Most people are not aware of the kind of battery that powers their lives, devices, gadgets, automobiles, etc. daily. They buy batteries basically to make these items work but do not know that different types exist for different reasons. Although batteries store energy, they work in different ways and are effective in specific ways and for specific applications. One of these is the deep cycle battery.
What is a Deep Cycle Battery?
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A deep cycle battery is designed to discharge deeply and use most of its capacity, thereby providing sustained power for a longer time. In order to achieve this, it is designed to use thicker plates rather than short burst ones. It can reliably run till at least 80% or more of its capacity is discharged before it is recharged. However, the manufacturer will always advise and recommend that it should not discharge below 45% to extend its lifespan. You can get more information here.
The term “deep cycle” actually describes the level or depth of discharge it can offer in contrast to other types of batteries that only provide shorts energy bursts before needing to be recharged again. This mostly describes lead-acid batteries, the kind used for automobiles. In order to provide better clarity, most starter batteries discharge about 2-5% of their capacities each time before needing a recharge, while a deep cycle can discharge at least over 50% of its capacity before needing a recharge.
Normal batteries usually have two ratings which include Cold Cranking Amps (CCA), which is the number of amps produced at 32 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 seconds, and Reserve Capacity (RC), which is the number of minutes that a battery can deliver up to 25 amps while its voltage is above 10.5 volts. For a deep cycle battery, it offers about 3 times more RC that a normal battery and will produce about 3 quarters of the CCA. It can also withstand several discharge/recharge cycles.
Deep Cycle Battery Applications
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Deep cycle batteries are useful in devices and applications that require sustained energy supply over a long period. Examples of these include:
- Recreational vehicles.
- Marine applications such as boats and small vessels. Are you thinking about purchasing a marine battery? You can learn more about it
- Inverters, lighting and off-grid renewable energy systems like solar energy systems.
- Industrial forklifts and floor sweepers.
- Motorized wheelchairs.
- Golf carts.
- Street lights and traffic signals.
Types of Deep Cycle Batteries
The two most common types of this kind of battery are flooded and sealed, which is usually referred to as maintenance-free.
Flooded Deep Cycle
These are also called wet cells, and they require regular monitoring and maintenance as they contain a certain quantity of electrolytes that make the plates completely submerged. These plates must always be submerged by this electrolyte serving as a reservoir. Constant addition of the electrolyte prevents water loss, so its level does not drop so low during discharge so as to result in any damage.
A flooded battery decomposes water from the electrolyte when it is charging, so it requires it to be inspected, and electrolytes and water often added. Deep cycle batteries made this way may fail because of shedding of the plates and through the corrosion of the internal grids which support the active materials.
These battery types are cost-effective as they have the longest lifespan and also the lowest cost per amp-hour. To enjoy these advantages, they must be regularly maintained, and their terminals cleaned. They also require a lot of ventilation.
Note that in hot climates, they have a reduced life as the water dries out faster.
Sealed Deep Cycle
These types are also regarded as being maintenance-free. That is unlike the flooded variation, and they do not need to be filled with electrolytes. They are also called valve-regulated lead-acid batteries (VRLA). They are of two types; gel and absorbed glass mat (AGM). While the gel contains putty-like substances, AGM contains acid-saturated fiberglass mats. It is also more powerful, but the gel lasts longer.
Sealed batteries can withstand different climates and do not need as much ventilation. They also get charged at a faster rate than flooded ones. The downside to them is that they do not last as long as flooded batteries.
How Good are Interstate Batteries?
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Having looked at what a deep cycle battery is and its different types, it is time to examine the question; are Interstate deep cycle batteries of any good?
Before proceeding, it is pertinent to state that there are several battery manufacturers and retailers all over the United States, and Interstate is just one of them.
Interstate batteries are a privately owned company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and are obviously into the marketing and distribution of batteries. It is one of the oldest battery retailers. It markets and distributes products from Exide Technologies, Brookfield Business Partners, and other manufacturers. It also markets batteries for marine, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, etc. in starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) markets via its 200,000 strong dealers and over 200 franchise stores spread across the country.
Due to its experience, Interstate batteries products are some of the best, and they are available for all types of current and past car models, RVs, marine, and for all sorts of uses. What’s more, its extensive coverage makes it easy and readily available to purchase. They come in different sizes, and serial numbers that make them easily fit wherever you need to use them. They are also very affordable, and users have testified to their durability and longevity. They are easily one of the top battery products and brands to choose from.
Conclusion
It is important to know and understand the differences between the types of batteries available and how best to use them, especially if you are a dealer. To the average everyday person, this might not mean so much. It will, however, be good enough if sellers understand this and can educate their customers, helping them make better choices.
The millions of people who use Interstate batteries cannot be wrong. It is one of the best battery products to buy, providing easy access, affordability, and durability.
