Question:
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of battery designs?
Answer:
GELLED ELECTROLYTE TYPES
ADVANTAGES:
· Totally Maintenance-Free
· Non-Spillable and Leak-Proof
· Air Transportable
· Very Low to No Gassing (Unless Overcharged)
· No Corrosion
· Compatible with Sensitive Electronic Equipment
· Superior Deep Cycle Life (2 1/2 Times +)
· Superior Shelf Life (Less than 1% Gassing per Month @ 68°F)
· Superior Rechargability (from 10.5 Volts to 90% in 3 1/2 Hours)
· No Recharge Current Limitation @ 13.8 Volts
· Installs Upright or On Side
· Operates in Wet Environments-even Under 30 Feet of Water
· Very Safe with No Hydrogen Gas (Unless Severely Overcharged)
· Very Safe at Sea with No Chlorine Gas in Bilge
· Most Versatile
...Starting
...Deep Cycle
...Stationary (Float Type Applications)
· Rugged and Vibration Resistant
· Will Not Freeze to-30°C/-20°F(if Fully Charged)
· Lowest Cost-per-Month (Cost / Months of Life)
· Lowest Cost-per-Cycle (Cost / Life Cycles)
DISADVANTAGES:
· High Initial Cost
· Heavier Weight
· Water Cannot Be Replaced if Continually Overcharged
· Automatic, Voltage Regulated Chargers (with Temperature Sensing) Must Be Used
· Charge Voltage Must Be Limited (13.8 to 14.1 Volts Max)
ABSORBED ELECTROLYTE TYPES
ADVANTAGES:
· Totally Maintenance-Free
· Non-Spillable and Leak-Proof
· Air Transportable
· Very Low to No Gassing (Unless Overcharged)
· No Corrosion
· Compatible with Sensitive Electronic Equipment
· Installs Upright or On Side
· Very Safe with No Hydrogen Gas (Unless Severely Overcharged)
· Good for Starting
· Excellent for Stationary Applications
· Superior for Shorter Duration/Higher Discharges
· Lower Cost than Gel Cell Battery
DISADVANTAGES:
· Shorter Cycle Life than Gel or Flooded-in Deep Cycle Applications
· Water Cannot Be Replaced if Continually Overcharged
· Automatic, Voltage Regulated Charger (with Temperature Sensing) Must Be Used
· Charger Voltage Must Be Limited (14.1 to 14.5 Volts Max)
FLOODED ELECTROLYTE TYPES
ADVANTAGES:
· Lowest Initial Cost
· Higher Cranking Amps
· Accepts Higher Recharge Voltages
· Water Can Be Added (if Accessible)
· Excellent for Starting Applications
· Good for Deep Cycle Applications
· Replacements Readily Available
DISADVANTAGES:
· Spillable
· Operates Upright Only
· Shorter Shelf Life than Gel
· Shorter Cycle Life than Gel
· Cannot Be Installed Near Sensitive Electronic Equipment
