A comprehensive guide to deep cycle battery

The use of deep cycle battery has grown exponentially, especially after the world is heavily inclining towards renewable energy sources. That is to say that deep cycle battery can store a renewable source. In addition, they offer consistent and steady power for an extended period.

Hence, it’s a highly reliable energy storage device that can be used over and over again. This article will discuss everything about deep cycle battery, its types, uses, maintenance, and comparisons.

What is a deep cycle battery?

A deep cycle battery is one that has a high number of cycles. Hence, they have the potential to become a power source for sustainable power for several hours or even days. The deep cycle battery lasts longer, unlike traditional batteries.

On top of it, the construction of a deep cycle battery differs from other typical batteries. Also, a deep cycle battery can discharge to 80% SOC before needing a recharge, allowing you to use its full potential for a long time without causing any damage.

What is difference between deep cycle battery and regular?

While deep cycle and regular batteries both can provide the power, they have distinct features. Let’s look at both separately for a clear comparison:
Regular battery

• Can be recharged by alternator.
• Provides short bursts of power ideal for starting up engines and electronic devices that require a sudden surge of energy.
• Be able to generate high current.
• Can’t handle deep discharge.

Deep cycle battery

• Simply connects it to a power source to recharge the battery.
• Best for applications that require a consistent and stable source of energy for long periods, such as a few hours or even days.
• Has denser active materials to withstand regular discharge and recharge.
• It can withstand repeated deep discharging.

In hindsight, the differences are pretty straightforward. A regular battery cannot consistently offer power for longer periods, whereas a deep cycle battery does that efficiently.

What are deep cycle batteries best for?

Deep-cycle batteries are used by a wide range of industries for their reliability and consistency. Here are some common examples of deep-cycle battery usage:

1.Marine industry:

This industry uses deep-cycle batteries to provide a consistent power source for boats, yachts, and other marine vessels. The battery helps keep the lights and other electrical equipment on without the need for a generator or shore power.

2.Industrial equipment:

Heavy machineries such as pallet jackets and forklifts use deep cycle batteries as a power source due to their reliability. You will often find them in various industrial settings.

3.Rvs and off-grid living:

People who like living off the grid greatly benefit from deep-cycle batteries. All credit goes to the battery’s strong ability to supply power. Hence, people living in Rvs can be at peace knowing the battery won’t die out on them anytime soon.

At present, due to the gradual maturity of lithium battery technology, excellent top 20 household energy storage system companies in the world have provided many options for people’s daily electricity consumption.

4.Renewable energy systems:

Do you see the solar panels around? They also use deep-cycle batteries to store energy. Similarly, wind turbines also use these batteries for energy storage and supply.

Types of deep cycle battery

Deep cycle batteries come in a variety of types with different features and specifications. Here are the most common ones available on the market and their differences:

Lithium ion deep cycle battery

• Self-discharge rate: 3.5% per month
• Cell voltage: ranges from 3.2 to 3.7 volts
• Charge cycle: 2000-4000 cycles with 80% deep discharge
• Energy density: 250-300 Wh/kg

Lithium-ion batteries are a relatively modern addition to the industry. They offer a lightweight yet efficient power source with long cycle life. You can check out our top 10 lithium battery companies in the world to learn more about lithium battery.

Flood lead acid battery

• Self-discharge rate: 8% per month
• Cell voltage: around 2 volts
• Charge cycle: 400-500 cycles with 50% deep discharge
• Energy density: 30-40 Wh/kg

Flood lead acid batteries have a relatively lower cost than other deep-cycle batteries. As a result, they are common. However, they do require frequent maintenance, which can be a drawback for some.

AGM battery

• Self-discharge rate: 5% per month
• Cell voltage: around 2 volts
• Charge cycle: 400-500 cycles with 50% deep discharge
• Energy density: 30-50 Wh/kg

Absorbed glass mat batteries fall among the category of sealed lead acid batteries. They use a fiberglass mat that helps hold and absorb the electrolyte solution. The good thing about this type of deep-cycle battery is that it requires less maintenance than flood lead acid batteries.

Which is better?AGM deep cycle or lithium ion deep cycle battery?

While AGM and lithium-ion deep-cycle batteries have pros and cons, deciding which to go for depends on your specific needs. Here is a comparison to help your decision:

• Discharge rate: lithium-ion batteries perform much better in terms of discharge rate. Hence, AGM batteries cannot provide you with a large amount of power as quickly as lithium-ion batteries.
• Maintenance: lithium-ion batteries require minimal maintenanceas.Less work and time are required for long-term maintenance due to its light weight and long lifespan.On the contrary, AGM batteries need more frequent replacement and maintenance.
• Energy density: lithium-ion batteries can store more energy than AGM batteries thanks to the much higher energy density. Hence, you can get more power in a smaller package.
• Cost: the cost for both types of batteries is high. However, lithium-ion still provides a more sustainable and compact solution, even if it costs more.
• Cycle life: lithium-ion batteries win this point since they can handle more charge cycles than AGM batteries.

As a result, if you require a low-weight, compact, and high-power source, go for lithium-ion batteries. AGM batteries are good to go, especially if you aim to avoid incurring excessive costs up front.

Common specification for deep cycle battery

Here are the standard specifications for the following lithium-ion batteries with different voltages:

Lithium ion 6v deep cycle battery

Lithium ion 12v deep cycle battery

Lithium ion 24v deep cycle battery

What to consider when choosing the right deep cycle battery?

You must keep the following factors in mind when choosing a deep-cycle battery:

1.Cycle life: battery life cycle refers to the number of discharge and charge cycles it can go through before it starts losing its capacity below 80% DOD. Hence, you must consider the cycle life to know how long a battery will last you.

2.Capacity: this refers to the amount of energy a battery can deliver and store. It is important to consider since the battery must have enough capacity to fulfill your needs.

3.Temperature range: this is vital because deep-cycle batteries perform optimally within certain temperature ranges. Hence, you must know your application’s temperature before choosing the battery.

4.Cost: you can find deep-cycle batteries at varying costs depending on the capacity, brand, and cycle life. Look out for relevant options within budget.

5.Maintenance: different types of deep-cycle batteries require different levels of maintenance. This also adds to the cost, so you must consider what you can afford and how frequently you can maintain a battery.

How long does deep cycle battery last?

Typically, a deep-cycle battery lasts around 2-5 years. However, no one can know the exact number because many factors impact a battery’s life. These include:

1.Battery specifications

2.Usage patterns

3.Cycle life

4.Usage conditions

5.Maintenance

6.Charging frequency

However, lithium-ion batteries can last up to 10 years as compared to typical lead-acid batteries, which is a great plus point.

How do I keep my deep cycle battery healthy?

Here are some best practices to follow to keep your deep-cycle battery healthy:

• Avoid overcharging: this can shorten the lifespan of the battery.
• Use the right charger: this helps prevent damage to the battery.
• Regularly charge: this helps retain the battery’s capacity and prevent sulfation.
• Avoid deep discharge: try to keep the battery at 30% or above!
• Store properly: store it in a dry and cool place to avoid damage when not in use.

How to charge a deep cycle battery?

Here are the steps to charging a deep-cycle battery:

• Step one: figure out the battery’s chemistry, including the voltage, energy density, and discharge rate.
• Step two: pick out a compatible charger for the battery and set it to the proper settings for the battery.
• Step three: connect the positive and negative terminals of the charger to the battery.
• Step four: use the right mode for the charger and monitor the process until it’s fully charged.

How to tell if a deep cycle battery is bad?

If you see the following signs, then your deep cycle battery has gone bad:

1.Slow charging

2.Terminal corrosion

3.Bloated or swollen appearance

4.Smoking

5.Overheating

Avoid using the battery if you see any of the above happenings. Get the battery checked to figure out whether it’s time for repair or replacement.