Deep Cycle Batteries are energy storage units that as compared to other regular batteries can work as a renewable energy source. It is built to provide power at a constant rate for a lengthy period of time.
A deep-cycle battery is a battery designed to be deeply discharged using most of its capacity on a regular basis. The term is traditionally used primarily for lead-acid batteries as automotive batteries; And unlike starter or ‘cranking’ automotive batteries, which are designed to deliver only a small part of their capacity in short, high-current bursts to crank the engine.
For lead-acid deep-cycle batteries, there is an inverse correlation between the discharge depth (DOD) of the battery and the number of charges and discharge cycles; With an “average discharge depth” of around 50% suggested as the best for storage vs. cost.
While the main focus of this article is on traditional lead-acids, new technologies, such as lithium-ion batteries – already common in small sizes – are beginning to be common in this same form factor; However there is still a large price premium.
Here are some useful things about deep cycle batteries beginners would find useful.
There are several types of Deep Cycle Batteries
When you’ll reach out to the market you’ll find different types of deep cycle batteries with different types of performance and uses of timing. All of these types are made differently, they vary in their features and their uses. The types of deep cycle batteries include non-lithium, AGM, Gel, and flooded batteries. Gel batteries consist of gel-like substances whereas AGM batteries consist of acid rescinded in a glass matt divider.
Moreover, these batteries vary in their sizes as well, the bigger the battery the more capable it is to work as an energy source.
How Deep Cycle Batteries are rated?
They are rated through amp-hours(Ah) which refers to the capacity of battery’s chemical energy that is later on converted into electrical energy. It depends on the type and size of the battery that whether the battery should be rated as 1 amp per hour or 10 amp per 1/10 hours. The capacity may differentiate but the deep cycle batteries will always be rated through the amp-per hour(Ah). The worrying part is at their (Ah) amp-per hour capacity can previously decrease if the batteries are not charged properly which in return negatively affects the count of battery cycles.
Maintenance is mandatory.
The lead-based deep cycle batteries are used in solar plates that people usually install at their houses. They contain much thicker plates as compared to regular batteries which make the charging of the batteries last longer. Therefore, it is advised to never let the charging of battery-run lower than 20 percent of the full potential. Before buying make sure that the battery comes with a voltage warning light, this light is a tool to protect these batteries from life-threatening damages.
Unlike the next-generation batteries that with the help of their highly automated systems doesn’t require much attention, Deep cycle batteries need ample amount of monitoring and supervision.
Batteries do explode sometimes
Lithium-ion batteries can literally blow your house if you haven’t taken safety precautions. If they are charged beyond their ability to store, the hydrogen is released into the air and the internal parts of the batteries are at serious risk of getting damaged, which could even result in a battery explosion.
Not to mention, this risk is also inevitable for maintenance-free batteries such as gel batteries and AGM. Blockage and valve failure in these batteries harm the cells resulting in short-circuit which further leads to an explosion. Always remember to handle these ticking time bombs with care as little delinquency can prove to be disastrous.
In the end, it doesn’t matter which type of deep cycle battery fulfills your needs if the safety precautions are taken regularly and the batteries are guaranteed with adequate maintenance.
