteries are also some of the batteries that are used in medical mobility devices. Trolling motor batteries also include gel batteries.