The key difference between AGM and GEL batteries is that AGM batteries allow discharging up to 50%, whereas GEL batteries allow discharging up to 90%, ensuring a long service life.
AGM and GEL batteries are types of lead-acid batteries having a lot in common. But there are some differences between AGM and GEL batteries as well. Both these types of batteries use valve regulated lead acid technology, and both these batteries tend to maintain free and non-spillable nature. However, they have differences in their service life and discharging nature.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What are AGM Batteries
3. What are GEL Batteries
4. AGM vs GEL Batteries in Tabular Form
5. Summary – AGM vs GEL Batteries
What are AGM Batteries?
AGM batteries are Absorbed Glass Mat batteries that are designed uniquely to trap the electrolyte between the plates inside the battery. These batteries are also known as SLA batteries, meaning sealed lead-acid batteries or VRLA batteries, meaning valve-regulated lead-acid batteries. We can characterize this type of battery by a limited amount of electrolyte that is absorbed in a plate separator or formed into a gel that proportionates the negative and positive plates so that the recombination of oxygen can be facilitated within the cell.
These batteries only hold a small amount of acid, unlike traditional wet batteries. This little amount of lead acid is entirely absorbed by the glass mat. It acts as a major safety feature that prevents the acid from leaking from the battery even if the battery gets broken. Therefore, we can name these batteries non-spillable and maintenance-free batteries. They have a wide range of applications, including use in emergency lights, alarm systems, medical equipment, and UPS.
What are GEL Batteries?
GEL batteries are a type of lead-acid battery that is built with a gel electrolyte. This gel electrolyte is designed to mix with sulfuric acid and fumed silica, which causes a chemical reaction to occur. This chemical reaction causes the gel electrolytes to be immobile. In addition, it is helpful to make the battery free of maintenance and spill-proof. Therefore, we can install the battery in any direction without worrying about acid leaks.
Moreover, GEL batteries have deep cycling capabilities, which makes them an ideal battery option for many applications. These include applications such as solar and wind energy, electric vehicles, wheelchairs, golf carts, cleaning equipment, etc.
What is the Difference Between AGM and GEL Batteries?
AGM batteries are Absorbed Glass Mat batteries that are designed uniquely to trap the electrolyte between the plates inside the batteries, while GEL batteries are a type of lead-acid batteries that are built with a gel electrolyte. The key difference between AGM and GEL batteries is that AGM batteries allow discharging up to 50%, whereas GEL batteries allow discharging up to 90% ensuring a long service life. In AGM batteries, a little amount of lead acid is entirely absorbed by the glass mat, whereas in GEL batteries, electrolyte is designed to mix with the sulfuric acid and fumed silica which causes a chemical reaction to occur where the reaction causes the gel electrolytes to be immobile.
The below infographic lists the differences between AGM and GEL batteries in tabular form for side by side comparison.
Summary – AGM vs GEL Batteries
AGM batteries are Absorbed Glass Mat batteries that are designed uniquely to trap the electrolyte between the plates inside the battery. GEL batteries are a type of lead-acid battery that is built with a gel electrolyte. The key difference between AGM and GEL batteries is that AGM batteries allow discharging up to 50%, whereas GEL batteries allow discharging up to 90% ensuring a long service life.
Reference:
1. “AGM vs Gel Batteries – Which Battery Type Is Better?” Canbat Technologies Inc., 12 Aug. 2020.
Image Courtesy:
1. “12V VRLA Battery” By Dudinyúl – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia