Is There a Difference Between Deep Cycle and Marine Battery
Deep Cycle and Marine Battery is used as storage for electrical energy. The stored energy is released when there is a change in the chemicals inside the battery. The words marine battery and deep cycle battery are used interchangeably hence creating a lot of confusion. This article will focus intensely on the two types of batteries to establish whether there is a difference between them or not.
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Deep Cycle Batteries – Deep Cycle and Marine Battery
This kind of battery is made to provide power for a considerably long period. Unlike most batteries that run until they are 2% to 5% discharged, deep cycle batteries can run up to 80%. Deep cycle battery manufacturers, however, will advise you to avoid discharging your battery below 45%. This is necessary to lengthen the battery’s shelf life.
There are two distinct types of deep cycle batteries. These are sealed deep-cycle batteries and flooded deep-cycle batteries. Flooded batteries contain an electrolyte that must be refilled every time the level goes down to ensure the battery’s optimum performance.
Flooded deep cycle batteries are best for the grid and utility energy storage. On the other hand, these batteries can be damaged by extreme weather conditions since the electrolyte evaporates quickly.
Sealed deep cycle batteries, on the other hand, do not need refilling of the electrolyte and only require frequent inspection. Always remember that overcharging or undercharging your sealed deep-cycle battery may shorten its life.
Marine Batteries
These batteries are suited for turbulence and vibrations that boats face in the sea. They are usually long-lasting, and for this reason, they are expensive compared to conventional auto batteries. There are various types of marine batteries. These are dual-purpose marine batteries, marine starting batteries, and deep cycle marine batteries.
Marine starting batteries are best for starting an engine since they produce quick spurts of energy in a short time. The spurts are usually very powerful. These batteries are not suited to power appliances or troll motors.
Deep cycle marine batteries are best for powering battery-powered devices such as fish locators, depth finders and audio systems. These batteries are excellent for withstanding lots of discharging and charging cycles.
Dual-purpose marine batteries incorporate the features of starting batteries and deep cycle batteries. In case you don’t have enough space for two batteries, a dual-purpose marine battery is the best option for you. It is essential to note the battery cannot be as good as the separate batteries.
In conclusion, marine batteries are a hybrid of the deep cycle and starting batteries. The marine batteries’ sponge plates are less thick as compared to those for deep cycle batteries. However, the plates are bulkier and coarser when compared to starting batteries’ plates.
Additional Insight
The life of a battery is dependent on several factors including environmental temperature, battery usage, and how well-maintained the battery is. With that said, it is advisable to regularly perform regular maintenance practices on your battery to maintain its performance and increase its lifespan.
