GEL batteries have several advantages that many want to see in a battery used in a standby power back application.
They have a long life, do not require maintenance, and generally have a long cycle life when discharged to 50% compared to AGM or flooded Lead Acid batteries.
Unfortunately, they are expensive and can easily suffer damage when the unsuitable charge voltage and current settings are used.
Still in doubt about what voltage and current settings to use with your GEL battery?
Or what charger type to use and the common causes of failure for GEL batteries so that you can avoid them?
This article explains how best to charge GEL batteries, what voltage and current values to use, and the likely causes of failure that can damage GEL batteries so that you can avoid them and get the maximum performance from your battery.
Can you Recharge a GEL Battery?
Yes, you can recharge a GEL battery that has been discharged.
Beware though that if you over-discharge it frequently, it tends to lose some of its capacity even after recharging it.
Do not discharge it to more than 50% of its capacity in order for it to maintain its original ability to hold a charge.
How to Charge a GEL Battery? The Best Way to Charge
For a GEL battery to last its design life (that can be as long as 12 years in standby applications, pay attention to both its maximum charge current and voltage.
These can be found in the technical specifications document that accompanies the battery.
The easiest and most convenient option is to use a smart charger with the option to charge GEL battery type.
This way the appropriate voltages are automatically set when this option is selected.
Make sure though that the charger does not exceed the specified maximum charge current of the GEL battery.
The next best option is to use a charger or solar charge controller with a manually configurable maximum charging current and voltage that can be set as described below for the GEL batteries.
Maximum charging current
Make sure that the charging current from the charger used does not exceed the maximum charging current specified by the manufacturer to prevent damage to the battery.
Maximum charge voltage
If the GEL battery is used in a cycling application such as an off-grid solar system where the battery is frequently discharged by connected appliances and then recharged by the solar panels, the maximum charge voltages for the charger or charge controller should be set to 14.2 ~ 14.4V DC depending on the battery temperature.
If on the other hand then batteries are used in standby float applications such as an inverter backup solution, then the maximum charge voltages for the charger or charge controller should be set to 13.6 ~ 13.8V DC depending on the battery temperature.
Dangers when Charging GEL Batteries | How to Avoid them
To prevent damage to your GEL batteries so that they can last as long as possible, there are a number of actions that may work with other battery types but not with GEL batteries and if used or selected can result in damage to the battery.
Note: Whenever in doubt, check the owner manual for the battery.
Charging the batteries to excessive voltages and using excessive currents.
Make sure that the charger or charge controller settings do not exceed the recommended voltage settings for the battery to prevent damage to them.
Equalizing the batteries. Several GEL battery types do not require the equalization option on the charger to be activated as it shortens their lifespan.
Wiring two or more batteries of different capacities in parallel. This creates uneven charging for the batteries which shortens their lifespan.
Using these batteries as starter batteries. This is not recommended as it damages them.
They are built for sustained discharge of current instead of high current draws that are required of starter batteries.
Should you Use a Regular (normal) Charger or a Special Charger
You can use a regular (normal) charger to charge the GEL battery, provided its voltage and current settings are set to those recommended for the GEL battery (check the battery technical specifications).
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Should you Trickle Charge GEL Batteries?
Yes, you can use a battery maintainer to keep your GEL batteries topped up.
Make sure that it is designed for use with a GEL battery, supports your battery voltage (2V, 6V, or 12V), and that the GEL battery option is selected to prevent damage to the battery.
Final thoughts
GEL batteries are known for their long life and being maintenance-free however, you have to select the recommended charge voltage and current settings to get the maximum life from them.
Always consult the battery’s owner manual or the manufacturer’s website for this information.
Besides using the wrong voltage and current settings, other pitfalls that can damage your GEL battery include frequent deep discharges beyond 50% of their capacity, using the equalization option, combining batteries of differing capacities during charge, and using them as starter batteries.
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