Sealed lead acid battery facts for kids
A sealed lead acid battery, often called a gel cell, is a special kind of lead acid battery. Unlike regular car batteries, the sulfuric acid inside is made into a thick, jelly-like substance. This means it won't spill out, even if the battery gets tipped over. These batteries are mostly sealed, but they have small vents. These vents let out gas if too much builds up, for example, if the battery is charged too much.
Sealed lead acid batteries are often used in places where safety is important or where the battery might not stay upright. They cost more than traditional lead acid batteries, but they are also safer to use. Because they use different chemicals than simple dry cell batteries (like the ones in your remote control), they can be charged many times. This makes them a rechargeable power source.
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What is a Sealed Lead Acid Battery?
A sealed lead acid battery is a type of rechargeable battery that stores energy. It's called "sealed" because the liquid inside, which is a mix of sulfuric acid and water, is turned into a thick gel. This gel stops the liquid from leaking out. Imagine a regular battery having a liquid inside; this one has a thick jelly instead!
How Does a Gel Cell Work?
Inside the battery, there are lead plates and the special gel. When you use the battery, a chemical reaction happens between the lead plates and the gel. This reaction creates electricity. When you charge the battery, the reaction reverses, and the battery stores energy again. The gel helps keep everything in place and allows the battery to work in different positions without spilling.
Where Are Sealed Lead Acid Batteries Used?
These batteries are very useful in many different devices. You might find them in:
- Small uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) that keep computers running during power outages.
- Emergency lamps that turn on when the electricity goes out.
- Electric wheelchairs or scooters.
- Some alarm systems.
- Portable electronic devices where a spill-proof battery is needed.
Why Are Gel Cells Special?
Sealed lead acid batteries have a few big advantages:
- Safety: Because the acid is a gel, it's much harder for it to leak or spill. This makes them safer to handle and use, especially indoors or in sensitive equipment.
- Flexibility: They can be used in almost any position, even on their side or upside down, without problems.
- Rechargeable: You can charge them many times, which makes them a good long-term power solution.
- Durability: They are often quite tough and can handle vibrations better than some other battery types.
Related pages
Images for kids
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A 12V VRLA battery, typically used in small uninterruptible power supplies and emergency lamps
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Cutaway view of a 1953 automotive battery
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Broken gel battery with white gobbets of the gelated electrolyte on the plates
See also
In Spanish: Batería VRLA para niños
