Deep cycle batteries supply a prolonged flow of power. Their design needs them to be
occasionally discharged and recharged. Unlike lead-acid batteries, they are installed with strong plates that ensure the battery is not damaged despite its power being drained completely. This kind of battery is mainly used to power recreational cars.
Where are Deep Cycle Batteries Used?
Deep Cycle Batteries are better used in vehicles that constantly require power to function. For example, Electric scooters, Electric forklifts, Recreational Vehicles, Electric golf carts, Electric floor cleaning machines, Electric scissor lifts, Electric wheelchairs, Trolling motors on boats, Renewable Energy systems.
Variety of Deep Cycle Batteries.
All types of deep cycle batteries perform similar work, how every each type has its advantages and disadvantages. The other difference between these types is that they are also made from different types of materials. These types include:
Valve Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA)
They are also known as Sealed Lead Acid. It is designed in a way that prevents it from having liquid spills. The battery’s electrolyte solution does need to be refilled with water. VRLA is a single container; within it, several wired up lead-acid cells are made up of two plates in the sulfuric acid electrolyte solution.
When Valve Regulated Lead-Acid is used, power is generated by reducing lead plates into lead sulfuric oxide. After use, when the battery charges, the entire process reverses, and the lead- sulfuric-oxide is transformed back into the lead and sulfuric acid. Specific measures like releasing hydrogen gas have to be taken into consideration to prevent the explosion of the battery the moment hydrogen gas mixes with water.
Flooded Lead-Acid
Flooded Lead-Acid is the oldest type of deep cycle battery. The battery comprises electrolyte liquid inside, a combination of water and sulfuric acid. Car owners who use Flooded Lead-Acid deep cycle batteries are familiar with the battery’s need for frequent water fill-ups. They are also quite heavy due to the amount of energy they have to produce.
The batteries are designed to stay upright every time; the liquid might spill. However, while charging the battery, you may notice some electrolyte spits out of the vent, battery cover, battery tray, and car chassis. Due to the excess production of hydrogen gas when the battery is in use, it is advisable to have an opening that lets it out, and good ventilation for the battery is required.
Maintenance of the Flooded Lead-Acid battery requires frequent addition of water in the battery and cleaning of acid residue spillage after the charging, which is often on the battery cover or the terminals.
Lithium ion deep cycle batteries
The Lithium ion deep cycle battery is the bright future of deep cycle battery. They contain anode lithium ion that turn to the cathode when the battery is discharged. However, the cathode ions turn back to the anode when the battery is charged. Lithium ion deep cycle batteries have gained popularity due to their easy maintenance needs. They charge way faster than other dry cycle batteries and have a longer life span despite being discharged more deeply.
The battery’s energy density is also so high. When not in use, the amount of charge lost is minimal. Lithium-ion deep cycle batteries are light in weight, they can also not be damaged if left unused for a long period, they can also not be damaged if used when they are still charging, and their power is always high all through the discharge period. Despite the battery’s high upfront price, they attracted several car owners who have noticed their efficiency and durability.
How to increase the life span of Deep cycle batteries?
So many factors may affect your battery’s life span. Despite the deep cycle battery you may decide to use; Proper maintenance is always the key to extending its life span. Maintenance also includes following proper guidelines for discharging and charging your dry cycle battery.
Overcharging, undercharging, and over-discharging are key reasons most batteries’ life span is affected.
Suppose your vehicle uses either a Flooded Lead-Acid battery or a Valve Regulated Lead-Acid. It would be best if you also considered proper guidelines for their watering. The users of lithium-ion deep cycle batteries do not require to water their batteries.
In conclusion, all Deep cycle batteries require proper maintenance to function and have a longer life. However, their lifespan can also reduce if they are charged under a high current flow below freezing temperatures. Extreme heat is the most dangerous factor that affects the lifespan of all types of Deep cycle batteries.
