What type of deep cycle battery

This term can refer to a number of different constructions, including only a slight modification to the flooded style. In that case, even though the user does not have access to the cell compartments, the internal structure is still basically the same as a flooded battery. The only difference is that the manufacturer has ensured that a sufficient amount of acid is in the battery to sustain the chemical reaction under normal use throughout the battery warranty period.

Other types of lead acid batteries are also sealed, as explained below. This stands for Valve Regulated Lead Acid battery. This is also a sealed battery. The valve regulating mechanism allows for a safe escape of hydrogen and oxygen gasses during charging. VRLA batteries are common and found in many applications, such as medical mobility scooters batteries and toy and alarm batteries. The Absorbed Glass Mat construction allows the electrolyte to be suspended in close proximity with the plates active material.

In theory, this enhances both the discharge and recharge efficiency. Popular usage includes high performance engine starting, power sports, deep cycle, solar and storage batteries. The Gel Cell Battery is similar to the AGM battery style because the electrolyte is suspended, but different because technically the AGM battery is still considered to be a wet cell.

The electrolyte in a gel cell battery has a silica additive that causes it to set up or stiffen. The recharge voltages on this type of cell are lower than the other styles of lead acid battery. Flooded deep cycle batteries require regular monitoring.

When the electrolyte levels are low in this type of battery, the user must refill the battery appropriately to maintain performance.

As a consumer or a battery dealer , it is essential to understand the different functions of battery types. While the deep cycle battery distinction may not mean much to the average person, the more you know the better you can make effective power storage choices for all your needs.

Tags: Deep Cycle Batteries. Because of the liquid, these batteries must stay upright at all times. They also require good ventilation. Batteries produce hydrogen gas and it must have a way to escape. It is not uncommon for electrolytes to spit out of the vents during charge, leaving acid residue on the battery cover and often even on the battery tray and vehicle chassis. Overall, flooded batteries require the most maintenance including; adding water, cleaning acid residue from battery covers, terminals and surroundings.

These types of batteries are also quite heavy when considering the ratio of battery weight to the amount of energy they provide. Gel and AGM batteries are other types of lead-acid deep cycle batteries, but with a big improvement. Instead, Gel batteries use a gelled electrolyte and AGM batteries use an electrolyte absorbed in glass matt. As such, they don't have to remain upright and they virtually eliminate any spillage, cutting down on the corrosion problems common with the flooded variety.

Lithium-ion batteries are quite possibly the wave of the future when it comes to deep cycle batteries. They require no maintenance, can be discharged more deeply without affecting their lifespan, and charge much faster than other types of batteries.

Because of the higher upfront cost, their popularity has not soared as quickly as you might expect. The fact that they last much longer than lead-acid batteries, can actually make them similar in price or even less expensive over the long run.

And they have many other benefits over their lead-acid predecessors. They are lightweight, they provide their rated capacity at any rate of discharge, they do not get damaged from being left or operated in a partial state of charge, they provide more power throughout the discharge cycle and more. Capacity differs greatly between lead-acid and lithium batteries due to their inherently different chemistry.

Where the major difference lies is their capacity in relation to their rate of discharge. Lead-acid batteries provide significantly less usable energy with higher rates of discharge..

Although both battery types may lose capacity in colder weather the changes in performance are far less drastic with lithium. The lifespan of a deep cycle battery is affected by a few factors. More factors impact the life of a lead-acid battery than a lithium.

In other words, lead-acid batteries are easier to abuse. AGM is short for Absorbent Glass Mat, which refers to the thin fiberglass mats placed between the lead plates. The glass mat absorbs electrolyte, keeps it from moving and spilling, and acts as a damper between the lead plates.

The damping action of the glass mat makes the battery shock and vibration resistant, with the ability to withstand cold temperatures. The AGM deep cycle battery has low internal resistance and charges faster than a flooded battery or gel battery. The gel battery uses a gelled electrolyte, formed from typically sulfuric acid and water suspended in a silica agent. The gelled electrolyte is also very sensitive to overcharging and can be irreparably damaged if this happens. The gel cell battery is maintenance-free, spill-proof, position insensitive with a high tolerance to heat.

They also have the fastest recharge rate and extremely long cycle life — often around charge cycles. The lithium ion battery also offers constant voltage over any rate of discharge. LiFePO4 batteries are frequently used in deep cycle applications — such as solar energy banks and backup power systems. The lithium deep cycle battery is lightweight, compact, maintenance-free with excellent usable capacity, fast recharge rate, and constant voltage.

They deliver the powerful amps for cranking that a starting battery in addition to a low amp draw for steady deep cycle support. The Amp Hour Ah denotes battery capacity and shows how much current can be delivered for a specific time. Deep cycle batteries are typically rated for a hour discharge. The discharge cycle defines how many times a battery can be discharged and charged without reducing performance or capacity.

The more full cycles there are, the longer the battery life. Depth of discharge determines how much of the battery can be discharged safely compared to its original capacity, before it must be recharged.

Deep cycle batteries are meant to discharge more of their energy.