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What to look for in a deep cycle battery

Aug. 06, 2024

What to look for in a deep cycle battery

12VoltInstalls said:
LiFePo is often a better spend probably for most systems but some circumstances still will be best served with lead acid.

With competitive price and timely delivery, kete sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
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As a fan of lead acid, I can't argue with statements like that at all.

Are you running your batteries in really hot or below freezing conditions? Buy lead.
Are you on a really tight budget? Buy lead.
Are you only using your batteries a couple times a year? Buy lead.

Do you use your batteries every day? Get Lith.
Do you have limited physical space? Buy lith.
Do you want this system to run for decades without having to mess with it much? Buy Lith.

Back to the OP and original topic, it comes down to the age old "It Depends".

As for the capacities, the really simple way to think of a solar setup is water and buckets:

The Ah or KwH rating of the battery is how big a bucket you've got. A 200Ah bucket holds twice as much water as a 100Ah bucket.
The wattage from your solar panels is how fast you can refill the bucket.
The load or draw on the system is how big the hole in the bottom of the bucket is.
The capacity of the system in runtime is how long the bucket will hold water if it's got a hole and you can't refill it. The smaller the hole or bigger the bucket, the longer you can have your sprinklers running.
An inverter is a pump that takes the water from the bucket and converts it to a high pressure spray.
The rating of the inverter is how much water it could hose you down with at a time. A 1Kw inverter can feed a garden hose, a 5Kw is more like a fire hose.

Does that help at all?

As a fan of lead acid, I can't argue with statements like that at all.Are you running your batteries in really hot or below freezing conditions? Buy lead.Are you on a really tight budget? Buy lead.Are you only using your batteries a couple times a year? Buy lead.Do you use your batteries every day? Get Lith.Do you have limited physical space? Buy lith.Do you want this system to run for decades without having to mess with it much? Buy Lith.Back to the OP and original topic, it comes down to the age old "It Depends".As for the capacities, the really simple way to think of a solar setup is water and buckets:Therating of the battery is how big a bucket you've got. A 200Ah bucket holds twice as much water as a 100Ah bucket.Thefrom your solar panels is how fast you can refill the bucket.Theoron the system is how big the hole in the bottom of the bucket is.Theof the system inis how long the bucket will hold water if it's got a hole and you can't refill it. The smaller the hole or bigger the bucket, the longer you can have your sprinklers running.Anis a pump that takes the water from the bucket and converts it to a high pressure spray.Theis how much water it could hose you down with at a time. A 1Kw inverter can feed a garden hose, a 5Kw is more like a fire hose.Does that help at all?

Pros & Cons Of AGM Batteries

Absorbent glass mat batteries (AGM) have been a market favorite for the past few decades. At the time, they were designed to be a viable alternative to the Ni-Cad batteries, which were very costly. Though they were mainly used in military vehicles as a source of back up power and heavy vehicles such as long-distance trucks, nowadays, they have more diversified uses. In principle, the AGM batteries work like any other lead battery. However, the AGM batteries, compared to flooded batteries, have several significant improvements that make them more efficient. Additionally, just like other types of batteries in the market, they have their advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of AGM

1. They are spill-proof

Unlike the traditional lead-acid batteries that freely flood their electrodes, AGM batteries have glass mats that prevent this. Additionally, it is the function of these glass mats to avoid spillage. Rather than absorbing the electrolyte, the glass mats work by holding the electrolyte in place, preventing it from spilling over, even when the battery is placed in odd positions.

2. They have a high-power output.

Because of the way that they are designed, the AGM batteries have minimal internal resistance. This, therefore, enables them to provide sufficient bursts of power when necessary, such as when one needs to start a battery. Due to this feature, these batteries respond better to loading than any other battery on the market.

3. They have a short charging time.

AGM batteries, compared to flooded batteries, charge quickly. When compared to flooded batteries of a similar capacity, the charging rate can reach five times faster with the same power source.

4. They have a longer lifespan

AGM batteries have a longer lifespan than traditional flooded batteries. Moreover, not only do they serve for a more extended period when they perform the same tasks, but they also last longer when they are not in active use. This is because self-discharging is minimized in these batteries, unlike other types of batteries, which is a huge problem. This ensures that one does not have to keep charging them after an extended period of inactivity.

5. They are durable.

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These AGM batteries were originally designed to serve the aircraft industry. This means that they have a sturdy design, one that can handle conditions of intense vibrations, just like those in military and commercial aircraft. Because of this property, they are a favorite for high-end motorcycle riders and race car drivers. The sandwich construction method adopted in their design ensures that their internal components do not fall apart. Moreover, they are invulnerable to the subsequent wear and tear that may result from frequent and continuous vibrations. Furthermore, they can withstand extreme temperature variations.

6. They are unlikely to build up sulfation

Sulfation is the property of lead-acid batteries, where there is a gradual accumulation of lead sulfate crystals in the cells. In most cases, it is the cause of failure in lead-acid batteries. Sulfation mostly occurs when the battery is not fully charged, and thus the crystals continuously build up on the plates. When this process goes out of hand, it prevents the efficient conversion of chemical to electrical energy. Therefore, for other types of lead-acid batteries, it is essential to charge them every six months to prevent sulfation. However, in AGM batteries, sulfation is significantly reduced. Therefore, they can be stored for extended periods without needing a recharge.

Despite their many advantages, AGM batteries, just like other lead-acid batteries, also have their disadvantages. These include:

1. High production cost

Unlike the flooded batteries, AGM batteries have a higher production and manufacturing cost. However, they are still cheaper to produce than gel type batteries. Even though the cost of manufacturing these batteries has reduced since their introduction into the market in the 80s, it is still generally higher when compared to other battery types in the market. This, therefore, make them slightly expensive for use in some devices.

2. Energy issues

While these AGM batteries have a high-power output, they have a low specific energy. Generally, it is a necessity for batteries that are required to run for a long time under a moderate load to have a high specific load. This means that these batteries cannot be used on several devices.

3. Reduced capacity over time

Though AGM batteries keep a charge for a longer time than other batteries, they gradually reduce their charging capacity over time. This is unlike gel batteries that have an advantage in this sector because of their excellent performance dome.

4. They are sensitive to overcharging

These AGM batteries, compared to flooded batteries, have a low tolerance to overcharging and high voltages. If they are subjected to these conditions, it shortens their life span.

For more information on AGM batteries and other types of batteries, visit our website (https://lifelinebatteries.com/), where we offer valuable information on various types of batteries and which battery works for you.

For more What is the difference between an AGM battery and other batteries?information, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.