Gallery View: Capacity, reliability & safety steer R&D efforts in gel batteries

Gel batteries for electric vehicles, and solar and wind power systems are poised to gradually replace conventional lead-acid types in the years to come.

High product capacity, reliability and safety highlight the advantages of gel batteries over traditional lead-acid types. The former supports a long operating life and has inherently better performance in high and low temperatures. For these features, it is expected to gradually take the place of the latter in electric vehicles or EVs, and solar and wind power systems.

In addition to these applications, gel batteries for communications, EPS, UPS and emergency lighting make up the mainstream selection in China. These come in 2, 6 and 12V series with 50 to 3,000Ah, 100 or 200Ah and 33 to 250Ah respective capacities.

To expand this range, manufacturers hope to develop their own line of nanosilicon types, which have grown in popularity. The lightweight units feature high capacity, low self-discharge rate and long operating cycle. These do not emit gas and leak, and can withstand salt fog exposure, making them especially suited to EVs, solar power systems and UPS. The operating temperature range is -40 to 65 C, wider than that of lead-acid and Li-ion counterparts.

Henan Jiaruilide invested $144.53 million in its two-phase nanosilicon gel battery project, aiming to reach an annual production capacity of 3 million kVAh.

Makers obtain key materials and components such as tin paste, plates, gel electrolytes and separators locally, turning to foreign providers only as required. The cost of these inputs remained flat in the previous year, but due to intense competition, prices dropped by 5 percent. Both are expected to stabilize in coming months.

The products in this gallery have been handpicked by our China-based market analyst for representing current trends in gel batteries from China makers.

100Ah rated capacity at 10-hour rate

Model 6FM100G gel battery from Champion Power Tech Co. Ltd adopts six cells and has 100Ah rated capacity at a 10-hour rate. The 331x173x213mm unit weighing 29.5kg has 12V nominal voltage, 800A maximum discharge current for 5sec and approximately 4.8mohm internal resistance. It has a float design life of up to 15 years at 25 C.

The supplier requires a minimum order of 24 units. Delivery is within 15 days.

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200Ah rated capacity at 10-hour rate

This 522x240x216mm gel battery weighing 60kg from Champion Power Tech Co. Ltd, 6FM200G model, has 200Ah rated capacity at a 10-hour rate. The 6-cell unit has 12V nominal voltage, 1,600A maximum discharge current for 5sec and about 3.5mohm internal resistance. Its float design life reaches 15 years at 25 C.

The 24-unit minimum order is for delivery within 15 days.

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100Ah capacity

For home solar power systems, the model 2v 100ah gel battery from Shenzhen Eastar Battery Co. Ltd provides 100Ah capacity. The 2V unit has less than 20A initial current rating. It requires charging at a constant voltage of 2.4 to 2.6V for cyclic use and 2.25 to 2.3V for standby use. The battery meets UL and CE standards.

The minimum order of 100 units is delivered within 7 days.

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2.3Ah nominal capacity

Shenzhen Eastar Battery Co. Ltd's model AGM 12V 2.3AH gel battery has 12V nominal voltage and 2.3Ah nominal capacity. The mercury- and cadminum-free unit is compliant with CE and BIS requirements.

An order of at least 1,000 units is required. Delivery lead time is 25 days.

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65Ah capacity, T9 or T16 terminals

From Shenzhen Sunnyway Battery Tech Co. Ltd, the model SWG12650 (12V65AH)-1-1-14905 gel battery with T9 or T16 terminals offers 65Ah capacity. The 12V unit operates in -40 to 65 C. It measures 350x166x179mm and weighs 23kg.

The minimum order of 50 units has a delivery lead time of 15 days.

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85Ah capacity, T10 or T16 terminals

Shenzhen Sunnyway Battery Tech Co. Ltd markets the model SWG12850(12V85AH)-1-1-1517 with 85Ah capacity. The 12V unit with T10 or T16 terminals has an operating temperature of -40 to 65 C.

The minimum order is 300 units. Delivery lead time is 15 days.

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