Colloidal battery:What is it,where is it applied,and what are its advantages
Ventura gel-type lead-acid batteries(VRLA GEL)feature an electrolyte that has been thickened into a gel-like state.The sealed structure with valves prevents electrolyte leakage,reducing the risks of corrosion and stratification,and enhancing resistance to deep discharge and temperature impacts.These batteries are used in uninterruptible power supplies and telecommunications cabinets,emergency power supply systems,solar and wind energy installations,medical equipment,transportation and communication facilities,mobile power platforms,and other ground-based electric vehicles without rails
What is Ventura gel battery and its working principle
In GEL batteries,sulfuric acid electrolyte is combined with silicon dioxide(SiO2).The space between the plates is filled with gel.During overcharging,oxygen gas precipitates on the positive plate.The oxygen gas passes through the gel to reach the negative plate,where it is converted back into water.This oxygen cycle retains water inside the battery.This working principle reduces gas release and evaporation,allowing the battery to be used in enclosed and ventilated environments.
Technical parameters
Key parameters worthy of attention on the technical specifications and battery label:
Nominal voltage.The battery is available in three specifications:2V,6V,and 12V.
Capacity and C20.Capacity is usually expressed in terms of a 20-hour discharge rate(C20).Example:12V 100 Ah(C20)indicates that the battery can deliver 100 ampere-hours of electricity when discharged to a specified cut-off voltage within 20 hours.
Internal resistance(conductivity).This parameter affects the ability to output high power within a short time interval.The internal resistance of gel batteries is usually higher than that of lead-acid batteries.Therefore,at the same capacity,the peak power of gel batteries is lower.
Temperature range.The typical operating conditions for gel batteries are-15 to+50°C(please refer to the product manual for specific values).The rated performance parameters are for an environment at 20-25°C.
Low self-discharge.When storing the battery at approximately 20°C,it is recommended to recharge it every 6-9 months.
Service life.Under buffer mode(UPS/communication,continuously maintaining a charging state at 20-25°C),the long-life series gel batteries are expected to operate for approximately 10-12 years under suitable conditions.
Types and application fields of gel batteries
12/6V single-cell battery(flat plate).It is a standard sealed battery suitable for uninterruptible power supplies,communication equipment,security and fire protection systems,and backup power supplies for instruments and meters.It is also suitable for small solar energy devices.
OPzV—2 is a tubular plate model with a voltage of 2 volts.It is applied to stationary energy storage systems,communication nodes,and industrial facilities,and is suitable for scenarios requiring high cycle life and deep discharge conditions.
Traction-type gel-type battery.Designed specifically for the regular charging and discharging cycles of mobile equipment(floor scrubbers,handcarts,lifts,etc.),suitable for medium current.
Front-wired gel-type battery.The wiring terminals are located on the front panel,facilitating installation and maintenance within the cabinet.
Advantages and disadvantages of gel batteries compared to lead-acid batteries
Gel-type batteries can withstand deep discharge and high-temperature environments very well.They require no water maintenance,have a low self-discharge rate,strong shock resistance,and high safety when charged correctly.They have a long service life in both cycling mode and fixed installation,which is particularly evident in 2-volt tubular OPzV batteries.
However,there are limitations.The peak power of gel batteries is lower than that of AGM batteries of the same capacity,and the allowable charging and discharging currents are smaller.Gel batteries are sensitive to overcharging:at excessively high voltages,bubbles will form in the gel,thereby accelerating battery aging.Therefore,charging equipment must be set strictly in accordance with the parameters specified in the manual for this series of batteries.
How to test gel batteries at home
Some characteristics of gel batteries can be tested at home without the need for a laboratory:
First,let the battery sit for 2-3 hours without discharging or charging,and then measure the open-circuit voltage(OCV).For a 12-volt GEL battery,the reference values are as follows:approximately 12.9 volts indicates full charge,approximately 12.4 volts indicates about half charge,and approximately 12.0 volts indicates deep discharge.
Utilize an electronic conductivity and internal resistance tester.It can swiftly evaluate the battery's condition and monitor its trend over time,indicating whether it is deteriorating or remaining stable.
This is a useful load test.Connect a controlled load(or UPS/inverter),set a cut-off threshold based on the termination voltage,and measure how long the battery can sustain the load before it shuts down.This is equivalent to an approximate simulation of the manufacturer's discharge meter test.
There are also some methods for testing batteries that are best not to be used in a household environment to avoid damaging the battery.For example,the so-called load plugs found in car shops are suitable for starting batteries and short-term start tests.For gel batteries,they provide little information and improper use may overload the battery.For GEL batteries,it is recommended to conduct an electronic test or test according to the manufacturer's discharge table at 25°C and a set termination voltage.
The main reason for accelerated aging of gel batteries
There are several factors that can negatively impact battery life and accelerate its depletion:
Overcharging and excessively high voltage(gas generation,gel drying,internal resistance increase).
Chronic undercharging(sulfation,loss of available capacity).
Excessive temperature(for every 10°C increase above 25°C,the aging rate approximately doubles).
Deep and frequent discharges exceed the allowable discharge depth and cycle frequency specified in the model specification.
The series-parallel assembly is imbalanced(lacking wiring symmetry and control).
Charging method of gel battery
Gel-type batteries are highly sensitive to incorrect charging.Therefore,proper charging is crucial,and the following aspects should be considered:
Mode.Charging is divided into three stages.First is current-limiting charging,followed by constant voltage charging,and finally float charging mode.
Time.Charging should continue until the termination condition specified in the series manual is met(usually the tail current decreases during the constant voltage phase).After deep discharge,full recovery typically takes 10-14 hours or even longer.
Charger.A dedicated charger with gel battery mode is required.
Safety.It needs to be isolated from the power grid and equipped with protection functions(anti-reverse connection and short circuit protection).The use of homemade chargers without protection functions is prohibited.
Important!Do not replace the electrolyte of the GEL battery,as it is very dangerous.The interior of the battery case is sealed,and an oxygen circulation system operates inside.Disassembly will damage this system,causing the battery to fail and posing safety hazards.
How to choose a gel battery
First,clarify the application requirements.If long-duration discharge,frequent charge-discharge cycles,or operation in high-temperature environments are required,gel batteries should be selected.For fixed installation scenarios where cycle life is a priority,OPzV(2-volt tubular plate)is a suitable choice.
Determine the battery capacity and model based on the discharge curve table of the selected series.Refer to the target discharge duration and cut-off voltage at 25°C.Check the charging settings:voltage levels,current limits,and temperature compensation functions for both cycle mode and float mode.
All these parameters must align with the specifications of the series.It is essential to consider the connection method of the battery pack(series or parallel),wiring symmetry,protection for each parallel branch,and temperature monitoring-heat dissipation and ventilation directly impact the lifespan of the battery.
