VRLA Battery

Valve-Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) batteries are the most widely used battery type in industrial UPS applications. They offer several advantages over traditional Vented Lead Acid (VLA) batteries. VRLA batteries are sealed and use a starved electrolyte, either absorbed in a glass mat separator or formed into a gel. In this design, oxygen generated during charging recombines with hydrogen inside the battery, forming water. A one-way safety pressure relief valve vents gas only if internal pressure exceeds safe levels.

The sealed construction of VRLA batteries provides key benefits:

• No electrolyte loss

• Leakproof operation

• Flexible installation in any position

These features significantly reduce maintenance compared to VLA batteries. Although maintenance is minimal, it’s still important to schedule regular inspections and monitor battery health to avoid issues like thermal runaway.

There are two primary VRLA battery types:

• Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM): Electrolyte is absorbed in ultra-thin glass mats.

• Gel Cell: Electrolyte is mixed with fumed silica, creating a stable gel.

Among industrial UPS battery options, VRLA batteries are often the most cost-effective for initial investment. They deliver solid performance for most applications with moderate runtime demands, though they typically offer a shorter service life than other lead acid battery types, particularly in long-duration backup scenarios.