Gelbatterijen

Gelbatterijen, also known as gel cell batteries, are a type of sealed lead-acid battery. Instead of a liquid electrolyte, the electrolyte in a gel battery is suspended in a silica gel, giving it a jelly-like consistency. This design offers several advantages over traditional flooded lead-acid batteries.

One of the primary benefits of gel batteries is their resistance to vibration and shock. The immobilized electrolyte prevents leakage and reduces the risk of damage, making them suitable for applications where movement is common, such as in marine environments or RVs. They are also deep-cycle batteries, meaning they are designed to be discharged and recharged many times without significant degradation, which is crucial for applications that rely on stored power for extended periods.

Gel batteries generally require less maintenance than flooded batteries because they are sealed and do not need regular topping up with water. This sealed design also means they can be operated in various orientations without leaking, although upside-down placement is usually not recommended. However, they are more sensitive to overcharging, which can permanently damage the gel structure and reduce battery life. Specialized chargers are often recommended for gel batteries to ensure optimal charging and longevity. Their internal resistance is higher than flooded batteries, which can mean slightly lower peak power output.