Gel-Based Maintenance-Free Batteries for PV Storage
Relicell, from Greenvision Technologies Pvt Ltd. has announced the launch of its proprietary gel-based maintenance-free batteries, which are best-suited for storage of solar energy and for home use. Designed to cope with Indian weather conditions, the batteries have twice the life cycle of regular batteries, perform efficiently in both high and low temperatures, require no maintenance and are designed to work in a partial state of charge and in erratic power supply conditions.
Made using a lead-calcium-tin-silver alloy, the batteries are highly corrosion resistant. A micro porous synthetic separator helps avoid premature capacity loss and reduces depolarization. The addition of phosphoric acid to the electrolyte helps improve the life cycle of the battery. Being gel-based, the batteries are easy to transport and courier since there are no acid spills or fumes.
The batteries are available in the range of 12V, 35Ah to 12V, 200Ah options and are designed to meet international specifications. With prices starting from Rs. 5000, the batteries come with a warranty of 3 to 5 years offering a total cost of ownership that is below the price of regular batteries in the market. The product is currently available in three variants: Solar Gel for solar applications, Ultra Gel for home inverters and deep cycle UPS applications. Relicell will soon also offer gel batteries for electric vehicles like e-rickshaws, scooters, golf carts, buggies etc.
Announcing the launch, Founder and Managing Director Biju Bruno said, "The largest adoption of these batteries is likely to be in home inverters and solar energy storage devices. While home users can benefit from no maintenance, absence of fumes and spillages along with longer life cycles, batteries used to store solar energy will be able to operate under very hot conditions and even in a state of partial charge."