4 Things You Need to Know About Deep Cycle Batteries

Why Do We Refer to These Batteries as Deep Cycle?

The #1 characteristic of deep cycle batteries is the deep discharge. We compare this to other battery types. Deep cycle batteries can discharge almost completely. Depth of discharge improves its performance. This is unlike other batteries.

1. How Does a Cycle Battery Work? What is a Cycle?

With deep discharge batteries, we almost entirely drain the battery of its power. We then recharge the battery to full capacity.

  • If you discharge the battery to even 1/2 of the battery capacity and recharge it, we call it a discharge cycle.
  • The deeper we discharge the battery and recharge it, the deeper the cycle. They supply power over long periods.
  • Manufacturers specifically design this battery type for continuous, deep discharge. We often use them in applications where we need power supply for extended periods.
  • Examples of deep cycle applications include solar energy systems, forklifts, and golf carts.
  • The discharge time is slower than other batteries. This is unlike the high current discharge with small delivery from other batteries. Deep cycle batteries run steadily for longer periods, discharging up to 80% of its charge.

2. Is a Lead Acid Battery the Same as a Deep Cycle Battery?

Battery experts make lead-acid batteries as deep cycle batteries. Take note that not all lead-acid batteries are deep cycle.

Battery manufacturers will specify this on the battery. We often refer to deep cycle lead-acid batteries as marine batteries.

We often use the batteries in marine vehicle applications, hence the name.

3. How Do Deep Cycle Batteries Differ from Other Batteries?

Deep cycle batteries differ from other batteries in 3 ways:

Deep cycle batteries withstand charging and recharging. They have thicker plates than other batteries for this reason.

  • The batteries can store more electricity. This is more than other batteries, thus supplying power over longer periods.
  • By rule of thumb, these types of batteries have a short service life.
  • We use these batteries in many industrial and commercial applications.

Typical Deep Cycle Applications

4. Typical Deep Cycle Applications

Do you need continuous power for longer periods? These are typical applications for consumer devices:

  • Sailing boats that do not have charging facilities.
  • Marine vessels and devices for navigation.
  • Golf carts.
  • Motorised wheelchairs.
  • Remote sites powering of industrial devices.
  • House batteries backup power.
  • Solar systems and solar batteries.
  • Traffic signals.
  • Off-grid power systems.

Find Out More About Your Deep Cycle Battery from PHD Powerhouse

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