Any motorist knows that the battery is an indispensable device for a car. It consists of a sealed plastic box that serves to ensure the integrity of the device. The box is equipped with electrodes made either from lead or from its alloys. Very popular by car owners are currently gel batteries. This demand is associated with many advantages of these batteries over acid batteries.
What are the pros and cons of gel batteries
The device is flooded with a solution of acid (liquid electrolyte). The electric current required for the car is formed when the chemical interaction between the electrodes and electrolytes is formed. Batteries begin to charge when applying external electric voltage to the terminals. The battery is called gel due to the acid solution used, which has a gel consistency, unlike a traditional automobile battery.
This type of battery is called not yet served. The fact is that simple batteries during the period of technical inspection undergo a check to determine the density of the electrolyte and then add some volume of distilled water.
Gel battery does not require watering water to achieve the required electrolyte density. Due to the sufficiently high density of the electrolyte with a violation of the plastic case, the leakage will not occur.
Produce such batteries for two technologies. In the first case, a solution of sulfuric acid is taken as an electrolyte. Setaper material fills the space between the electrodes. It is made of microscopic fiberglass. It holds acid, forming a single (gel -like) mass.
What are the pros and cons of gel batteries
The main feature of the device is gas recombination (almost 100%). Hydrogen and oxygen formed as a result of chemical interaction between electrolytes and electrodes are not released into the external environment. They accumulate in pores of fiberglass. The usual battery does not happen.
During recharging, the batteries of the gases again become part of the electrolyte. This maintains the initial energy intensity of the battery much longer. These batteries are designed for 400 charging cycles. In unusual form, they are discharged very slightly, up to about 20 percent of the energy intensity during the year.
What are the pros and cons of gel batteries
In the second case, thickening is obtained through the use of silicon dioxide added to the acid solution. This type of batteries differs the smallest degree of gas recombination, therefore it is considered not enough quality. These batteries are able to withstand twice as many recharge cycles. They do not need to be immediately recharged after deep energy expenditure. These models are guaranteed to be used for 10 years. This type of batteries do not require maintenance except the charge-discharge. Overhaul is also not required. Batteries withstand all the shakes steadily thanks to the support of the battery elements gel. They have a higher launch current.
Flaws:
High cost
The car should have advanced electronics
Do not tolerate low air temperatures
It is necessary to constantly monitor the indicator, t.To. the reload cannot withstand. It is necessary to strictly observe the charging mode. The restoration of the battery due to critical discharge will be impossible or will not be done in sufficient volume. This will affect the characteristics of the device, especially on its capacitance.
Gel batteries have many advantages. But the climate of our country is difficult for them to stand. For this reason, they can fail much earlier.