What Is A Deep Cycle Of Battery-Difference, Advantages, And Cycle Life

Deep cycle batteries are common in the battery industry. They are referred to as deep cycle because the batteries are meant to deeply discharge its capacity. Moreover, the name is mostly used on lead-acid batteries because they use the most capacity. Besides that,   Deep cycle lead batteries are categorized into valve regulated lead acid, flooded lead-acid, gel batteries, and lithium-ion. Let us discuss the parameters of the deep cycle and the difference with regular cells.

What is the difference between deep cycle battery and regular

Discharge And Recharge Cycles

The discharge/ recharge cycle is referred to as the complete discharge of a charged cell with many recharge. Deep cycle batteries are designed to give more power over a long period of time. They are completely discharged and recharged several times. Regular batteries deliver

Stable Energy

Regular batteries are great to provide energy when a machine starts. For instance, a starter battery is charged by an alternator when the engine starts. Even though the cell is great for cars, it is not suitable for other devices. For this reason, you will require a deep cycle battery. It has huge and consistent power compared to regular batteries. This makes it to stand longer while delivering stable energy.

Lead Plates

Deep cycle batteries have more thick lead plates that are not a sponge or solid. Additionally, the thick plates have a minimum surface area that makes it have less instant power needed in other cells. Also, plates allow them to be discharged up to 20%. On the contrary, regular batteries have more thin plates made of sponge. These plates have more surfaces, unlike deep cycle batteries. This helps them to get large and fast currents.

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What are deep cycle batteries good for

Efficiency

This cell is made to be used for many years. The deep cycle has perfect efficiency because they release consistent energy. This has made them grow popular and is leading in the market.

Long-lasting

The batteries have longer span, unlike regular batteries. Most of them last for more than 5 years if they are properly maintained. Besides, they require less maintenance to last for long. There are things you can to save money for purchasing a new cell.  You have to know the depth of discharge specified on the battery. Most of them are designed to handle 50% to 80% discharge.  You will get over 200 cycles if you recharge the cell in full cycles. Further, proper storage, slow charging, and complete cycle charging increase life.

Environmental Friendly

Deep cycle batteries use limited natural resources.  It helps manufacturers to use fewer resources during production this is because they have a long span and can be recharged many times. The batteries are also friendly to the environment. Lead and strong acid are dangerous when exposed to the environment. They cause fire and endanger the human body. Batteries have also toxic metals such as cadmium and nickel which are agents for cancer.

Low Maintenance

Deep cycle batteries are ideal when it calls for maintenance. They require low maintenance. Solar Equipment World claims that deep-cycle cells use solar panels to serve as power generators. Energy is stored for long after recharging. You will not spend much time in maintaining them. However, a good battery must be frequently maintained to increase durability.

How long do deep cycle batteries last

Generally, the life span of a battery will depend on temperature, charging, and maintenance.  In addition to that, it is affected by how often it is deeply discharged. Expectations for deep cycle battery include:

Flooded lead-acid deep cycle battery: 4- 8 years

Gel cell deep cycle 2-5 years

AGM deep cycle: 4-7 years

Marine battery to last for 1-6 years

Starting battery: 3-13 months

What affects the life span of a battery

Undercharging and overcharging

Complete discharge for long makes the cell to lose its capacity. On the other hand, overcharging makes the battery to age fast.

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Extreme Temperatures

High temperature kills batteries and lowers the capacity. You cannot recover a cell’s capacity that is damaged by heat. On top of that, it increases chemical processes that lower internal resistance. Also, it makes the battery lose electrolytes hence damage.

Poor Maintenance

The gradual decrease in life span is caused by poor maintenance. It reduces the capacity thus lowers durability. Corrosion and lose connections are examples of poor services. Users are required to monitor cells frequently in order to prevent further destruction.

How to increase the life span of a deep cycle battery

Ensure Maintenance

Proper maintenance will increase the life span of your deep cycle battery. You should always keep them cool with the appropriate level of water. This will prevent the cell from discharging beyond 50%. Furthermore, the unused battery should be checked frequently, cleaned, and fully charged before storage. Check the shelf life of a cell prior to buying. This is because not all batteries will be used immediately after they are bought. The good battery must have a longer shelf life.

Moderate Temperature

Battery life is extended when it is stored at a moderate temperature. Check the specifications on the cell and ensure you follow the operating temperature. Most of them have an operating temperature from 25-27c. Therefore, you can increase the life cycle by keeping it at 20C.  Moreover, do not allow the battery to freeze because it will get damaged. Ensure it is not discharged to the freezing point if you operate at freezing temperatures.

Proper Charging

Users have a responsibility to charge batteries properly. A healthy battery is not overcharged and undercharged. Never store a battery that is not completely charged.  You should also not remove a device from charging when not fully charged.  Above and over that, use a proper charger that is advised by the manufacturer.

Final Thoughts

Even though the deep cycle battery is expensive, they are used in a wide range of applications. They are used to power large equipment with their high power. This includes recreational vehicles, traffic signals, audio devices, wheelchairs, golf carts, and electric cars. Also, sailboats, wind power, solar power, floor sweepers, computers, and forklifts. Deep cycle batteries are worth investment with numerous advantages. Additionally, battery maintenance will help to increase run-time hours and life cycle. Cells should always be kept clean and left to charge fully. Do not remove it before it is completely charged.