Until recently the accumulator was the conservative device for which choice it was necessary to know only several parameters. A novelty which gains popularity is the gel accumulator having the advantages and shortcomings.
That it is the gel accumulator?
The new version of the lead-acid accumulator has the valve which opens to remove surplus of the saved-up gas. Gel automobile accumulators – the closed and poured in too little device with acid and gel electrolyte. In the device there is a transparent-white substance with jellylike consistence which is penetrated by microcracks. In operating time of ABK, gel gradually hardens. Devices happen two types: GEL and AGM.
What does the gel accumulator differ from usual in?
The main difference of gel joint stock bank from usual consists available at the last electrolyte. In the second option water solution of sulfuric acid is located between a positive and negative plate, and in the first – gel which during operation of the device hardens is used. It is better than characteristic of the gel accumulator electrolytic that can be seen in the list of the main advantages. It is worth specifying that the new type of batteries is unattended.
Device of the gel accumulator
As well as usual ABK, this accumulator has several cans which are connected consistently. It is important to specify one of important differences – tightness, that is gel cannot pour out as electrolyte. Describing what the gel accumulator consists of, it is worth specifying that the soldered case supports a ratio of gases in the device. At it there are openings which are intended for adjustment of internal pressure in the accumulator. Plates have the small resistance as they are made of the special purified lead.
The gel accumulator – pluses and minuses
Better to understand what represents this device, it is necessary to estimate the existing pluses and minuses. Main advantages of gel accumulators:
- Work trouble-free a long time, and they are capable to take out a large number of charges/categories.
- Batteries are manufactured of quality accessories that ensures reliable and trouble-free functioning.
- Plus gel accumulators – small resistance inside and high efficiency.
- The device can be installed in inclined situation as electrolyte will not flow.
- The gel accumulator works in the wide temperature range from +40 and up to –40 °C.
- ABK is safe for the environment and the person.
Gel the accumulator have shortcomings which cannot be missed from attention:
- Many are frightened by the high cost of gel accumulators, in comparison with ordinary devices.
- ABK, so, power surge can become sensitive to a recharge the cause of breakage therefore it is important to buy the special charger.
- Reliable functioning of all electric components of a car has to be ensured.
Service life of the gel accumulator
Producers specify that the device will serve about 10 years, but at the same time it should be taken into account that the value can change depending on terms of use. The term of operation of the gel accumulator can decrease because of low (less than -30 °C) and too high temperature (more than +50 °C). Has negative effect on period of operation of the device constant nedozaryad and excessive charges of the battery.
Gel accumulators – application
Because of the high cost the gel accumulators had limited application, but recently production was reduced the price that influenced expansion of scopes of application. Every day thanks to the advantages the gel accumulators for a car become more popular. Besides, such joint stock banks establish how starter batteries for motorcycles and scooters. They will be suitable for boat motors, engines of yachts and boats as well work on condition of excessive humidity. Still gel accumulators are used in electric vehicles and wheelchairs.
Service of gel accumulators
The device with filler from gel needs recharge, as well as the ordinary accumulator. It is necessary to carry out the procedure few times in a year. It is important not to exceed the maximum size of tension as electrolytic gel will begin to emit many gases and the battery will be blown up. Because of it it is necessary to take care that onboard electronics was serviceable, and there were no power surges.
One more important point to which it is worth paying attention – how to restore the gel accumulator. For a start It should be noted that it is possible to carry out the procedure only if inside the battery did not collapse, and the gel layer just dried or capacity decreased.
- Remove the top plastic cover and rubber caps from all cans.
- By means of the ordinary syringe fill in 2 cubes of the distilled water in each can. It is important not to pour a lot of liquid as it is necessary that fiber glass was humidified, but nothing floated.
- After that leave joint stock bank on 2-3 h. It will be necessary only to establish into place caps and to fix a cover. For restoration it is necessary to do usual accumulator charging.
If the gel accumulator lost capacity, then cyclic charging can help. For this purpose the battery is charged on a maximum, and then it is discharged. For this purpose the automobile bulb of small power will approach. Carry out 3-5 similar cycles. It is important to control that during a discharge tension did not decrease lower than 10.5 V. If after that capacity was not restored, then it is better to buy new ABK.
How to charge the gel accumulator?
Carrying out charging requires the special equipment. In the instruction concerning how to charge the gel accumulator it is specified that current has to be 1/10 from nominal capacity, and tension – automatically to increase to indicators in 13-14 V. After that charging means constant tension with gradual decrease in current. Process surely had to is finished, otherwise the battery will begin to lose capacity. In most cases the procedure lasts about 10 h.
How to choose the gel accumulator?
Before making purchase of new ABK whether it is necessary to take an interest at the seller the device on your vehicle will approach or not. Measure tension moving from the generator on the accumulator if the value is more than 14.4 V, then it is better to refuse purchase. The gel accumulator for the car and other transport has to correspond to technical documentation (pay attention to capacity and force of starting current). Values of the chosen accumulator there have to be more specified indicators in documents. Still check output voltage on terminals.
How much is gel accumulator?
Similar devices are presented in wide assortment therefore also cost on them different. Depending on purpose, the producer and a complete set of gel accumulators, the price can be different, and range is wide – from 100 to 580 c.u. The most expensive joint stock banks are devices of such brands: Optima and Varta. At the price batteries under the name of Tudor are more available.