What Are Deep Cycle Batteries? - Guide, Usage, Types, and More

Deep cycle batteries are trending in the electrical market because of many reasons. Keep reading to find out more about these batteries in detail.

If you want to use electricity any time other than when the system is producing it, you'll need batteries. Two popular battery types are lead-acid, and deep cycle. Both look very similar, but their functionalities are different. 

This article takes a deeper look at deep cycle batteries.

What Is a Deep Cycle Battery?

A deep cycle battery is an electrical storage unit in which a chemical reaction develops voltage. Unlike a car battery, which aims to provide power for a short period, a deep cycle battery is designed to be cycled (discharged and charged multiple times) to produce uninterrupted power for a longer period, using most of its capacity. 

The deep cycle batteries get discharged to80% time after time and have much thicker plates.

Types of Deep Cycle Batteries

There are two major divisions and three main types of deep cycle batteries. The divisions are "flooded deep cycle batteries" and "sealed deep cycle batteries."

Flooded Deep Cycle Batteries 

These batteries have ports to access their cells' fluid reservoirs and need a regular check.

Sealed Deep Cycle Batteries 

These batteries are also known as "Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries" or “Maintenance-free Batteries," as they do not require any special maintenance except regular inspection.

Different types of deep cycle batteries include Gel batteries, AGM batteries, and Lithium-ion batteries. All these batteries are manufactured based on their unique feature, sizes, and capacity. The gel batteries contain a gel-like particle, whereas the AGM batteries consist of an acid substance in a glass mat separator.

Uses for Deep Cycle Battery

Deep cycle batteries are highly usable because they are able to be charged and used many times. These batteries are well suited to power various electronics and other applications that have high demands. 

Some of the most common uses of deep cycle batteries include:

• Recreational Vehicles (RV)
• Marine Applications
• Golf Carts
• Solar Panels
• Materials Handling
• Motorized Wheelchairs
• Electric Vehicles

Deep Cycle Batteries - Lifespan & Maintenance

Lifespan represents how long your battery lasts before it dies. A deep cycle battery's lifespan depends on how it is used, maintained, charged, and other factors. Usually, deep cycle batteries used in renewable energy applications are made to provide years of flexible performance with reasonable care and maintenance. 

Here are some ways to maximize the lifespan of your deep cycle batteries:

1. Let the Battery Cool Down

After every charge and use of the battery, it is best to allow your battery to rest for a while until it cools off. If you instantly put the battery to work after full charging, you may run the risk of burning your battery.

2. Keep the Battery Clean

Batteries should be kept clean and dirt free all times.

3. Check the Charging

A deep cycle battery should be used until all the electricity is discharged. New batteries must be fully charged before use. For good battery life, batteries should not be discharged below 80% of their rated capacity.

4. Avoid Charge Repetition

Repetition of battery charging decreases the performance of the battery. Try to avoid charging repeatedly.

The more you know about batteries, the better equipped you’ll be to choose the best battery for you! 

Published March 3, 2021 by Golf Cart Garage