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What is a gel battery? In fact, these batteries also belong to lead acid battery, but they have the sulphuric acid in a gel form instead. There batteries need very little maintenance and are usually sealed with a valve to let out excess pressure. Because the acid in the batteries is in gel form and therefore does not leak, the batteries themselves can be placed in various positions. However, the traditional lead acid batteries can only be placed in an upright position.

The gel electrolyte is sulfuric acid combined with silica. The gel is immobile, like gelatin. Traditional batteries, however, are liquid or wet-cell batteries. A gel battery is referred to as a sealed battery, but this isn't completely true. A truly sealed gel battery would create gas build up, and dangerous levels of pressure. Gel batteries regulate their gas build up through openings in the seal.

Gel batteries have a few strong advantages that keep them on the market. They don't typically leak, or produce spills or corrosion. Even if they are cut open, the gel does not flow out of the battery. The batteries are not known to evaporate, which is a constant issue with traditional wet batteries. They have a better resistance to extreme temperature changes, and are more vibration-resistant and shock-resistant than other types of batteries. Besides, these batteries can be left discharged for some time and they will still be able to recover to full capacity. They also do not develop a memory that limits the capacity of their recharging.

The main disadvantage of these batteries is that they are expensive as compared to wet cell batteries. They need to be charged at a slower rate than wet cell batteries and if over charged could develop voids in their electrolyte which cannot be healed and would cause a loss in their capacity. Heat can also shorten their lifespan, as the water is replaced with the gel that is saturated with sulphuric acid. With heat they harden and shrink away from the plates and, without the contact, the reaction to create power does not occur.

Gel battery is used in a wide variety of applications. The most common usages are in power wheel chairs, ventilators in health facilities, backup for computers and storage of solar powered electricity for emergency lightning. They are also the most common battery used in electric vehicles. They have been approved for airline and public transportation.

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