How to properly charge a gel battery

How to charge a gel battery. Advice from the company “Baza Avtozvuka”

The battery is an integral part of any car. But it’s no secret that it requires periodic recharging. It is also necessary to avoid damaging it and monitor the amount of electrolyte, especially with increased use of the battery. Recently, gel batteries have become very widespread.

Their main difference from conventional ones is that silicon dioxide is added to the electrolyte, due to which the liquid acid turns into a gel-like substance that fills the inside of the battery. Such batteries have many advantages over conventional ones.

Firstly, the gases that are formed during battery operation do not evaporate, but directly contribute to the chemical processes that take place during battery charging.

Which in turn allows the use of sealed enclosures. Accordingly, the battery itself no longer requires maintenance.

In addition, the absence of gas evolution eliminates the toxicity of batteries of this kind and the risk of electrolyte leakage.

Secondly, such batteries are more durable, less susceptible to damage, and can be used even in a sideways position, however, the capacity may be reduced (by about 30%).

Thirdly, gel batteries also last quite a long time, about 7-10 years, and are able to “survive” a large number of periods of deep discharge. This is facilitated by thicker lead plates, which are less susceptible to sulfation. At the same time, they have the ability to be fully restored as a result of charging, even after a fairly deep discharge.

Fourthly, gel batteries lose approximately 20% of their charge per year, which indicates a low self-discharge current of such batteries. In addition, they are more “indifferent” to sub-zero temperatures and winter conditions.

Fifthly, they have higher inrush current parameters and higher capacity. Considering all the above advantages, the decision to buy a gel battery will be quite logical. However, you need to take into account that there are certain differences regarding their operation, especially when it comes to the process of charging such batteries.

Let's try to understand this issue. The whole point is that with voltage drops and a sufficiently high value, which is greater than its permissible value for a specific battery model, as well as during recharging, a significant emission of gas occurs from the gel electrolyte, which is no longer absorbed back due to for large quantities.

And if we take into account the fact that the gel battery, as mentioned above, has a sealed housing, then a large amount of released gas is explosive. Also, at a higher voltage of approximately 15V, the gel may peel off from the plates, which in turn may cause the battery to simply lose its ability to produce current.

Therefore, one of the main points when charging a gel battery is maintaining a constant voltage, which will not exceed the maximum permissible voltage for a given battery (it is usually 14.2-14.4V).

But, unfortunately, the relay regulator often produces far from the same voltage, it ranges from 13 to 16V, so there is a need to control the process of its operation when using gel batteries, since such voltage surges are unacceptable for them.

Charging using conventional chargers in a standard fast way with the wrong mode will render the gel battery unusable. Accordingly, there is a need for special devices capable of maintaining a constant, stable voltage and designed specifically for gel batteries.

The most acceptable are chargers that ensure the safety of the battery and at the same time facilitate its fast charging. Such devices are usually designed for different voltages, and the charging process occurs in several stages.

If there is a need to use a charger for gel batteries with other voltage values, then the device should be reprogrammed according to these values. When charging gel batteries, it is necessary to use a circuit that will eliminate the risk of the gel electrolyte boiling and overcharging the battery.

Its essence is that when the maximum voltage value of 14V is reached, the automatic charger switches to a stabilizing operating mode with a subsequent decrease in the charging current. And as soon as it reaches 1/3 of the maximum permissible value, the charger turns off.

Further, when ensuring the integrity of the entire circuit, consisting of the car network, charger and battery, the voltage at its terminals becomes and at a value of 13.5 V, the device starts again and ensures the presence of charge in the battery for an absolutely long period of time.

In this case, you should choose a current that is 10% of the nominal capacity of the battery. It is advisable to charge the gel battery approximately once a season, or more often.

In this case, it is necessary to take into account all of the above features, as well as the fact that it is impossible to interrupt the charging process of such batteries, since otherwise, if they are not fully charged, they will no longer be able to restore the volume of their capacity to the fullest. It is better to use chargers with the function of setting voltage and current. And in general, before buying a gel battery, it is advisable to ensure uninterrupted operation of your car’s electrical network.

First of all, we are talking about a generator, which must produce a constant voltage. If you nevertheless decide to buy a gel battery, then consider all the above tips for charging it, they will help you extend its service life for a fairly long period (approximately 10 years).

Source: http://autooboz.info/o-proekte/na-pravax-reklamy/kak-zaryadit-gelevyj-akkumulyator-sovety-ot-kompanii-baza-avtozvuka/

Gel battery: advantages, charging procedure

The gel battery has some features compared to a conventional acid-based device. Among car enthusiasts, there is a misconception that a gel battery is difficult to maintain and almost impossible to charge properly.

That's why some motorists call it disposable. So why have many people, in recent years, chosen a gel battery for their car?

Here are some of its advantages:

Long service life;
Long-term storage without use does not lead such a battery to self-discharge (the electrolyte practically does not evaporate without using the battery);
Large operating temperature range;
The electrolyte in gel batteries has a constant density;
Possibility of use in closed, unventilated areas, since the electrolyte practically does not emit harmful gases;
Even if the battery case is damaged, the electrolyte will not leak out of it;
Can be used in any position.

Interesting! The service life of a gel battery, declared by the manufacturers, is approximately fourteen years.

Of course, this period is possible under exceptional operating conditions and is almost impossible in practice. But you can make this period as close as possible to the stated one; to do this, you must comply with some conditions for charging and discharging the battery.

For example, if the battery is idle for a long time, it is necessary to correctly check its voltage. The voltage at which the battery can be used must be at least 9 volts.

How can I properly charge a gel battery?

First of all, you need to understand that charging a gel battery requires a special charger. You can find such devices in specialized stores, but charging a gel battery in a service center will be more difficult than a regular battery.

From the huge variety of online stores of auto goods, it is difficult for an ordinary person to identify bona fide sellers. When purchasing goods from dubious stores, people are faced with low-quality goods and delays in delivery.

Especially for you, we have selected several trusted online stores with the best prices, where you can purchase a charger of proper quality without any fear.

Online store No. 1.
Online store No. 2.

The charging process for a gel battery is also different from a regular one. This process requires constant monitoring. After all, overcharging such a battery can lead to its breakdown. The threshold voltage value for gel batteries is no higher than 14.5 volts.

Interesting! The advantage of a gel battery is that it can be stored for a long time without being charged at all, and then its functionality can be restored.

When charging a gel battery, it is necessary to take into account that applying a high charging voltage to it will lead to the fact that the electrolyte will begin to evaporate such an amount of gases that the battery cannot cope with.

So how can you properly charge a gel battery without damaging it or causing it to fail?

The battery charging process should look like this:

Open access to the battery capacity by opening the plate or cover (depending on the type of battery);
Pour distilled water into the battery hole with a medical syringe until the container is full;
Wait about three hours, let the liquid sink to the bottom, and then fill it again;
Connect the battery to the charger and charge until the battery voltage corresponds to 13 - 13.5 volts;
Install the plugs on the battery and attach the plate to it with superglue.

Important ! The gel battery is charged by supplying the device with a current corresponding to a voltage not exceeding 14 volts and a current strength not exceeding 10% of the total battery capacity.

If you apply a voltage higher than specified, the battery gel will begin to peel off from its plates. This will cause the electrolyte to stop interacting with the plates.

It is also worth paying attention to temperature compensation when charging the battery. In the room in which the battery is connected to the charger, the air temperature should not exceed 22 degrees Celsius.

Charging a gel battery increases its temperature by about ten degrees, which means that the final battery voltage, taking into account compensation, will be less by about 0.36 volts.

When giving preference to car batteries containing gel electrolyte, you need to understand that its maintenance must be more careful. Excessive care when charging is compensated by the comfortable operation of the battery, because the electrolyte in a gel state has many of the advantages described above.

Source: http://ilovekiario.ru/autosovet/kak-zaryazhat-gelevyj-akkumulyator.html

How to charge a gel battery

Gel car batteries are rapidly replacing conventional acid batteries. They are, of course, no different in function; both are designed to provide electricity to cars.

But the quality of new products is several times higher, hence the correspondingly higher price. But it often justifies itself. Such devices are filled not with liquid electrolyte, but, as the name suggests, with helium electrolyte.

This gives them a lot of advantages:

operation at extremely low temperatures (manufacturers claim down to −55 degrees);
monolithic body, preventing acid leakage;
operability regardless of position (meaning that even when upside down, the battery will work properly);
Possibility of storage at subzero temperatures for up to two years, and installation without additional charging;
total service life up to 12–13 years (with careful operation and appropriate care).

But since these types of batteries are completely enclosed, they are a maintenance-free type. Therefore, charging gel batteries is considered impossible. Manufacturers warn that this is what they believe, but whether a gel battery can be charged should be considered in more detail.

Charging process

Let's figure out how to charge a gel battery. First, you need to purchase eye protection: boiling and splashing of acid is not uncommon, and the consequences can be worst. In addition, to charge this device with your own hands, you will need another battery.

Any will do, even acidic. The main thing is that it is in working condition, and its charge is at least twelve volts. You can charge the old battery in the normal way to power it up and help charge the gel battery.

Then you should perform the following manipulations:

on a regular car charger the current is set to ten amperes (required);
there is no need to connect the car charger directly to the gel battery - the gel will simply melt, turning into a liquid without the possibility of recovery, which will ruin the battery forever;
you should take the cigarette lighter wires (“crocodiles,” as people call them), connecting one end to the “plus” on the gel battery, and the other to the plus on the regular one, which was prepared in advance;
the same actions are carried out with the “negative” terminals;
a car charger is connected, and it doesn’t matter which battery - gel or acid;
You need to make sure that the charging current is supplied and after an hour measure the charge levels of both batteries.

The main goal is to achieve a level of 10 amps or more for a gel battery. Once this is successful, the charger can be connected directly. But for safety reasons it is better to leave it as it was. The method is very simple, it allows you to achieve the desired result without consequences for the battery, telling you how to properly charge a gel battery.

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Low Current Actions

If, using the method described above, the current does not rise to 9 amperes or the battery does not take a charge at all, then you should stop all actions and do not restore the gel battery - it has become unusable.

To fully verify this, just take it in your hands and shake it thoroughly. If the contents dangle like any liquid, then the gel has melted, turning into a liquid electrolyte. Recovering in the opposite direction is impossible.

The reasons for melting the contents are as follows:

the device is already quite old, it is simply incapable of restoration;
The gel became liquid due to a sharp increase in temperature if the charger was connected directly. The metal elements inside began to touch, which caused a short circuit and complete failure of the device;
The case was cracked, the gel battery was depressurized. With such damage, it is also possible for the plates to connect, causing a short circuit;
The gel battery is not charged for the first time and not properly, so the gel loses its properties as an electrolyte much faster.

If you properly operate and care for the gel battery, it will last for a very long time, perhaps even without recharging. It is necessary to periodically measure its charge, which allows you to calculate the approximate time of its failure.

Simple rules when charging a gel battery

Charging of gel car batteries is carried out under certain conditions:

the gel becomes a liquid when heated (when the charger is connected directly);
if you do not stop charging after this, a short circuit occurs inside, complete failure of the battery, electrolyte leakage or even an explosion is possible;
excessive heating of the device should alert you, resulting in a rapid termination of charging;
It should be charged with a low power current, constantly monitoring the charge of the battery itself.

Gel batteries are quite easy to use and durable with proper care. And they are extremely useful where low temperatures prevail for a longer period of time. Such batteries tolerate cold well; cars start the first time in any frost.

However, they are not particularly designed for use on hot continents - constant heat can melt the gel, especially when combined with simultaneous heating of the engine. In this case, wear occurs faster.

But thanks to the right, consistent actions, there is a chance to extend the life of the gel battery, sometimes even for a long time.

Write to us if the article was useful to you.

Source: http://CarExtra.ru/obzory/kak-zaryazhat-gelevyiy-akkumulyator.html

How to properly charge a gel battery. How to charge correctly. KakPravilno-Sdelat.ru

Gel batteries (AB) are widely used in uninterruptible power supplies for computers, flashlights, receivers and other household appliances. However, not everyone knows how to properly operate them (read: use them!), much less charge them with their own hands.

When left idle for a long time in the “charge-standby” mode, these devices slowly but surely lose their nominal capacity, just as athletes lose their fitness without regular training.

In addition, the electrolyte evaporates.

And since this type of charging battery is considered maintenance-free, most often they are sent for scrap.

Meanwhile, a gel battery that is not completely “dead” can be charged and revived. But first you need to determine whether there is a chance of recovery?

Testing a gel battery

To do this, remove the battery (photo 1) from the device and measure the residual voltage with a voltmeter (photo 2).

If it has not dropped below 9 V, the battery can be revived, since a voltage in the range of 12.6-13.4 V is considered normal.

Do-it-yourself repair and restoration of gel battery (battery)

Use a knife with a sharp end to pry up the plate or pick out the plugs on the top panel - depending on the type of battery (photo 3).

Then remove the plugs from the filler holes.

We fill a disposable syringe with a capacity of 2 ml (photo 4) with distilled water and pour small portions into the holes alternately through a needle until water appears on the cut.

Let it sit for 3 hours and, if water has gone into the battery, add more.

After that, without closing the holes, connect the battery to the charger. The charging voltage should be 14-14.4 V. The current value should be no more than 1/10 of the declared battery capacity. For example: capacity - 7 A/h, which means the charge current is up to 0.7 A (photo 5). Exceeding this can “inflate” and completely damage the battery.

The restoration can be considered successful if, after charging and some settling, we get a voltage of 12.6-12.8 V on the battery (photo 6).

Disconnect the battery from the device, wipe the “traps” dry, and close the rubber plugs. The final touch: using glue or tape, carefully fix the cover or plugs on the top panel of the battery.

That's it, the gel battery is ready to work again!

Attention! The process needs to be controlled: we collect the electrolyte flowing from the “cans” into the “traps” at the filler necks with a syringe, preventing it from overflowing beyond the battery body.

How to charge a gel battery #8211; photo

If you do not have a charger, you can connect the battery (without assembling it) to the terminals of the device from which it was removed and plug it into the network for charging.
After restoration, do not place the battery on its side or turn it upside down.

How to use a gel battery correctly

Train the battery: once every 10 days, disconnect the uninterruptible power supply from the network for 1-2 minutes. when the computer is turned on.
Carry out an inspection: after 2-3 years of operation, disassemble the battery and fill it with distillate (as described above). This will significantly extend her life.

Below are other posts on the topic How to make it yourself - for a homeowner!

Home Electrical and Electronics How to charge a gel battery #8211; repair, restoration and charging of batteries

Reviews and comments: 2

Natalia Osmak, Kharkov.
-11-08 (18:20) #

The gel fragrance “coniferous forest” was combined with a charger for a mobile phone. It heats up when charging, and a pleasant aroma spreads throughout the house.

To make the holder, I cut off the top of a flat gel bottle, and then cut out another part, and rounded the corners of the remaining piece. I cut a hole in the upper part of the holder according to the size of the charging plug. In the cut off. made holes in a piece of the bottle.

I attached this blank to the side of the holder with hot glue, like a pocket, so that flavor #8230 could be placed in it;

Alexander
-07-19 (11:17) #

In reality, the battery will hold voltage, but what about the current? Voltage 14 A short-circuit current 0.4? Instead of water, I added electrolyte from the Car. It was enough for six months, and then)))) You can’t make a delicious candy out of something, especially if IT’S from China. The main indicator is the short-circuit current!

Leave reviews, comments

Maintenance of gel batteries

The gel battery is a completely new evolutionary milestone in the development of automotive power supplies. This battery looks very advantageous compared to previous solutions; it is more durable, it has higher current parameters, and a larger capacity. Such batteries are physically stronger.

Photo of a gel battery produced by Yuasa.

It would seem that this is an ideal option for a car enthusiast these days. But there are some subtle points. Firstly, such batteries are not cheap. Secondly, servicing gel batteries has some of its own characteristics.

The gel battery is completely sealed. It is designed as a maintenance-free model. In fact, the gel cannot be poured out or refilled. Such a battery is physically durable and can work in any position.

However, its weak point is its recharge.

Despite the fact that such batteries can withstand approximately 700 full charge-discharge cycles, which is tens of times higher than traditional lead-acid batteries, they are very susceptible to overcharging and high voltages during the charging process.

If you purchased a gel battery, its maintenance will be slightly different from a regular battery.

This battery will require a special charger designed specifically for gel batteries.

Nowadays, gel batteries, despite all their undeniable advantages, remain quite a rare thing. Not even all service centers know how to properly charge such batteries.

The most important rule when charging them is that the charging voltage should not exceed the threshold.

Manufacturers indicate the threshold voltage in the instructions for such batteries; it is 14.2-14.4 V, and in no case should you exceed it - the battery will not forgive you for this! Gel batteries can be stored for a very long time when completely discharged to zero.

Such batteries can be stored at sub-zero temperatures. But when overcharging, at a high charging voltage, the gel electrolyte begins to abundantly release gas, which is no longer absorbed back in such volumes.

In normal mode, the gel battery practically does not emit gas, since the thick consistency of the electrolyte simply does not allow the gas to escape. Because of this useful property, such batteries can be used almost anywhere.

They can be installed in an apartment, inside a car, and not be afraid that they are toxic, or that if the housing breaks, everything will be flooded with electrolyte. No, even with a through breakdown of the case, such a battery can continue to work.

However, if you apply a voltage of, say, 15 V to the terminals, then all this gel will quickly begin to peel off from the plates, and may move away so much that it simply will not come back and the battery will not supply current purely physically.

In addition, the abundant release of gas in a compact, sealed battery is an explosive process - and this must be taken very seriously.

Maintenance of gel batteries involves periodically recharging them with stationary chargers for gel batteries.

Stationary charger for servicing gel batteries.

Such devices can be designed for different voltages; they have special charging algorithms in several stages. Gel batteries are used not only in cars, but also in motorcycles and other types of transport. If you need to change the charging voltage, then such a charger needs to be reflashed to the new values.

You need to charge the battery at least once a season, or more often. It is very important not to interrupt the charging process until it is finished. If you stop charging, say, at 60%, then the next time the battery will not be able to reach its full capacity - and even cycling through charge-discharge cycles will not greatly improve the situation.

In general, when buying a gel battery, the maintenance of which is, in principle, not burdensome and easy, you should take care in advance of the serviceability of the on-board electronics. Special requirements are placed on the on-board generator. Since we have already said that the gel battery does not tolerate overcharging, the generator, accordingly, must produce an even voltage, without surges.

Following all these simple recommendations will allow you to use the gel battery for about 10 years without particularly worrying about it. This type of battery is very reliable, and it is almost impossible to destroy such a battery during discharge.

Detailed instructions on possible methods for partially recharging and fully charging discharged car batteries.

What a good car battery

This article provides an answer to a very general question - which battery is best to choose for a car so that it is the most optimal for use.

Car battery rating

The article discusses a comparison of the parameters and characteristics of automobile batteries produced in the year.

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How to properly charge a gel battery

Gel batteries appeared on the market much later than their older acid brothers. Gel batteries are mainly found in scooters, motorcycles and ATVs.

They are also used in uninterruptible computer equipment, gas boilers, and paired with a solar battery.

The main feature is that inside they have not liquid acid, but a gel, which allows them to be used even #171;upside down #187;.

Among the advantages of gel batteries it is worth highlighting:

high current output, even with a minimum charge, about 20% #8212; 30% of nominal.
up to 1000 recharge cycles.
minimum self-discharge current (no more than 20% per year)
ability to store completely discharged even at sub-zero temperatures.

much higher price compared to acid batteries with the same parameters.
. Doesn't like overcharging.

Do gel batteries charge?

This question is often asked by car enthusiasts and motorcycle drivers.

A gel battery, like any battery, unlike batteries, can and should be periodically recharged if the battery is not used for a long time. And, as you know, any storage battery has self-discharge, i.e.

It discharges itself over a certain period of time. Different batteries have different self-discharge percentages. The only thing is that you should use a special charger for gel batteries.

But gel batteries, unlike acid ones, are charged with a special charger with adjustable charging current.

What current to charge a gel battery

There are no special differences in current here. Charge 10% of the battery capacity. A 50-amp battery should be charged with a current of 5 A.

As stated above, for a gel battery, it is very important when charging not to use a voltage above the limit. Typically this is 14.5 volts.

It is worth noting that using a voltage above 14.5 volts will lead to irreversible consequences and failure of the battery.

How long to charge a gel battery

It is advisable to charge the gel battery 1 #8212; 2 times per year. The main thing is to complete the charging process. Disconnecting from charging earlier is fraught with loss of battery capacity, which will be difficult to restore later.

This phenomenon is called #171;Memory effect#187;. If we talk about time, then the capacity should be divided by the charging current. The resulting number will be the approximate number of hours for charging.

For example, a gel battery for a scooter with a capacity of 7 Ah and a charging current of 0.7 A should be charged for 10 hours.

A special charger, in this case, will automatically determine the charging time and signal the completion of charging.

Charger for gel batteries

From the Chinese, for example on Aliexpress, you can order special chargers for gel batteries with different functions and for different wallets.

Charging for gel batteries BEONE BE-BC175 output voltage 12V, Charging current adjustable from 6 to 36 Amps, input voltage 180 #8212; 240 volts, frequency 47 #8212; 63 Hz, operating temperature from -40 to +105 ºС. Price $70.

Economy class charger for gel batteries KW KW-BC021. Input voltage: 90

270 V, 50 Hz, charge current constant 2A. Recommended for batteries. voltage 12V, capacity from 4 to 20 Ah. Price $10. An adapter for a Euro socket is required.

Charger KW-C032 for batteries with capacities from 28 to 63 Ah. Input voltage 90

65 Hz. Output voltage 13.8V. Overload and short circuit protection. Euro socket. Price $15.

How to restore a gel battery

Initially, the gel battery is NOT serviceable. Since there is no electrolyte in it, and the storage conditions for it are more stringent than for an acid battery. Moreover, according to manufacturers, the service life is more than 10 years. But periodic recharging 1-2 times a season with a special charger for gel batteries will not hurt at all.

It is worth pointing out that gel batteries almost do not emit explosive gases during operation and charging. The gases recombine into a gel. But if for some reason the battery is swollen, it should be recycled, or, more simply put, thrown away.

Source: http://kak-sdelatpravilno.ru/kak-pravilno-zarjadit/kak-pravilno-zarjadit-gelevyj-akkumuljator.html

How to properly charge a gel battery? – Automotoguru

Gel batteries appeared on the market much later than their older acid brothers. Gel batteries are mainly found in scooters, motorcycles and ATVs.

They are also used in uninterruptible computer equipment, gas boilers, and paired with a solar battery.

The main feature is that inside they do not have liquid acid, but a gel, which allows them to be used even “upside down”.

Among the advantages of gel batteries it is worth highlighting:

high current output, even with a minimum charge, about 20% - 30% of the nominal.
up to 1000 recharge cycles.
minimum self-discharge current (no more than 20% per year)
ability to store completely discharged even at sub-zero temperatures.

Disadvantages:

much higher price compared to acid batteries with the same parameters.
!!!Does not like recharging!!!

This question is often asked by car enthusiasts and motorcycle drivers.

It discharges itself over a certain period of time. Different batteries have different self-discharge percentages. The only thing is that you should use a special charger for gel batteries.

There are no special differences in current here. Charge 10% of the battery capacity. A 50-amp battery should be charged with a current of 5 A.

As stated above, for a gel battery, it is very important when charging not to use a voltage above the limit. Typically this is 14.5 volts.

It is worth noting that using a voltage above 14.5 volts will lead to irreversible consequences and failure of the battery.

It is advisable to charge the gel battery 1-2 times a year. The main thing is to complete the charging process. Disconnecting from charging earlier is fraught with loss of battery capacity, which will be difficult to restore later.

This phenomenon is called the “Memory Effect”. If we talk about time, then the capacity should be divided by the charging current. The resulting number will be the approximate number of hours for charging.

For example, a gel battery for a scooter with a capacity of 7 Ah and a charging current of 0.7 A should be charged for 10 hours.

A special charger, in this case, will automatically determine the charging time and signal the completion of charging.

Charger for gel batteries

From the Chinese, for example on Aliexpress, you can order special chargers for gel batteries with different functions and for different wallets.

Charging for BEONE BE-BC175 gel batteries output voltage 12V, charging current adjustable from 6 to 36 Amps, input voltage 180 - 240 volts, frequency 47 - 63 Hz, operating temperature from -40 to +105 ºС. Price $70.

Economy class charger for gel batteries KW KW-BC021. Input voltage: 90~270V, 50Hz, charge current constant 2A. Recommended for batteries with a voltage of 12V and a capacity of 4 to 20 Ah. Price $10. An adapter for a Euro socket is required.

Charger KW-C032 for batteries with capacities from 28 to 63 Ah. Input voltage 90~270V, 45~65Hz. Output voltage 13.8V. Overload and short circuit protection. Euro socket. Price $15.

There is an opinion that maintenance-free gel batteries cannot be charged at all. Many experts present this fact as indisputable evidence of a not very successful purchase in the form of a gel battery for your car. In fact, everything is different, because chargers for gel batteries have been around for a long time.

In the USA, for example, almost the entire auto industry has switched from harmful acid batteries to products with greater environmental friendliness, a long service life and excellent charge retention. This is exactly what gel batteries are, which today actively continue to spread in Russia.

Of course, such devices have many advantages.

Gel battery equipment is quite durable if you do not exceed the load and do not use the batteries at extremely high temperatures. But Russian frosts do not have any effect on these batteries.

Using simple technologies that have been known for decades, manufacturers of AGM batteries have created devices that are quite suitable for use in our climate.

Of course, such equipment costs an order of magnitude more than simple lead acid batteries, but it lasts longer and causes much fewer problems.

Why can’t a gel battery be charged directly by simple charging?

If you have or had such a battery with modern technologies, and you tried to connect a standard charger directly to a gel battery, you can safely throw away your failed battery.

The fact is that when a certain level of current (which is perceived by lead batteries) is supplied to a gel battery, the gel melts.

The gel will never return to its normal state, but will begin to destroy the remaining gel even with low heating. There are also the following problems:

when recharging on an almost fully charged battery, the gel does not melt, but the battery does not take a charge;
it's hard to get the battery to charge even if you have a custom jump starter;
our charging equipment is designed for lead batteries, and such current strengths are lethal for the gel;
gel batteries have certain specific charging procedures that you need to know;
in our country there is very little information about how to use such batteries and why they are beneficial;
The battery cannot be heated, so when fully charged, you must turn off the power immediately.

If your gel battery starts to heat up while charging, you will most likely have to change the battery. The fact is that the battery loses its properties when heated; a liquid forms inside, which very quickly eats up all the remaining gel.

This is what happens when you connect a gel battery to a conventional charger - the internal environment of the battery heats up, the gel turns into water, and destruction continues as soon as you install the battery in its place and start using it.

After such charging, the battery will invariably heat up, which already indicates its death.

How do special chargers for gel batteries work?

Many online stores and private sellers offer special chargers for gel batteries. These are devices that are not yet licensed for sale in our country, and therefore are not sold openly on store shelves.

However, you can already find similar products in some retail outlets. This special charger has several noticeable differences in operation compared to the usual version of the usual charger for lead batteries.

The operating principle of such equipment is quite simple; it includes the following stages of charging a gel battery:

turning on and measuring the current supplied by the battery to select optimal operating modes;
start charging at the required current levels, which are determined automatically;
after a short period of time it turns off to prevent the device from heating up;
then wait for it to cool down and turn it on again at a different current strength for further charging;
in the intervals between turning off and turning on the charger, the current from the battery is measured;
if the current does not change, the device automatically turns off and does not perform further cycles;
when the measured current reaches the required levels, the device automatically stops working.

The last step is very important. Most chargers do their job until they are unplugged. In the case of a charger for gel batteries, everything happens differently. If you continue to charge the battery after it has reached optimal condition, the gel will begin to melt.

We have already discussed these consequences above. Therefore, to charge gel batteries, it is better to use special custom chargers that can restore even a very discharged battery. But there is another way to use regular charging and get the desired result.

How to charge a gel battery with a regular charger?

To perform this procedure, we need a directly dead gel battery, another battery (you can take a gel, lead, new, old, used - it doesn’t matter), as well as a regular charger.

It is enough to connect everything in the correct order, and also periodically check the progress of the process to get the desired result.

This charging method is incredibly simple, and it actually works - you can see for yourself in your own garage by following the necessary charging procedures. The procedure you need to follow in this case is as follows:

connect the charger to a lead-acid battery or any other device chosen as an intermediary;
Next, connect the terminals of the battery being charged to the gel battery (plus to plus, and minus to minus);
wait two minutes and see if energy is released from charging the batteries;
then touch the body of the gel battery (if the battery has already failed, the body will heat up noticeably;
if the case is just warm, leave the batteries to charge for about two hours;
after this time, it is worth checking the temperature of the gel battery again, and also checking it with an ammeter;
If necessary, charge for another one to two hours and then unplug the entire system and remove the terminals.

Source: https://avtomotoguru.ru/kak-pravil-no-zaryadit-gelevyy-akkumulyator/