Any battery-type batteries require regular recharging. Not everyone knows how to charge a gel battery. A specific electrolyte requires the use of special methods for restoring capacity. Following certain rules will help avoid element failure.
On the left is a gel battery using AGM technology, on the right is a gel battery using GEL technology.
What are gel batteries?
A gel battery is a conversion product of a classic battery. The liquid filler was replaced with a gel filler. The operating principle is no different from that of conventional lead-acid batteries.
There are 2 options for manufacturing such batteries:
- GEL technology. In this case, a microporous separator filled with silica gel is used.
- AGM technology. The body contains fiberglass impregnated with an acid composition. The same material serves as a separator.
Products produced using these technologies are used in automobile and shipbuilding. They power devices that require uninterrupted power supply. Batteries with a gel filler are rarely installed in cars.
However, they are in demand among owners of motorcycles and mopeds. The battery lasts at least 10 years. It works properly in any position. The tightness of the housing prevents leakage of electrolyte.
Advantages
The advantages of gel power sources include the following qualities:
Gel batteries are safe and have a long service life.
- High inrush current. The gel filler adheres tightly to the lead electrodes. This helps the user in winter.
- Impossibility of leakage of acid composition. If the housing is slightly damaged, the electrolyte does not drain out.
- Variety of installation options. The battery can be placed on a horizontal, inclined or vertical surface. This is due to the lack of liquid filler.
- Safety. The battery does not emit toxic or explosive fumes.
- Supplying current with stable strength and voltage. The parameters do not change even when the charge level drops to 30%.
- Long service life. The battery can withstand up to 700 discharge and charge cycles. Some models do not lose capacity even after 1000 charges.
- Insensitive to temperature changes. When heated or cooled, the gel-like electrolyte retains its properties.
Flaws
The negative qualities of GEL batteries include the following:
- The need to comply with operating rules. This is the only way to extend battery life. The battery must be properly charged and prepared for storage.
- The need to use automatic chargers that regulate voltage and current.
- Increased cost compared to classic batteries.
An example of specialized chargers for lead-acid and gel batteries from Optima and Universal.
Advantages of scooters
They differ from their larger counterparts - motorcycles and mopeds - in a number of positive qualities. They have even more advantages over bicycles - their younger brothers.
After transferring to a scooter from a bicycle, the driver will not have any difficulty maintaining balance, since the weight of the latter rarely exceeds 60 kg.
Scooters are divided into:
- urban, designed for short trips on a flat asphalt surface;
- retro, made in the style of the fifties;
- cruisers, the purpose of which is comfortable long rides.
Since scooters do not have a gas tank at the front, the riding position is more comfortable. Also, the advantages of these devices include the presence of an automatic transmission and electric engine start, no need to obtain a driver’s license, and a low price.
The advantages, as you can see, are quite significant. In order to continue to be the owner of a scooter, you need an alarm system that can scare away intruders.
There is a wide range of it on the motor market, so everyone will find an option that suits their taste preferences and financial capabilities.
Can a gel battery be charged with a regular charger?
It is not advisable to use a regular memory. Connecting such a device directly can damage the battery beyond repair. When a high current is applied, the gel begins to melt. Liquefied filler cannot return to its original state. It continues to melt the remaining gel.
When charging a gel battery with a classic charger, the following problems may arise:
- Stops charging when reaching 90%.
- Inability to fine-tune parameters. It will not be possible to force the battery to accept current of inappropriate power.
- Battery overheating. In this case, you need to immediately turn off the charger. When using a non-automatic device, the user will have to monitor the charging process.
Basic rules for safe charging
When restoring the power of a battery with a gel filler, you must follow these rules:
- The charge level must be checked every 2-4 weeks. You can do this yourself using a multimeter. You need to start the engine and connect the probes of the device to the battery terminals.
- The voltage limit must be observed. This indicator should not exceed 14.5 V. During charging, the parameter changes. The deeper the discharge, the higher the current. As the charge is restored, the indicators decrease. Exceeding permissible levels leads to melting and boiling of the electrolyte.
- Do not try to open the case if the filler boils. This may cause the battery to explode and injure the user.
When fully charged, the voltage at the terminals of the gel battery should not exceed 14.5 V.
AGM batteries
AGM is a very common glass fiber that is located between the positive and negative lead plates. It contains electrolyte gel. The electrolyte itself is a traditional acidic liquid. But in this case, it is placed in a special fiberglass separator, due to which it does not spread. So, the battery can be used in any position. In addition, these batteries are completely safe for the body. Any vapors and gases that are formed as a result of chemical processes are securely retained in the pores of the fiberglass.
These gel batteries are a budget solution. Moreover, their service life is about 5 years. And this is not the limit - if charging and servicing of gel batteries of this type were carried out correctly, then the battery does not lose its characteristics for ten years or more. A standard battery can withstand up to 200 cycles at a depth of discharge of 100%.
How to charge a gel battery?
Charging must be done using special devices. In this case, you need to set the basic parameters correctly.
Important parameters and features
The intervals between procedures must be at least 6 months. It is necessary to restore the battery's energy potential completely. Otherwise, the battery capacity will decrease over time. It is quite difficult to restore this figure.
The duration of the charging cycle depends on the battery capacity and charging current. The first parameter is divided by the second. With a capacity of 60 A/h and a current of 0.6 A, the cycle duration is 10 hours. Special chargers signal the completion of the procedure.
Charging procedure step by step
Charging a gel battery is done as follows:
- Turn on the charger and measure the current. This will help you choose the optimal operating mode.
- The battery is charged with a current of the same strength that was automatically calculated by the device.
- After 2-3 hours, charging is interrupted. This helps prevent the case from overheating.
- After waiting for the battery to cool, the procedure is resumed, reducing the current. We must not forget about the need to measure the parameter during the cooling period of the battery. If you miss this moment, the charger turns off automatically and the cycle does not resume.
- When the required current is reached, the device is turned off. Non-automatic devices continue to function. Special chargers are equipped with regulators that prevent the gel from melting when the battery heats up.
Instructions for charging a motorcycle battery
12.7 V is the normal voltage of a gel battery for a motorcycle.
The battery of a snowmobile or motorcycle has a lower capacity than the car's power source. A universal car charger does not produce low currents.
Smart devices, such as Benton BX, are used to charge a motorcycle battery. The battery is examined using a multimeter.
The device measures the voltage at the terminals. A value of 12.7 V is considered normal. At a lower value, the gel battery requires recharging.
To extend the battery life, charge it once every 2 months. After long-term storage, the charge is restored within 12-14 hours by applying a current equal to 10% of the capacity. Do not turn off the charger until power is fully restored. You need to monitor the temperature of the battery case.
What care does a gel battery require?
You cannot use the vehicle until the battery is completely discharged. When the charge decreases, the battery does not stop functioning. However, the capacity decreases, due to which the battery will not be able to accept the required amount of energy. You need to purchase a multimeter and keep it with you at all times. This will help you detect the low battery in time, connect the charger and recharge.
Additionally, it is recommended to perform the following actions:
- regularly clean the battery case from dust and dirt;
- Once every 3 months, completely discharge and charge the battery;
- check the correct connection of the terminals.
Storing a scooter in a warm garage or outside in winter
When storing a moped for the winter in a warm, non-humid room, it is not necessary to carry out all of the above points for preparing and preserving the scooter for the winter. For example, you don’t have to remove the battery, but just disconnect the negative terminal from the scooter and recharge it once a month. We also recommend starting the engine 3-4 times during the winter period and letting it run for 10-20 minutes.
If you do not have the opportunity to leave your horse either in a warm room or in a cold garage, and you are going to store your scooter outside in the winter, then cover it tightly with a tarpaulin cover. Tarpaulin does not allow moisture to pass through, but air does. You should not cover the moped with a film or material that does not allow steam to pass through - condensation will form from the inside and will result in rusting of the metal parts. Of course, everything stated above regarding the proper preparation of the battery, engine and scooter in general for winter when storing the moped in this way must be carried out with double responsibility. But you must understand that it is still not recommended to store a moped in winter in this way.
Following these simple rules for preserving and preparing your scooter for winter will help you enjoy riding a moped during the first warm weather in the spring, rather than having to deal with scooter repairs. Good luck!
How to extend the operating life of the device?
Despite the fact that the 12 Volt gel battery is maintenance-free, its service life can be extended. A swollen battery cannot be resuscitated; it must be disposed of. In this case, the gel is separated from the plates, and energy production becomes impossible. Internal damage is difficult to detect. These include wear of the fiberglass, electrodes or electrolyte.
When the filler dries, restoration is possible. To do this, remove the plastic cover and remove the rubber valves. Using a syringe, pour 2 ml of purified water into each jar. The liquid should slightly cover the plates. After moistening the gel, excess water is pumped out with a syringe. The caps and lid are returned to their place.
Why do you need to maintain electrolyte levels?
Maintenance-free or low-maintenance lead-acid batteries use an electrolyte that is a solution of sulfuric acid and distilled water. During operation, water evaporates and the concentration of sulfuric acid increases. Concentrated acid can cause accelerated corrosion of the internal elements of the battery, which leads to the formation of sediment, which can subsequently lead to short-circuiting of the oppositely polarized plates.
What to do if the electrolyte level in the battery has dropped?
You need to purchase distilled water and add it to the battery. The electrolyte is dilute sulfuric acid. During the operation of the battery, only a slight evaporation of water occurs, which needs to be topped up. Under no circumstances should you add new electrolyte, only distilled water!
How to check electrolyte level
There are lines on the wall of the battery that indicate the maximum and minimum level in each bank. Take the battery carefully in your hands and hold it up to the light. This way you can see how much electrolyte is in each jar. It should be between the minimum and maximum lines.
