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ITGlossary · Batteries
GEL Battery
A sealed lead-acid battery with its electrolyte in gel form, well suited to deep and repeated discharges.
Technical level:Basic
In GEL batteries the sulphuric acid is mixed with fine silica powder and sets into a gel. Like AGM batteries, they are of the VRLA type, meaning sealed and with no water to top up.
They cope better with repeated deep discharges and higher temperatures, which is why they are preferred for solar systems, off-grid installations and UPS units with long autonomy. They do, however, deliver less current in very short, heavy discharges than an AGM battery of the same capacity.
The most common mistake is charging them with AGM or flooded-battery settings. GEL batteries usually need a slightly lower charging voltage, so check that the charger or inverter has a GEL setting.
Related terms
- AGM BatteryA sealed VRLA lead-acid battery whose electrolyte is absorbed in glass-fibre mat separators.
- Flooded Lead-Acid BatteryA battery with liquid electrolyte and vent caps that needs regular checks and topping up with deionised water.
- Noise (Electrical)Unwanted high-frequency disturbances on the supply voltage, e.g. from motors or power supplies, which UPS systems and line conditioners filter out.
- OPzS / OPzV Tubular BatteryStationary 2 V lead-acid cells with tubular positive plates, flooded (OPzS) or sealed with gel (OPzV), built for a very long life.
- VRLA BatteryA sealed, valve-regulated lead-acid battery that never needs topping up with water and is used in most UPS systems.
- Eurobat Design Life ClassesA classification of sealed lead-acid batteries by their design life on float charge at 20 °C.