Charger for car gel battery. Everything about chargers for gel batteries. How to charge a gel battery for a motorcycle

Today, batteries based on gel electrolyte cannot be called a revolution in this industry, a revolution in the automotive industry or an innovation. Rather, this is a step towards improving the equipment in question in order to increase the charge holding time, increase the technical parameters and service life.

The principle of operation of the gel battery has not changed, since the acid filler and lead electrodes have not disappeared anywhere, but you have to think more seriously about how to charge the gel battery, since the traditional use of a conventional charger will only ruin the unit. What charging principles should you remember, and what methods should you give preference to?

Comparison of gel battery with acid battery: advantages and disadvantages

Gel batteries differ from acid batteries mainly only in the presence of silicon in the substance inside the unit. This element will make the flowing electrolyte jelly-like. This feature is relevant for scooters that change position while moving, therefore, there is a need to ensure more stable operation of the battery so that the connection of the gel structure does not come off from the plates. The constant shaking of such vehicles is also a reason for this.

Studies have shown that tilting and vibration can cause a fully charged gel battery to lose a quarter of its charge compared to normal driving.

Among the advantages it is worth highlighting the following:

there are no toxic fumes if used carefully and correctly;
even damage to the case will not cause the need to wipe off the gel substance, moreover, the battery will continue to work;
there is no need for maintenance;
even an almost discharged battery shows good starting current;
It is permissible to leave the battery in the cold.

Along with the positive aspects, if there are also negative aspects.

The higher cost of gel batteries, however, the increased service life more than pays for this cost.
It is mandatory to monitor the current and voltage values during charging. The problem is that these indicators are not always easy to determine, even if the motorcycle is powerful.

More detailed information on how to implement it can be found by reading the article by our author.

To know how to properly charge a gel battery, it is worth following the features of its operation. The degree of charge should always be monitored using a multimeter. Simply turn off the transport device and connect the multimeter to the terminals.

It is necessary to monitor the so-called voltage threshold during charging; this indicator should be in the range of 14.2 - 14.5 volts. The average voltage is approximately 14 volts, but it fluctuates constantly and never remains stable.

The less charge in the battery, the higher the current readings will be, which will gradually decrease during charging. One phenomenon is also associated with this feature: much more energy is consumed when the battery is discharged, despite the fact that the number of volts of voltage does not change.

If the voltage threshold is exceeded, the jelly-like gel will boil and turn into steam. Since gel batteries are not designed for refueling, it will not be possible to replenish the reserves of evaporated gel, and this phenomenon may be accompanied by an explosion. Also, the gel may come away from the plates, and restoration will be impossible.

How to charge a gel battery using regular charging

Effective and safe charging of gel batteries with your own hands is possible even at home. The main requirement is to ensure the supply of direct current. Proper operation requires avoiding use when the charge is low and monitoring a fully charged battery. Also, you should not leave gel batteries in a discharged state for a long time, since they have memory and the capacity may decrease over time. So, why are regular chargers not suitable and how to use them so that they do not harm the battery?

Why regular charging won't work

The answer to the question of whether a gel battery can be charged with a regular charger can be called ambiguous. On the one hand, connecting a conventional charger directly to such a battery will damage it beyond repair. The idea is that the gel melts onto the battery when a specific level of current is applied. The melted gel will no longer return to its original state, but will continue to melt the remaining substance.

The problems will also be as follows:

the battery does not take a charge if the battery is almost fully charged, although the gel will not melt;
classic chargers are designed for operation with lead batteries, and for gel such currents are destructive;
Gel batteries are very difficult to force to accept a charge, even with a customizable starter;
heating prohibition requires immediate power off when fully charged;
the domestic information market does not have enough information about the use of gel batteries (they are most common in the USA);
charging specifics differ from acid batteries;
If the battery still starts to heat up during charging, the battery will most likely have to be replaced.

On the other hand, the use of the right technology allows you to charge a gel battery using a conventional charger for a lead acid battery.

To find out how to charge a gel battery with a regular charger, you need to additionally prepare a second battery; it can be old, used or new, gel or lead. You will also need a directly discharged gel battery and a charger. The principle of safe charging in this case is based on the correct connection of devices in the required order.

The step-by-step procedure is as follows.

Connect the second optional battery to the charger.
Connect the intermediary battery terminals to the gel battery (minus to minus, and plus to plus).
Wait a couple of minutes and see if the batteries are receiving a charge.
Feel the case of the gel battery - it will be hot if the battery is faulty. If the case is just warm, wait a couple of hours while the unit charges.
Check the case temperature again, and also use an ammeter for added safety.
If necessary, continue charging the battery for another hour or two and then disconnect the system from the network. At the final stage, remove the terminals.

In this case, the additional old battery acts as a transformer, which takes on the entire load. A gel battery accepts soft charging, which is the result of the electrolyte in the old battery.

For the first time, this experiment was carried out by one of the largest manufacturers of gel batteries, which caused real delight among car owners. For many, it has become possible to restore batteries that have been collecting dust in the garage for many years. The gel does not deteriorate after long-term storage due to its durability, so even an old gel battery can be easily restored.

Using special chargers for gel batteries

It is also possible to charge the gel battery using a special charger. They are not yet licensed in Russia and are often not found on sale, but you can find them if you want.

Such special chargers have a number of distinctive features, and the operating principle is represented by the following charging stages.

Turn on the battery and measure the current to determine the optimal operating mode.
Start charging the battery at the indicators that are determined automatically.
Turn off the charge after a while to prevent the device from heating up.
Wait until the battery cools down and turn on the charge again, but at a different amperage.
Do not forget to measure the current strength in intervals when the battery cools down. If you do not change the current, charging turns off automatically and further cycles do not continue.
As soon as the measured current meets the required parameters, the device will stop charging automatically.

Pay attention to the last step, since in most cases the chargers continue to work until the user turns them off. In this case, chargers have special settings that prevent the gel from melting when the battery overheats. It is possible to restore even a maximally discharged gel battery.

Requirements for special chargers

Since charging a gel car battery requires taking into account its delicate features, chargers designed for this must meet the following requirements.

Possibility to regulate the charge current.
Temperature compensation option taking into account battery heating. Charging conditions must change and adapt to the temperature of the battery itself and the room temperature.
The charging process should be staged; it is advisable to charge in three stages. In the first stage, the voltage increases, in the second, the voltage remains constant, and the current decreases. At the final stage, the charge must be maintained at minimum current and voltage values. The need for the last stage is observed only if the battery needs to be stored and will not be used.
Wide range of operating temperatures, optimal range from +5 to +40 degrees Celsius. An extended temperature range will be appropriate if you have to charge the battery in different temperature conditions at different times of the year.

How long to charge a gel battery

You should not charge gel batteries more than a couple of times a year. Always ensure charging is complete, otherwise the capacity of the device will decrease with further use, and it will be extremely difficult to restore this parameter to its original values. Carry out calculations to determine how long to charge the battery until the energy is fully restored.

The charging device for gel batteries must meet certain requirements due to the special properties of this type of battery. First of all, the ban on use concerns direct current devices. The easiest way is to buy a universal device, which is due to its compatibility with many types of batteries.

More about application

battery device

First you need to understand what gel batteries are. This is a separate type of autonomous power supply, developed based on GEL technology.

This group represents maintenance-free batteries, which are characterized by increased capacity. In terms of their set of properties, gel batteries are similar to analogues produced using AGM technology, but in appearance they are similar to lead-acid versions.

The main difference between batteries based on GEL technology is the degree of viscosity of the medium in which the lead plates are placed - it is thicker. This is due to the presence of special additives in the electrolyte, which makes it possible to obtain a jelly-like gel. This type of battery supports high current values in the circuit, and additionally, such batteries can operate even in the event of a critical discharge level.

Let's watch the video in detail about the purpose and use of gel models:

Taking into account some differences, you should select a different type of charger to power gel batteries with certain characteristics. The key point here is the ability to change the amount of charge current depending on how deeply discharged the battery is.

Main selection criteria

For long-term battery operation, you need to select a charger with a certain set of characteristics, so as not only not to damage the battery, but also to help extend its service life. The following criteria are decisive:

Charge current range. To determine the normal level of this parameter, you need to be guided by approximate calculations: 0.05-0.2C, which means a small part of the battery capacity (C), the unit of measurement of which is Ah. If a multi-type car charger for powering gel batteries operates at currents no higher than the minimum limit of the stated interval (0.05 C), then the battery charging process will take a very long time. In the opposite situation, when the battery is connected to a power source with an increased charge current, there is a high risk of its failure. The optimal values of this parameter for GEL type batteries are in the range of 0.15-0.2C.
The ability to adjust the charge current, which allows you to set the permissible limit of this parameter when powering a battery of a certain capacity. It is not recommended to connect a charger operating at a charging current exceeding the above limits, which will gradually lead to a reduction in battery life.
The battery voltage must match the charging type. For example, there is a different type of charger for powering 12V or 24V gel batteries, and if you need a device for powering a battery with a voltage of 6V or, for example, 48V, in this case it is possible to make it to order.
Temperature compensation. This function allows you to control the battery heating level. The best option is temperature compensation, the temperature sensor of which is remote to obtain more accurate measurements.
The number of stages of the charging process, which implies a combination of cyclic and buffer modes, the first of which allows you to charge the battery first with constant current, then with constant voltage, and the second maintains an already charged battery at a high level.
Acceptable ambient temperature values. It is usually recommended to use the device in the range from +5 o C to +40 o C.

If there is one more nuance: the charger for sealed lead-gel batteries should have a lower charge voltage than in the case of liquid-acid batteries. Otherwise, again, we can talk about the imminent failure of such a battery.

Overview of suitable models

Model Soyuz VS-2410A

The Soyuz VS-2410A variant, designed for 24V battery voltage, received high user ratings. Such a device operates cyclically: first, the primary charging mode is performed, which destroys sedimentary sulfation, as a result of which the battery becomes able to charge to the maximum level.

At this stage, the charging current increases gradually, then the maximum rated current is supplied and in the mode the device operates up to a charge level of 80%.

And at the end, charging is carried out with a current that gradually decreases. In total, a multi-type charger for powering 24V gel batteries of this type implements a 7-step process. The price of this model is 7,000 rubles.

A more expensive option (TSB Electronics) is Omnicharge 12-40, designed for a voltage of 12V and a current of 40A. Its price is about 34,000 rubles, and such a device is suitable for GEL, AGM and liquid acid batteries. This model has the ability to charge using 4 modes.

A much more affordable version is Orion Vympel-05, offered at a price of 900 rubles. This device is compatible with acid and gel batteries. Rated for 12V and 1.2A. Another device is Soyuz VS-1205A (12V, 5A), its cost is 3,900 rubles, the number of stages of the charging process is 7.

Nuances of work

In the case of a built-in function that determines the battery voltage level, the device will independently select the required operating mode. If you have a charge current regulator, you should set a sufficient limit for charging a specific battery. The value of this parameter should increase gradually: from minimum to maximum. If the low current mode is selected, then the charging process will be somewhat delayed, therefore, in order to eliminate the risk of heating, the charger is periodically turned off.

Watch the video and charging methods:

Some craftsmen prefer to assemble a charger for powering gel batteries with their own hands. To do this, you will need, among other things, a microcontroller that allows you to better control the battery charging process. If desired, you can make the device turn off when the maximum charge level is reached, however, it is possible to implement a mode of constant recharging with low currents until the maximum voltage value is reached. If the value of this parameter decreases, the charging process will resume.

The charger circuit for 12V gel batteries also provides for thermal compensation and a fan, which will be turned on using the controller directly in a situation where there is no temperature sensor. The device is controlled by changing the amount of charging current, which is affected by the resistance level. The device is turned on by pressing a button, then the battery charge level is determined, which determines the choice of a specific operating mode.

Thus, the type of battery determines the choice of charger design. And for gel batteries this is a task of paramount importance, taking into account some design differences. In order not to damage the battery by turning on the wrong charger, you need to pay attention to their compatibility.

Having appeared relatively recently, gel batteries are very quickly flooding the market and displacing their lead-acid counterparts. They are used as a power source for uninterruptible systems, energy storage for solar panels, in motorcycles, cars, etc.

Like any other battery, a gel battery can be charged, but you will have to use a special charger. Otherwise, the probability of successfully charging the gel battery tends to zero.

The principle of operation of a charger for gel batteries is that when a consumer is connected, a direct current with a certain voltage and strength is supplied. Those who have ever encountered charging a lead-acid battery may ask, “But what’s the difference?” We answer - there are several of them and they arise from the shortcomings of AGM and GEL batteries.

Voltage

If you connect an old-style 12-volt car battery to a standard device and start charging it, then at the beginning of the scale the voltage will show about 14-17V and this value will gradually increase. When charging a gel battery, it is dangerous to supply it with a voltage of more than 16V (optimally 13.6-15.7V). This can cause immediate failure or cause heating, causing irreversible damage to the gel structure. This also applies to 6 and 24V models, which also do not tolerate high voltage.

Find out the charging time of your battery

Current strength

Automatic charger

Old chargers generate a constant value. In general, if you can set the amperage to 1/10 of the battery capacity, then charging a gel battery under such conditions is possible, but it will reduce its service life. A special unit should gradually reduce the current, ideally bringing it to 1/20 of the capacity.

Protection

Old-style chargers are most likely not equipped with any protective systems; modern ones are equipped with modules to prevent short circuits and incorrect connections, but this is not enough. The device of AGM and GEL batteries is so sensitive to the charging process that it can fail due to a short circuit, overcharging, overheating, or output voltage surges. Therefore, the presence of a number of protective systems when charging a gel battery is mandatory.

Modes

An ordinary charger, at best, is equipped with fine-tuning of the output current. A good device for gel batteries can operate in desulfation mode - a cyclic mode that destroys sulfate formations in the battery.

Helps restore battery performance after long periods of inactivity. The “Storage” mode charges the battery for a long time at low currents, thereby prolonging the charge retention and performance of the battery during prolonged inactivity

As you can see, there are a lot of differences. Is it possible to charge gel batteries with a charger that is not designed for this purpose? - Without interference with electronics - no. Moreover, even a short-term connection can damage the gel battery.

How to properly charge the battery?

We have already figured out that charging a gel battery with a charger not intended for this purpose is dangerous. But how to do everything correctly if you have a special charger? To avoid damaging your car or other battery, follow the diagram below:

select a mode (normal, desulfation or storage);
connect the terminals according to polarity, set the required current strength (1/10 of the capacity);
turn on the device, if possible, check the voltage at the battery terminals with a multimeter;
the device turns off automatically, so if everything is in order with the voltage, strict process control is not needed.

Advice. If you are charging a 6V/12V/24V battery after being idle, first select desulfuration, and then additionally charge it in normal mode. Before storage, the battery is first charged and then additionally “run” in storage mode.

How to assemble the charger yourself?

Having found out the cost of a suitable device, you might be interested in the question: “Is it possible to assemble a charger for a gel battery with your own hands?” We answer that nothing is impossible if you have a diagram and some knowledge of microelectronics. Moreover, you can assemble the device yourself from existing parts or do everything from scratch.

Homemade charger

First of all, we go to the network and look for a voltage stabilizer. We find the unsurpassed L200C microcircuit, with a programmable output current limiter. Assembled according to the diagram below, the system is capable of maintaining a safe output voltage at 15-16V on the secondary winding of the transformer. Plus, we have a gradual reduction in output current, which ensures safe battery charging.

Among the disadvantages of this system, possible overheating of the battery, protection against short circuits, and incorrect connection of terminals are not taken into account. In other words, the system can be considered operational until an unexpected situation occurs.

How to choose a charger for a gel battery?

The following tips will help you choose the right 12V gel battery charger that can meet all your requirements and more.

The first thing we look at is compatibility with AGM and GEL types and voltage (6V, 12V, 24V).
Next is performance, matched to the capacity of your battery.
The range of settings – the larger it is, the better.
Availability of additional modes and protective systems.
Operating temperature (a large range will allow you to charge the battery in winter right outside).

The gel battery is selected by the manufacturer or purchased by the owner based on its advantages. To preserve them and not spoil the expensive element, you need a suitable charger. A high-quality device will cost a lot of money, providing in return impeccable performance and a guarantee of efficiency. You may have to try several models until you find the right one. Immediately discard Chinese and homemade models if you are not sure of their reliability; the result of such a purchase can be not only battery failure, but also fires.

Nowadays, gel batteries are increasingly found in auto and motorcycle stores. They are especially popular for scooters. When purchasing such a battery, many are faced with the fact that they do not know how to maintain these batteries. They often try to service them with ordinary chargers for acid batteries. But this is absolutely impossible to do. Today we will learn everything about gel batteries for scooters, and also look at how and how to charge and maintain gel batteries.

What are batteries for?

When the engine is started, the current in the on-board network is generated from the generator. The latter is connected to the crankshaft pulley. The more revolutions, the faster the charge. However, if the engine is turned off, the generator will not produce current.

To prevent the on-board voltage from dropping, batteries are used in cars and scooters. It is thanks to them that the engine is started when the generator is not yet running. There are different types of batteries. In the past, lead-acid devices were often used. But recently, calcium and gel analogues have gained great popularity. They are a little different from the classic lead ones, so you need to know how to properly maintain them.

How they appeared

The development of these batteries began for a reason. Initially they were used for military equipment, namely in aviation. The fact is that it is impossible to use conventional acid batteries under these conditions. Aircraft technology is constantly changing. The battery is experiencing huge overloads. All this did not have the best effect on So the US authorities set a serious task for scientists - to develop a battery that could retain all the functions of a conventional battery and at the same time work normally in extreme conditions. Gel batteries were perfect for these conditions. Now they are actively used not only in weapons, but also for absolutely civilian purposes - on cars, motorcycles and scooters.

Gel battery device

In their design, these batteries are not much different from lead-acid ones. Their electrolyte contains a special additive, due to which a gel is formed. There are two types of batteries:

They vary depending on the manufacturing technology.

AGM batteries

AGM is a very common glass fiber that is located between the positive and negative lead plate. 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 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%.

GEL batteries

Batteries manufactured using this technology have a fairly high cyclic life. In some cases, subject to proper maintenance, they can withstand up to 800 charge/discharge cycles without loss of capacity. But you need to know how to charge the gel. The methods require the presence of a special device. This is the only way the battery will preserve its resource.

GEL is not helium, as it may seem, but a gel. In this case, the role of the separator is played by silica gel, which fills the free cavity during the production process. Once the silica gel has hardened sufficiently, the substance will turn into a solid. Pores are formed in it where the electrolyte will be located in the form of a gel.

Due to the silica gel between the plates, such batteries are protected from shedding. This has a great effect on the resource. And even more - this solution helped to significantly improve the general parameters of gel batteries. And even though the nominal life of GEL batteries is practically no different from the service life of AGM batteries, the number of cycles here is much higher. A standard GEL battery can withstand 20% more cycles at maximum depth of discharge.

Advantages of gel batteries for scooters

She is very reliable. The battery does not lose its characteristics even under the condition of maximum discharge. After charging, the battery is able to recover to its full extent, while an acid battery will lose part of its useful capacity without the possibility of restoring its characteristics. Due to its specific features, the battery is capable of delivering high starting currents. If charging and servicing gel batteries is carried out according to all the rules, then this battery can withstand significantly more cycles than a traditional battery.

The battery can be used in any position, including on its side. Since the gel battery is virtually maintenance-free, it can be used immediately after purchase. There is no need for pre-charging. If the battery case is damaged, it will not change its characteristics. The housing here is not the main container for the electrolyte. Its function is only to protect the solid body. And finally, this is one of the safest types of batteries for cars, scooters and motorcycles.

Cons of gel batteries

As the reviews say, there are few shortcomings, and they are determined only by some features in the electrical equipment of the scooters. Gel batteries require very precise current and voltage parameters during charging. Such characteristics cannot always be obtained on motorcycles. But this is by no means a contraindication. You just need to take into account and know how to charge a gel scooter battery. The second drawback is the price. The cost of gel models is higher than that of acid-lead analogues. However, for smaller devices the price difference is not that great.

Service Features

Please remember that you will need special equipment for charging. It must be intended for gel batteries only. Of course, now these memory devices are not so easy to find. Gel batteries are not yet very common. Not every service center provides maintenance. Charging and maintenance of gel batteries should be carried out a couple of times a year. The most important thing is that the process is completed.

If the battery is disconnected from the device earlier, it may lose capacity, and the recovery process is quite problematic. Batteries have a memory effect. If we talk about the time that the operation will take, then it is necessary to divide the battery capacity by the charging currents. The number will be the approximate amount of time. Take, for example, a 7 Ah gel battery. Charging and servicing it will take approximately 10 hours. This is assuming a nominal current of 0.7 A.

Charging Features

The most basic and important rule that must be followed when charging gel batteries is compliance with the maximum values of the supplied voltages. If you exceed the permissible limit, the battery will simply fail.

Most often, in the documentation that comes with any battery, the manufacturer indicates how to charge a gel battery, threshold voltages and permissible ones. Often the last parameter is in the range from 14.3 to 14.5 V. Also keep in mind that batteries of this type can remain discharged to zero for a long time. But if too high voltages are applied to the battery, the electrolytic gel will begin to release huge amounts of gases. As a result, the battery will simply swell.

About charging gel batteries for scooters

It is believed that it is best to service the battery once every three months. First, the gel battery is completely discharged. Charging and maintenance involves a full discharge using a light bulb. You can determine that the battery is low by the red glow of the indicator. Now regarding the charging process. The current should be no higher than 1/10 of the actual battery capacity.

If this rule is violated, the service life of the battery will be significantly reduced. The currents in the process should be as small as possible. This will have the best effect on the gel battery, and its charging will be of high quality. If the current in the scooter battery is 7 Ah, then the maximum current should not exceed 0.7. As for the required time, it is already indicated above that it will take about 10-11 hours. But it must be said that the best option for charging a gel battery for a scooter is to reduce the current strength by half. In our case, this parameter will be 0.35 Ah. Although this will simultaneously increase the required time, the battery will be charged with virtually no loss. And the battery life will not be reduced.

About choosing a memory

As you know, charging gel batteries using traditional devices can greatly harm it. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the characteristics of the charger for a gel battery. When choosing, you should consider the type of battery. Since the design of the battery is quite specific, and the final voltage of the batteries is different, the high voltages that are permissible for an AGM-type battery can cause the electrolyte to boil.

Temperature compensation parameters in specific chargers must correspond to the values required for specific batteries. If there is no thermal compensation, this will cause overdischarge, and then a reduction in battery life. It is also necessary that the charger produces the correct voltages. Before charging a gel battery, remember that the battery is very sensitive to sudden changes in current. Therefore, the process must be performed only under strictly defined voltages. Also, when choosing a charger, the charging stages are also taken into account. If you take a lead battery, the procedure is divided into three stages. At the first stage, charging is carried out with constant currents at increasing voltage. Then the voltage is constant and is reduced by half. And then the charged battery is maintained at a low constant voltage and minimal current.

Conclusion

Knowing these parameters, as users say, you can successfully use gel batteries for scooters. Maintenance and charging will not present any difficulties. With proper and good care, this battery will last a very long time.

Regardless of the type of battery, they all require periodic charging. Gel ones are no exception. Can this type of battery be charged with a regular charger? Gel electrolyte requires special methods for charging the battery of a car, scooter, or boat. Compliance with the charge restoration conditions will extend the service life of the energy source.

The question of how to charge a gel battery with a conventional charger is often asked. But the technology for charging a battery with liquid electrolyte and gel is different. Can gel batteries be charged from a regular charger? A high charging current will melt the gel, which will not recover. There are other problems:

If the battery is almost charged, the gel will not melt, but it will not charge.
The charging current will destroy the gel structure, even with an additional setting.
It is impossible to fulfill the conditions for staged charging with changing current and voltage parameters.
Heating the battery will lead to decomposition of the electrolyte, so you should not keep the device charging for too long.

Everything is explained more simply. Connecting to a regular charger will inevitably warm up. If the case was cooled quickly, liquid has already formed in it. Gradually it will dissolve the remaining gel. A sign of destruction is heating of the housing during operation.

Since it is not always possible to buy a “smart” charger, a way has been developed to charge a gel battery from conventional chargers. This will require an intermediary - another battery, even an old, used one. It will work as an energy transformer, reducing the charging current parameters.

Both batteries need to be connected in parallel, the charger must be connected to the transformer battery. The impact on a gel battery will be milder. After making sure that charging is in progress, you need to determine the degree of heating of the gel battery case. If there is no heating, you can restore the container within 2 hours. After measuring the parameters, depending on the readings, continue charging for another hour or two. Is it possible to charge the battery if it starts to heat up immediately? No, it needs to be disposed of.

Which charger to charge a gel battery

How to charge the battery correctly? The gel battery charging technology consists of several stages. In this case, a special charger is used. What voltage can you charge a gel battery? The battery data sheet contains the threshold voltage. On most devices this is 14.4-14.5 V. But you need to know the permissible maximum for your product. Exceeding the value will lead to the destruction of the gel.

How to choose a charger for a car gel battery, how to charge?

We already know that even a short-term excess of the charging voltage above the threshold specified in the passport is unacceptable. The current should be about 10% of the capacity of the gel battery. What current should I charge at 60 A/h? A tenth will be 6 amperes. Fast charging is possible using 30% current of the capacity. To maintain charge in the gel battery, there is a Standby USE mode with voltage parameters of 13.5 -13.8.

The basic requirements for a charger are the ability to regulate and maintain current and voltage parameters. There must be a temperature compensation function; without it, overcharging is possible, which is unacceptable. It’s good if the thermometer is remote. Automatic charging mode and timely shutdown of the current consumer will make the process reliable.

How to charge a car's gel battery is outlined in step-by-step instructions:

Maintenance-free gel batteries with plugs are used. Before charging, the plugs must be unscrewed.
Set the voltage on the charger to cycle use, zero current.
Connect the device, observing the polarity.
Set the charging current and monitor the voltage. It will grow, it is important that the indicator remains within the limits.

How long to charge a gel battery depends on the current supplied. At 10% of the capacity, charging occurs in 12-14 hours. But by halving the indicator, we will increase the time to 24 hours, but we will extend the shelf life of the device. If you need to charge quickly, increase the current.

Charging should be carried out in stages. First, a constant current is established, with the voltage increasing to normal. In the second stage, a constant voltage is maintained, and the current gradually decreases until the capacitance reaches its maximum.

How to charge 12 volt gel batteries

12 volt gel batteries can be automotive (starter) or traction. We’ll figure out how and how to properly charge both, and what’s the difference.

The starter battery is characterized by an operating mode when up to 2-3C20 of current is supplied to start the engine for a short time. The charge is restored during the period of movement when the generator produces energy. But will a gel battery in a car be fully charged? On-board electronics do not allow capacity to be restored to 100%. Therefore, periodic recharging to nominal is necessary. If you use the iMAX B6 universal car charger or other similar charger, charging the gel battery will not be difficult.

Having set the necessary parameters - nominal voltage, number of cells, charging current on the “smart” charger, you need to indicate the type of battery. A universal charger with a microprocessor will take care of how to properly charge a gel car battery.

How to charge a 12 V traction battery with gel electrolyte? The algorithm has been slightly modified here. In the saturation phase, the charging current restores the battery capacity. But since the capacity is large, a current of 0.1-1.0 C20 is used. C20 is the digital value of capacity, measured in A/h. When the nominal voltage at the terminals reaches 13.8-14.4 V, the charge is about 80%.

The absorption stage begins. Active ions pass into the massive lead plates, like into a storeroom. Due to diffusion, the charge accumulates, the current is absorbed less and less, down to 0.02C20. During absorption, the current does not depend on the charger, only on the capacitance of the plates. It is this process that allows energy to be used evenly and for a long time during discharge.

An indicator characterizing the operation of a traction battery is charging efficiency. This indicates what percentage of the energy received is used effectively. Gel batteries have an efficiency rate of 90%.

How to charge a gel battery for a motorcycle

Features of energy sources for a motorcycle, scooter, snowmobile in their small capacity. Therefore, even a universal automotive device does not support low currents. How can I charge a small capacity gel battery? You need to choose an “intelligent” charger. An example of an affordable charger is Benton BX.

How often do you need to charge a gel battery for a snowmobile or scooter? All batteries installed on extreme equipment are monitored by a tester. The voltage is measured at the terminals. An indicator above 12.7 V is good, below - a gel battery of a motorcycle, snowmobile or other equipment requires recharging from the mains. To ensure trouble-free operation of the battery, short-term mains charging is recommended once every two months.

Regardless of whether you have a car, scooter, or boat, a gel battery is installed. Proper charging after long periods of inactivity or deep discharging should take at least 12-14 hours. A current of 0.1 C20 or a little more is used. Do not turn off the power if the battery is not fully charged. The process must be under control. Do not allow the battery case to heat up.