![]() After termination of charge, it can take an hour for the acid to gel again. Also the gelled mixture can liquefy upon charge due to the shearing action of gassing (this property is called "thixotropic"). These pockets impede acid flow and result in the loss of battery capacity. Gel electrolyte is highly viscous and during charge and discharge the gel can develop voids (pockets) or cracks when the amperage is increased. ![]() Gelled electrolyte battery designs are generally quite old and few engineering options are left to improve them. They internally recombine most of the gases (hydrogen and oxygen) generated during charging and are maintenance free due to this. Their acid is immobilized by adding "fumed" silica to the sulfuric acid solution and then sealing the battery. Their introduction and widespread adoption was due to their increased efficiency and designed safety features. They were introduced to American RVs and Marine enthusiasts by Sonnenschein of Germany over 30 years ago. The next types of batteries are gelled acid (Electrolyte) designs. ![]() That all being said, they are also the least expensive type and therefore are the choice of many renewable and RV owners. Should they fail to be watered, they will not perform to spec. (look at your car battery for an example) VRLA Flooded batteries must be installed upright, can leak that acid, and require regular watering. This leads to the corrosion of their terminals, and often-acid damage to surrounding surfaces. These batteries also acid "mist" during charging and discharging. VRLA flooded batteries generate and vent dangerous explosive gases through their valve regulation and must be vented to the outside world. This stuff is pretty corrosive and has destroyed more than a few sets of clothes and pieces of RV gear. The electrolyte in these batteries is liquid sulfuric acid solution. These have been around for decades and evolved from wooden box models into the plastic valve regulated models on the market today. The oldest types of lead acid batteries are flooded cell types. Generally, high quality means higher cost.įlooded Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries (VRLAB) This includes the amount of lead, purity of that lead, methods of pasting and curing the plates, degree and type of inter-plate insulation, quality of the case, and the sealing method used. Price is dependent the product design, processing, and manufacturing costs. There are various quality levels available in each type. These types are flooded acid, gelled acid, and Advanced AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat). ![]() Gelled Electrolyte Lead Acid Battery (GEL)Īdvanced Glass Mat Battery Construction (AGM) Today, there are three distinct types of lead acid batteries manufactured and any one type can be designed and built for either starting or deep cycle applications. Battery Types and Comparisons - VRLA vs GEL vs AGMįlooded Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries (VRLA) ![]()
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