What is the difference between AGM and gel batteries?
Both are VRLA, valve regulated lead acid, meaning sealed valves and immobilised electrolyte with internal gas recombination, so they do not require watering and can be installed in a wider range of locations than a flooded cell.
The difference is how the electrolyte is immobilised:
AGM uses an absorbent glass mat separator holding the electrolyte in suspension. It has lower internal impedance, which makes it better at delivering high current for short periods, the classic UPS duty, where a battery sits on float for months and then has to deliver a heavy load for minutes.
Gel uses a polyethylene separator with a thixotropic gel electrolyte. It has higher tolerance of deep discharge and better cycle life, and typically performs better at sustained elevated temperature. That makes it the stronger choice for cyclic duty and for hot, uncontrolled environments, solar and off-grid applications, remote sites, and locations that are repeatedly discharged deeply rather than occasionally.
The rule of thumb: AGM for standby with high current draw, gel for cycling and for heat. Valen’s front terminal ranges span both:
|
Range |
Choose it for |
|---|---|
|
TOPIN AGM |
General standby and UPS duty, cost-sensitive float service |
|
ENVIROX-CEL carbon-enhanced AGM |
Standby with partial-state-of-charge cycling, solar-assisted duty |
|
ENVIROX-CELPLUS graphitic carbon blend AGM |
The same duty with a longer design life and rail type approval |
|
ENDUROGEL catalyst-enhanced gel |
Cyclic duty, deep discharge, sustained elevated temperature |
|
ENLiFEN LiFePOâ‚„ |
Daily cycling duty, weight or space constrained installations |