AGM (Absorbent Glass Matt) Battery and Gel Battery are often mistaken to be the same. Both batteries possess similar traits such as having deep-cycle capabilities, non-spillable design and both can be used in different orientations. The two battery types are also known for their low self-discharge, low-maintenance and vibration-resistant characteristics. However, AGM and Gel are two distinctly different types of batteries.
Through this post, we’re comparing the two battery types in order to help you see which one suits your needs.
1. Overview on the key difference
2. What are AGM Batteries
3. What are GEL Batteries
4. Similarities
5. Differences
6. AGM vs GEL Batteries in Tabular Form
7. Summary – AGM vs GEL Batteries
The key difference between AGM and GEL batteries is that AGM batteries allow discharging up to 50%, whereas GEL batteries allow discharging up to 90%, ensuring a long service life.
AGM batteries are Absorbed Glass Mat batteries that are designed uniquely to trap the electrolyte between the plates inside the battery. These batteries are also known as SLA batteries, meaning sealed lead-acid batteries or VRLA batteries, meaning valve-regulated lead-acid batteries. We can characterize this type of battery by a limited amount of electrolyte that is absorbed in a plate separator or formed into a gel that proportionates the negative and positive plates so that the recombination of oxygen can be facilitated within the cell.
These batteries only hold a small amount of acid, unlike traditional wet batteries. This little amount of lead acid is entirely absorbed by the glass mat. It acts as a major safety feature that prevents the acid from leaking from the battery even if the battery gets broken. Therefore, we can name these batteries non-spillable and maintenance-free batteries. They have a wide range of applications, including use in emergency lights, alarm systems, medical equipment, and UPS.
GEL batteries are a type of lead-acid battery that is built with a gel electrolyte. This gel electrolyte is designed to mix with sulfuric acid and fumed silica, which causes a chemical reaction to occur. This chemical reaction causes the gel electrolytes to be immobile. In addition, it is helpful to make the battery free of maintenance and spill-proof. Therefore, we can install the battery in any direction without worrying about acid leaks.
Moreover, GEL batteries have deep cycling capabilities, which makes them an ideal battery option for many applications. These include applications such as solar and wind energy, electric vehicles, wheelchairs, golf carts, cleaning equipment, etc.
The two batteries are classified as Valve Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) batteries. The oxygen produced on the positive plates of lead-acid batteries is absorbed by the negative plates. In turn, the negative plates produce water. This helps expel the heat from the chemical reaction produced by the electrolytes. Because of this, the user does not have to water these batteries, making them maintenance-free.
The fact that AGM offers more than gel batteries is not new. AGM models outsell gel batteries at about 100 to 1. The main reason for this is due to the cost difference. AGM is less expensive than gel batteries.
● AGM batteries have a very slow self-discharge rate
AGM batteries also offer a lot of useful qualities that make them the one to pick. AGM batteries are high quality and work at optimal capacity at a large range of temperatures. They work great for all high amp needs and have a very slow self-discharge rate (meaning you can leave one plugged in and you won't waste a lot of energy).
● AGM batteries last longer
The thick AGM separator absorbs and holds acid to prevent spilling. And the precision assembly creates a uniform book of plates that are tightly compressed in each cell and held under pressure in the rigid battery case. The result? A battery that resists vibration, recharges faster, cycles more and last longer in demanding applications.
● AGM batteries charge easily
AGM batteries charge very easily and hold their charge very well. Gel batteries are very delicate things; one mistake in charging them will ruin the battery completely, even if it is new. Because they're delicate, and cost more, gel batteries are not a first choice for most applications.
AGM batteries are Absorbed Glass Mat batteries that are designed uniquely to trap the electrolyte between the plates inside the batteries, while GEL batteries are a type of lead-acid batteries that are built with a gel electrolyte. The key difference between AGM and GEL batteries is that AGM batteries allow discharging up to 50%, whereas GEL batteries allow discharging up to 90% ensuring a long service life. In AGM batteries, a little amount of lead acid is entirely absorbed by the glass mat, whereas in GEL batteries, electrolyte is designed to mix with the sulfuric acid and fumed silica which causes a chemical reaction to occur where the reaction causes the gel electrolytes to be immobile.
The below infographic lists the differences between AGM and GEL batteries in tabular form for side by side comparison.
Gel batteries are called gel because they use silica (or sand) to turn the acid inside the battery into a thick liquid. This liquid does make it spill-proof, like our AGM batteries, but the gel is fragile, and can be easily burned if used in high amperage situations. Things like quick charging, high discharge, or other intense situations are all likely to cause serious damage to a gel battery, making it fail even if it's barely used.
AGM batteries use the concept of gel batteries and take it a step further. This makes for a product with the same resistances and the same sealed and spill-proof case as a gel, but now offers the flexibility and high performance that only comes from an AGM battery.
AGM Batteries outsell Gel types when it comes to durability, long life and charging. They are also less expensive and work in different weather conditions. Therefore, combine these with a streamlined way to produce the batteries and people will have a more affordable and powerful tool that is a must for anyone looking for a quality product they can trust.
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