We rarely think about batteries until they die or we look at a package and realize batteries are not included. While it may seem like a mundane topic, life would certainly move at a much slower pace without deep cycle batteries.
Knowledge is power and we’ve got everything you could ever want to know about deep cycle batteries. They offer the power to make many of your favorite things go.
Whether it’s your fishing boat on the lake or the car you drive to work, a deep cycle battery is likely involved.
Check out these 7 interesting facts about deep cycle batteries and how they enrich your life.
What Are Deep Cycle Batteries?
The first fact you should know is that deep cycle batteries are designed from usually from lead and have thicker plates and separators to allow a deeper and more extended charge, although there is a current trend towards lithium-ion and other materials.
Deep cycle batteries are made to give out power from a battery for long periods of time before recharging and is able to be discharged by upto 80% of the total capacity without significant side-effects to the battery.
Types of Deep Cycle Batteries
There are various types of deep cycle batteries that are used regularly throughout daily life.
The flooded deep cycle battery and a sealed “maintenance-free” deep cycle battery differ in the amount of care and attention they need.
A flooded deep cycle battery must be maintained. When electrolytes run low they must be refilled for it to replenish and work properly. It must also be properly vented to ensure the oxygen and hydrogen gases do not ignite.
Flooded batteries need to be kept upright so that the liquid in them does not spill. This makes them much less suited for several applications however in hot weather this is better due to the battery being able to be topped up with distilled water to counter the evaporation.
A sealed or Valve-regulated lead battery does not require refilling of electrolytes (referred to as watering) to perform its duties though it is recommended that there be general maintenance done if an inspection shows need.
There are gel deep cycle batteries. They have a longer lifespan and offer more power while giving a slower discharge of energy. One of the downfalls of gel batteries is that they’re more expensive than other types.
The newest technology in this area is the lithium-ion deep cycle battery. They have the longest and best energy life, however are still to be at a mass market price point as well as having some saftey issues if there is manufacturing defects or user abuse.
Where Do We Use Deep Cycle Batteries?
Deep cycle batteries are used in many different areas of life but are extremely popular for recreational and all-terrain vehicles.
Other areas that deep cycle batteries are used:
- Cars
- Motorized wheelchairs
- Electric bikes
- Golf Carts
- Boats, Water Vehicles
- Energy storage systems (solar and wind)
- Traffic lights
- Audio equipment
These batteries provide quality energy and are a great choice when needed in various conditions of weather or terrain. Deep cycle batteries can be used in water or rain without concern of losing power if it becomes soaked.
Deep Cycle Batteries Are Recyclable
Lead Deep cycle batteries are not only recyclable but as much as 80% of the lead and plastic in any new battery you purchase is made from recycled material.
There are battery recycling programs throughout Thailand and other countries where you can safely and properly dispose of a battery that is no longer any good.
Thank Gaston Planté
In 1859, physicist Gaston Planté invented the first storage lead battery and so you can thank him for having the power to drive cars, boats, wheelchairs, and so much more.
Even though the rechargeable battery was invented in 1859 and lithium battery experiments started a few decades later in 1912 consumer sold lithium batteries were not available until the 1970s.
As research and development continued the first lithium-ion battery prototype wasn’t developed until 1985. It was first commercialized by Sony in 1991 and is now used in almost every computer and other mobile devices we use in our daily lives.
Going Off the Grid
Most people who choose to go off the grid are only able to do so because of deep cycle batteries. They allow for solar, wind and other reusable energy to be their power source for lights, electricity, etc.
Nomads, doomsday preppers, RVers, and survivalists all use deep cycle batteries to run generators, lights, power, and other life necessities.
Many essential services such as health care prisons, schools, stores, and other organizations use deep cycle batteries to run their generators so if there is an emergency or loss of power they do not lose power totally.
Things like respirators, oxygen supplies, power lifts, etc are able to still be used in patient and client care because of deep cycle batteries being used as a backup.
Keep Cool and Don’t Over Charge
Battery life is prolonged if they are stored in cool temperatures when not in use. Ths difficulty with this when using deep cycle batteries is that they need to be at room temperature to reach optimal maximum voltage.
You’d need to warm it up before you use it which is why most manufacturers of deep-cycle rechargeable batteries do not usually recommend storing them in a cool spot even though it may be better for the overall lifespan of the unit.
You should never overcharge a deep cycle battery as this leads to the possibility of an explosion.
As batteries age, they have a greater risk of explosion or malfunction. This is especially true for any that are older than a decade. To lower the risk of injury or an explosion it is imperative that batteries are replaced when signs of wear and tear or damage are visible.
It is better safe than sorry and you often don’t realize how much power an old battery has lost until you replace it with a new better one.
Deep Cycle Batteries Building a Powerful World
As technology advances and new discoveries and inventions like the lithium-ion deep cycle battery evolve we become a better equipped, more connected and powerful society.
If you want to know more about deep cycle batteries or would like help finding the right one for your needs please contact us today.
