What is a deep cycle battery?

A deep cycle battery is one which is designed to be discharged to most of its capacity over and over. It provides a long lasting, uninterrupted supply of current.

Features of a deep cycle battery

• It is designed to provide a continuous, unbroken amount of current over a long period.
• A deep cycle battery uses thicker plates so that it can be deeply discharged on a regular basis.
• It can provide a surge when needed, but not to the extent that e.g. a car battery does.

What is a deep cycle battery used for?

A deep cycle battery has many applications and is used when a continuous, uninterrupted power supply is needed. They are used in forklifts, floor sweepers, motorised wheelchairs, golf carts, boats and recreational vehicles.

They are also used in traffic lights, solar power storage systems and as power for equipment and instruments at remote venues.

Structure of a deep cycle battery

The lead battery plates in a deep cycle battery are much thicker than those in cranking batteries, which helps them resist corrosion during the extended charging and discharging cycles. They also have active paste material of a higher density and thicker separators. There can be more antimony contained in the alloys used for the plates.

There are two types of deep cycle batteries: maintenance free/sealed and flooded battery designs. The electrolyte in the battery protects the plates, and the amount limits the capacity of the sealed batteries. Flooded battery designs need to be regularly maintained by watering as they use up the electrolyte.

Deep cycle batteries and the environment

Deep cycle batteries are beneficial to the environment as they can be deeply discharged and recharged over and over again. They also have environmentally friendly applications such as solar energy storage and wind turbines.

Most deep cycle batteries currently being used are lead acid batteries. The bulk of a deep cycle battery can be recycled, including the plastic cases, lead plates, sulphuric acid, solder and metals. The paper separators that cover the plates aren’t recyclable though, because of the acid bath that they sit in.

Contact Pb Batteries for advice, supply and maintenance of your deep cycle battery requirements.