When it comes to choosing energy storage solutions, there are various types of lead-acid batteries available in the market, such as flooded batteries, AGM batteries, and gel batteries. Lead acid batteries are most widely used in the automobile industry and renewable energy systems due to their cost-effectiveness and high energy capacity. Each battery has its own features, construction, advantages, and disadvantages. It is important to understand which battery is the right choice for your industrial applications when there are multiple options to choose from. By considering some key factors, you can decide which battery is best suitable for your industrial needs. Through this blog, we aim to help you understand the differences between Flooded, AGM and Gel battery types and determine which one suits your specific needs.
Flooded Batteries are one of the traditional batteries and the most popular choice among all batteries. AGM and Gel are two common sealed lead-acid batteries or sometimes also called valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries. The construction of both types of batteries is almost the same; they work on electrochemical reactions and contain lead plates in an electrolyte solution; the only difference is that flooded batteries are not sealed, while AGM and Gel are sealed.
Whether you’re buying your first batteries for your industrial applications or ready to install the latest one in your industry, this blog post will help you explore the options. To understand which one is the right pick for you, let’s have an in-depth knowledge of each battery.
Flooded Battery
A flooded or wet cell battery is a traditional lead-acid battery or the first rechargeable battery known for its affordability, versatility, and high-energy capacity. This battery is called flooded because it has excess liquid electrolytes solution that completely submerges the lead plates. These batteries require periodic maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longer life. If you assure to give a regular maintenance and proper care to these batteries, then this battery will offer you reliable services to your industry for many years.
Advantages
- Affordable
Flooded batteries are less expensive when compared with other lead-acid batteries. Because of its cost-effectiveness, it is popular among all battery options.
- Easy Maintenance
Flooded batteries require easy and simple maintenance, you just have to check water levels and fill it with distilled water when required.
- High Storage Capacity
Flooded batteries have the capacity to store excess or surplus amounts of energy respective of their size and weight and then supply them when needed.
- Deep-cycle Capability
These batteries have good deep-cycle capability without any significant damage, but require proper maintenance to extend battery life.
Limitations
- Leak-Proof
Flooded batteries are not sealed, so they are not leakage-proof or spill-proof, means these types of batteries need special care while handling, otherwise electrolytes might spill and can harm your skin as well.
- Ventilation Required
Installation or charging should be done in a well-ventilated space or area as it releases hydrogen gas during charging.
AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat)
The AGM battery is a type of sealed battery where the inside compartments are sealed means you have no access to the inner part of these batteries, and you don’t need to add water. AGM batteries are the most popular and latest VRLA battery that is used widely in every industry. These batteries offer numerous benefits to different industries and have some limitations as well.
Advantages
- Less maintenance
AGM batteries require zero-to-low maintenance as these are sealed means do not require watering or checking electrolyte levels.
- Faster Charging
When compared with traditional flooded batteries or gel batteries, these batteries charge faster without causing any damage to the battery.
- More Durable
AGM batteries are more durable and can be mounted in any position, making them ideal to use in aircraft or the automobile industry.
Limitations
- Sensitive to Overcharging
AGM batteries have a low internal resistance to high voltages and overcharging, which means there is a risk of battery damage when overcharged.
- More expensive
The manufacturing cost of this battery is high because of the latest in-built technology, making it more expensive when compared with traditional lead-acid batteries.
Gel Battery
A Gel battery is another type of sealed, VRLA battery that uses a silica gel instead of liquid to bind the electrolytes together.
Advantages
- Maintenance-free
Gel batteries do not require maintenance, so you don’t need to check the water level frequently.
- Spill and Leak proof
These batteries are sealed the same as AGM and are best to use when you want any leak or spill-proof batteries for your industrial applications.
Limitations
- Slow Charging
The charging rates of gel battery is very slow when compared with other lead-acid batteries.
- Temperature Sensitive
Gel batteries are temperature sensitive and should be kept in a cold place as heat can affect the silica gel and make it hard or shrink.
Conclusion:
Above advantages and limitations can help you choose the right energy storage batteries for your industrial use. Are you planning to buy batteries for your industrial applications? It is recommended you to buy batteries from a trusted manufacturing company who offers you a complete range of batteries at competitive prices. Look for an authorized agency or dealer near you to buy your choice of batteries.
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