Hybrid gel technology adopted in VRLA batteries | Global Sources

by Vianie Li & Cecile de Veyra

Valve-regulated lead-acid batteries come in AGM and gel types, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. To combine the best attributes of both, manufacturers around the world have been offering a third option in hybrids, which use gelled electrolyte and AGM separators.

Adopting this combination to achieve high capacity and reliability, and long operating life, some Chinese suppliers focus on materials. Zhejiang Just, for instance, has introduced gel batteries that employ AGM technology for efficient gas recombination reaching up to 99 percent. This company uses high-purity raw materials to realize a low self-discharge rate and an efficient venting system that automatically releases excess gas that may cause explosion, and corrosion-resistant grid alloy for an extended service life. It has also devised a tight assembly method for an enhanced high-rate discharge performance. These 12V, 70Ah batteries are designed for communications systems, robots, solar and wind power generation systems, EPS and UPS.

Mainstream China-made gel batteries are available in series of 2V 50 to 3,000Ah, 6V 100 or 200Ah and 12V 35 to 250Ah for automotive, security and LED lighting applications, in addition to communications and power generation. They have a typical operating temperature of -40 to 125 C. Most have quality certifications, including CB, CE, RoHS and UL. The majority of Chinese suppliers can customize gel VRLA batteries according to requirement.

Domestically sourced materials and components, such as cathode and anode materials, gelled electrolyte, alloy plates, separators, safety valves and cases, are used unless specified otherwise. In most such cases, manufacturers receive requests for imported safety valves and separators.

The cost of these production inputs has increased, but most battery suppliers have kept their prices unchanged to stay competitive.