Batteries are separated into two categories, by application (what the battery is used for) and construction (how the battery is built. Automotive, deep-cycle and marine are the major applications. There are others, but those three categories make up the bulk of battery applications. Deep-Cycle batteries are the battery of choice for most installations because of the way they are made. Deep-cycle batteries are made to be run completely down relatively fast, and recharged just as fast, constantly. The major applications for deep-cycle batteries are solar electric (PV), backup power source, and boat/RV batteries.
There are 3 main construction types at this time:
* Flood (wet) * Gelled * AGM
Flooded batteries are what most people think of when thinking of batteries of this size. They are the standard battery with removable caps, or they might even be the ‘maintenance free’.
Gelled Batteries or Gel Cells are sealed, and some are valve regulated. They contain gelled acid that was gelled by adding silica gel, making like a battery acid jelly. If you have the space and especially the ventilation, the valves actually do help out on battery life. But ventilation is extremely important. However they have to be charged at a slower rate to prevent excess gas from destroying the cells. Usually, solar systems charge relatively slow, so this isn’t really an issue, but if you have a aux. generator on your system, you have to limit the current. Most of the better made inverters handle this without a problem. If they are overcharges they will die quick.
AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries are similar to the gelled batteries but they also have fiberglass mat between the plates of the batter, which is then filled with gel. These batteries are the premier choice if you have any concerns about spilling of battery acid. While spills can still happen with AGM batteries, because of the viscosity of the gell, it takes a little more than just a hole in the battery to come in contact with you or the floor.
The main difference in deep-cycle batteries is thicker plates. The thicker plates allow the deep-cycle battery to be discharged down as much as 80% over and over again. The main difference between a TRUE deep-cycle and other wannabes is the presence of solid lead plates, not sponge. Thicker plates mean longer life. The battery with the thickest plates will last the longest
A battery cycle is one complete discharge and recharge cycle. Usually its considered to be discharging from 100% (fully charged) to 20% and then back to 100%. How deep a battery is discharged directly affects its life span. A battery that is discharged to only 50% capacity every day will last twice as long as a battery that is drained to 10 or 20% every day.
Battery Life
There are many variables to deep-cycle battery life. Overcharging, extreme heat, extreme cold, lack of use can all lead to a premature death for even the heartiest of batteries. All things being equal, if the battery is maintained, not overcharged, in a relatively cool area, a good gelled deep cycle will probably last around 3-5 years. An AGM deep cycle will probably go around 6-8 years. The standard flooded battery 1-6 years. Again there are MANY variables so its pretty hard to give a precise time
In the deep-cycle family of batteries, the AGM has one advantage over the other two types in it’s class. Of all 3 of the deep cycle types, AGM is the only one that can actually withstand freezing. However when frozen, the output is 0, but it will be undamaged and use able when thawed out.
Your needs for batteries may be a little different than someone else’s. Buy according to your needs and do the proper homework on the manufacturer before making this investment.
There is a myth that you shouldn’t store batteries on concrete floors. It is just that, a myth. The reasoning for this story originates back when battery cases were made of wood and asphalt. The acid would leak from them and if they were sitting on a concrete floor, there would be a slow discharging circuit forming in the now moist floor.
Battery Quick Facts
* Almost all batteries have to be cycled 10-20 times before being able to reach full capacity. A brand new battery will actually have a capacity thats about 10-15% less than rated capacity.
* Always keep vent caps on your flooded batteries when charging. This prevents water loss and splashing when they bubble during the charge cycle
* Lead-Acid batteries do not have a memory. They do not need to be fully discharged to avoid having a memory. This will only lead to early end of battery life.
Use only clean water to clean the outside of batteries. Solvents or cleaners are not advised.
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