<html>
<body>
At 05:47 PM 3/13/2011, Gilles H Turmel wrote:<br>
<blockquote type=cite class=cite cite="">Is there a better solution out
there?<br><br>
To my understanding the gel type battery will only give me higher life
expectancy of the battery with the same autonomy as acid type. Is that a
good assumption?</blockquote><br>
 From the DEKA sealed-battery FAQ at
<a href="http://www.dekabatteries.com/assets/base/0139.pdf" eudora="autourl">
http://www.dekabatteries.com/assets/base/0139.pdf</a><br><br>
<font face="Trebuchet MS" size=4><b>What are the advantages and<br>
disadvantages of the different types<br>
of battery designs?<br>
</font><font face="Trebuchet MS">Gelled Electrolyte Advantages:<br>
</b></font><font face="Trebuchet MS" size=2>� Totally
maintenance-free<br>
� Air transportable<br>
� Spillproof/leakproof<br>
� No corrosion<br>
� Superior deep cycle life<br>
� Installs upright or on side (side installation may lose<br>
about 10% capacity)<br>
� Very low to no gassing (unless overcharged)<br>
� Compatible with sensitive electronic equipment<br>
� Superior shelf life<br>
� Superior rechargeability<br>
(from 0% to 90% in
3</font><font face="Trebuchet MS" size=1>1</font>
<font face="Trebuchet MS" size=2>.</font><font face="Trebuchet MS" size=1>
2 </font><font face="Trebuchet MS" size=2>hours)<br>
� No recharge current limitation @ 13.8 volts<br>
� Rugged and vibration-resistant<br>
� Very safe at sea with no chlorine gas in bilge<br>
(due to sulfuric acid and salt water mixing)<br>
� Versatile: Starting, Deep Cycle, Stationary<br>
� Operates in wet environments�even under 30 feet of water<br>
� Will not freeze to �20�F/�30�C (if fully charged)<br>
� Lowest cost-per-month (cost </font><font face="Symbol" size=2>�
</font><font face="Trebuchet MS" size=2>months of life)<br>
� Lowest cost-per-cycle (cost </font><font face="Symbol" size=2>�
</font><font face="Trebuchet MS" size=2>life cycles)<br>
</font><font face="Trebuchet MS"><b>Gelled Electrolyte
Disadvantages:<br>
</b></font><font face="Trebuchet MS" size=2>� Higher initial cost<br>
� Heavier weight<br>
� Water cannot be replaced if continually overcharged<br>
� Automatic temperature-sensing,<br>
voltage-regulated chargers
</font><font face="Trebuchet MS" size=2><b>must
</b></font><font face="Trebuchet MS" size=2>be used<br>
� Charge voltage </font><font face="Trebuchet MS" size=2><b>must
</b></font><font face="Trebuchet MS" size=2>be limited to extend
life<br>
(13.8 to 14.1 volts maximum at 68�F)<br><br>
<br>
</font><font face="Trebuchet MS"><b>Absorbed Electrolyte Advantages:<br>
</b></font><font face="Trebuchet MS" size=2>� Totally
maintenance-free<br>
� Air transportable<br>
� Spillproof/leakproof<br>
� No corrosion<br>
� Installs upright or on side<br>
� Lower cost than gel cell batteries<br>
� Compatible with sensitive electronic equipment<br>
� Very low to no gassing (unless overcharged)<br>
� Excellent for starting and stationary applications<br>
� Superior for shorter duration/higher rate discharges<br>
� Superior under extreme cold conditions when fully charged<br>
� Superior shelf life<br>
� Superior rechargeability<br>
(from 0% to 90% in
3</font><font face="Trebuchet MS" size=1>1</font>
<font face="Trebuchet MS" size=2>.</font><font face="Trebuchet MS" size=1>
2 </font><font face="Trebuchet MS" size=2>hours)<br>
� Rugged and vibration-resistant<br>
� Very safe at sea with no chlorine gas in bilge<br>
(due to sulfuric acid and salt water mixing)<br>
� Operates in wet environments�even under 30 feet of water<br>
</font><font face="Trebuchet MS"><b>Absorbed Electrolyte
Disadvantages:<br>
</b></font><font face="Trebuchet MS" size=2>� Shorter cycle life than gel
in very deep cycle applications<br>
� Automatic temperature-sensing,<br>
voltage-regulated chargers
</font><font face="Trebuchet MS" size=2><b>must
</b></font><font face="Trebuchet MS" size=2>be used<br>
� Water cannot be replaced if continually overcharged<br>
� Charge voltage </font><font face="Trebuchet MS" size=2><b>must
</b></font><font face="Trebuchet MS" size=2>be limited<br>
(14.4 to 14.6 volts maximum at 68�F)<br><br>
<br>
</font><font face="Trebuchet MS"><b>Flooded Electrolyte Advantages:<br>
</b></font><font face="Trebuchet MS" size=2>� Lowest initial cost<br>
� Higher cranking amps<br>
� Water can be added (if accessible)<br>
� Excellent for starting applications<br>
� Tolerant of improper recharge voltage<br>
� Certain designs are good for deep cycle applications<br>
� Replacements readily available<br>
� Good under extreme cold conditions when fully charged<br>
</font><font face="Trebuchet MS"><b>Flooded Electrolyte
Disadvantages:<br>
</b></font><font face="Trebuchet MS" size=2>� Spillable<br>
� Operates upright only<br>
� Shorter shelf life<br>
� Fewer shipping options<br>
� Cannot be installed near sensitive electronic equipment<br>
� Watering may be required (if accessible)</font></body>
</html>