CHINS 12V 100AH Lithium Battery

Buying Guide For The Best Deep Cycle Batteries

With so many Deep Cycle Batteries available in the market, it often becomes overwhelming to make a choice. To help you out, we have provided a detailed analysis of several factors that are essential while considering / analyzing a deep cycle battery. Read the below information thoroughly and make an informed decision.

Types Of Deep-Cycle Batteries

At the basic level, we can classify the deep-cycle batteries into two types. They are:

• Lead Acid Batteries
• Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lead Acid Batteries are the dominating entities either in Automotive Starter Batteries or Deep Cycle Batteries. The lead-acid battery technology is proven to be reliable, consistent and cost effective.

The lead-acid batteries can be further divided in to two types:

• Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries
• Sealed Lead-Acid Batteries (or Valve Regulated Lead-Acid Batteries)

Further, the Sealed Lead-Acid Batteries are divided into:

• Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Batteries
• Gel Batteries

For easy understanding, let us divide the Deep Cycle Batteries into four types (three are of Lead-Acid type and one Lithium-Ion type).

• Flooded Lead-Acid
• Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM)
• Gel
• Lithium-Ion

Let us get into the construction, performance, durability and other detail of each category.

1. Flooded Lead Acid

The flooded lead-acid battery is one of the most popular and dominating battery types, whether in Automotive (as starter batteries) or storage (as deep cycle batteries). The term ‘flooded’ means the lead plate are submerged in electrolyte fluid (usually, Sulfuric Acid).

During charging, some water is decomposed from the electrolyte. Hence, you must perform regular inspection / maintenance for level of electrolyte and if it is below the desired level, you can top-up with distilled water.

The charging of lead-acid batteries usually takes place in stages, and hence it may lead to overcharging or undercharging, sometimes. When it comes to the cost, they are the least expensive.

The other downside to these batteries is that you must place them only in the upright position because there are chances that the battery’s electrolyte may spill. Moreover, it needs proper ventilation as the battery releases explosive gasses when it is getting charged.

Below are the advantages and disadvantages of a Flooded Lead Acid battery:

Flooded Lead Acid Pros:

• Inexpensive
• The best option when it comes to reliability and working capabilities
• Can withstand overcharging
• Delivers good performance at both low and high temperatures
• The most sold battery worldwide and hence, they are easily available
• Has the lowest self-discharge rate amongst all other rechargeable batteries
• Capable of high discharge rates
• Highly durable

Flooded Lead Acid Battery Cons:

• Require little maintenance (adding distilled water)
• If left discharged for too long, there is a problem of sulfation
• Not environmental-friendly (contains toxic Lead)
• Heavier when compared to other alternatives
• Charges slowly i.e., a fully saturated charge may take up to 14 to 16 hours
• It has a limited life cycle
• Repeated discharge cycle reduces the battery life
• You cannot store it in a discharged state
• Releases gasses (Hydrogen) if overcharged
• It has transportation restrictions

2. Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Batteries

Considered as Sealed Lead-Acid batteries, an AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) battery contains a special fiberglass mat that contains the electrolyte solution between the battery plates.

In AGM Batteries, the electrolyte is in a dry state (in contrast to flooded battery, which has wet electrolyte). While the battery works, the electrolyte moves from the glass mat to the battery plates as required. This mat contains sufficient electrolytes that are adequate for the cell to deliver its full capacity.

Unlike flooded lead-acid batteries, you don’t need to add distilled water to it. Hence, it doesn’t require any maintenance. The batteries have better vibration and shock resistance in comparison with wet or gel batteries.

They have a faster recharge rate than a lead-acid battery. However, they are not as fast or efficient as lithium-ion batteries.

Below are the advantages and disadvantages of AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat)

AGM Battery Pros:

• They have very low internal resistance
• They are capable of delivering high currents when the load demands
• They are maintenance-free
• Lighter than a flooded lead-acid battery
• It charges five times faster than the lead-acid or gel battery
• It offers a depth-of-discharge of 80%
• They have a longer lifespan
• You can store them for an extended period without needing a recharge
• It does not spill
• It can withstand low temperatures
• Has low self-discharge

AGM Battery Cons:

• It is considerably more expensive than lead-acid
• Gradual decline in capacity
• Overcharging the battery can shorten its life and may even ruin it
• You should always store it in a charged condition
• They have low specific energy

3. Gel Batteries 

A Gel battery is yet another type of valve-regulated lead-acid battery. In this battery, a special type of gel made from Silica is use to hold the electrolyte. As a result, the overall electrolyte becomes a semi-solid gel like quantity, making it spill-proof and maintenance free.

Gel batteries do not emit any gasses like flooded lead-acid does and hence do not require any ventilation.

Below are the advantages and disadvantages of Gel Batteries.

Gel Battery Pros:

• It is spill-proof
• It does not require maintenance
• It can withstand extreme weather conditions and has great tolerance for heat
• Offers high and stable performance until the end
• Has a longer shelf life
• It has low self-discharge
• Vibration resistant
• Robust and versatile
• Has a longer lifespan
• Has better cycle performance

Gel Battery Cons:

• Has more upfront cost than flooded lead-acid or AGM battery
• It is sensitive to overcharging
• It requires special chargers and regulators

4. Lithium-Ion

These are the newest addition in the battery types. While there are several types of Lithium-Ion Batteries for different applications, the Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) type are frequently used in deep cycle type lithium-ion batteries.

These batteries have a cathode made up of Lithium Iron Phosphate and anode made up of graphite carbon. A special solution of lithium salts acts as electrolyte.

The upside to these batteries is that you can discharge them completely without doing any damage. Also, you can recharge them quickly as their recharge rate is the fastest than other battery types. Moreover, they have a longer lifespan and can sustain any weather conditions.

Lithium batteries are light in weight, almost half that of a lead-acid battery. And the best part is that you can install them in any position with zero chances of spilling. The only drawback with these batteries is their price. They are expensive than other types of batteries and are available in limited quantities.

Below are the advantages and disadvantages of a Lithium-ion battery:

Lithium-Ion Battery Pros:

• Their usable capacity is 80% to 100%
• They have a high charge rate
• It does not have memory effect
• Do not require maintenance
• They are lightweight and compact batteries
• 2,000 to 5,000 charge cycles

Lithium-Ion Battery Cons:

• They are very expensive when compared to other battery types
• You cannot charge them at low temperatures (According to a whitepaper released by Battle Born Batteries, they still perform better even at low temperatures)
• A Battery Management System is required (BMS is internally equipped in Deep Cycle type)

What Should You Consider When Choosing A Deep Cycle Battery?

Since you are aware of the different types of batteries, let us now look at some essential factors for choosing the best deep cycle batteries. We will discuss the pre-requisites that you should consider. Make sure you take these into account before making a purchase.

1. Hours of Use / Amp Hours

The key parameter that should come first in your checklist is the battery capacity. It is essential to know how long the battery will last before you need to recharge it again. The measure for battery capacity is ampere-hours or Ah.

Theoretically speaking, the Amp Hour of a battery determines how many amps of current a battery can deliver over a duration of 60 minutes. For example, a 10 Ah battery can deliver 10 Amps of continuous current for one hour.

Of course, this is just a theoretical explanation and practically speaking, there are other factors like temperature, hour rate, operating conditions, type of load and end voltage that determine the capacity of the battery. 

You can calculate the capacity using this simple formula:

Capacity (Ah) = Device Wattage (W) x Time to Run (Hours) / Battery Voltage (V)

2. Size and Weight

The next prominent factor to consider when choosing a battery is the size and weight. The smaller the size of the battery, the easier it is to carry. Moreover, if they are lightweight, they do not add weight to your vehicle and you can carry them easily.

3. Volt Rating

Volt rating shows the left battery power for use. If you want to use the battery for bigger tasks, we recommend choosing the one with a higher volt rating.

4. Charge Time

This is the amount of time that the battery will take to recharge after use. If the charge time is lower, it means you can use the battery quickly. Refer to the user manual if you want to know the charging time of your battery.

5. Depth of Discharge

The depth of discharge (DoD) is another essential factor for consideration. It is basically the total amount of energy discharged from the battery, also expressed as the percentage of the total power capacity of the battery.

The more often you discharge and charge the battery, greater are the chances of reducing its overall service life. It is suggestible not to discharge your battery completely and only use the maximum recommended DOD as specified by the manufacturer.

6. Discharge Cycle

The discharge cycle determines how many times you can discharge / charge your battery without any reduction in its capacity or performance. Check for these paraments as well before purchasing.

7. Durability

The durability of the product is something that we all pay keen attention to. We all look for devices that long last and that do not need a replacement soon. No matter what type of batter you want to choose, make sure it is highly durable.

Repeated charges and discharges should not affect the life cycle of the battery. Moreover, your battery should be capable of delivering greater performance for high-demand applications like marine, aircraft, and solar energy systems.

Many batteries are susceptible to different factors like temperature, shock, vibrations, etc. Ensure your battery can withstand all the above without compromising its performance and lifespan.

8. Functionality

There are batteries with greater and sophisticated functionality called dual-purpose batteries or hybrid batteries. You can use such models as starter batteries (for starting an engine) as well as for deep cycle usage in UPS, Solar, EVs. Make sure to check for the CCA rating that ensures adequate starting power.

9. Shelf Life

The shelf life of the battery is another deciding factor for choosing the right deep cycle battery. Battery shelf life or battery aging is primarily dependent on three influential factors namely, the chemicals in the cell, its idle time, and the storage temperature.

We all know that many batteries come with high self-discharge rates. In other words, if the self-discharge rate of your battery is high, the sooner it loses its power when being idle.

It becomes a significant concern for all deep cycle batteries as they cannot hold a charge between the usage. It is a growing concern, especially in extreme weather conditions, where high temperatures intensify the self-discharge rate, making it inevitable to all batteries.

The ideal shelf life offered by best deep cycle batteries is around ten years before they start losing the maximum capacity. The not-so-famous or worst batteries guarantee a shelf life of about a year or two.

10. Compatibility

Compatibility is something that you don’t want to compromise with. The battery you choose should be compatible with your vehicle, hence do not forget to check for it.

Also, ensure that the Amp hour of the battery are not too high / low, but suitable for your vehicle. Remember that a battery with high Ah takes more time to charge.

11. Brand

Looking for a brand is always preferable if you want to purchase the right deep cycle battery. Many nameless batteries are available in the market, claiming to offer everything you need. Do not fall prey to these false claims, as they do not hold any quality. Always look for famous brands that earned recognition for the quality, ensuring high performance.

12. Charging the Battery

The next parameter in the list to consider is the way you charge the battery. You can either use a generator, solar power, or shore power to charge. You may even use a combination of the three.

If, in case, you do not have any, using a smart charger or charge controller would do the needful. Make sure you are using the correct charging profile suitable for your battery type when using the above method. This will enable an uninterrupted charge supply to your battery.

The controller acts as a guard for your battery by helping you adjust the voltage and current automatically.

13. Power at Low and High Temperatures

The battery you choose should withstand extreme weather conditions. It should be capable of providing power at both low and high temperatures.

Whether you live in cold regions or areas with humidity and high temperature, lookout for a battery that is compatible with use.

If you are living in a hot area, then your battery should sustain a temperature of at least 35 degrees.

14. Ability to Withstand Vibrations

The best deep cycle battery should have resistance to vibrations and shocks. A batter with a solid and sturdy construction can easily withstand shocks and vibrations. If in any case, your battery is not shock and vibration-resistant, you will have to spend huge on the expenses incurred for repairs and damages.

15. Warranty

The last and also the most crucial parameter to consider when buying a deep cycle battery is the warranty. While standard batteries do not guarantee long life, these cells last a long time and also offer a high discharge cycle.

Always check for the warranty of your deep cycle battery before you decide on buying one. Most batteries come with a warranty of one year. However, some offer a warranty of 10 years or even more, making it the most reliable.

16. Maintenance Tips

Here are some tips for maintaining your deep cycle batteries. Follow these diligently to keep them running long-term and extend their life:

• Clean the top of the batteries and make sure it is free from dust and dirt. Also, clean the terminals and cables to avoid corrosion build-up.
• Charge the batteries as required. Ensure you charge it fully when not in use.
• If your battery is charging slowly or not charging even after hours of plugging it in, we recommend you check for any bulges or cracks on it. If you find any, it means they are likely defective or damaged.
• During winters, ensure that your battery receives a trickle charge to stay fully charged. Immediately replace the batteries that cannot handle deep discharge. Replacing one chemical battery for another will deter battery life.
• Never mix an old battery with a new one, as it will reduce the device’s performance and may even damage it.
• Store batteries in a secured box that is acid-proof to prevent the effects of vibration and shock. Exposure to vibrations decreases the lifespan of the batteries.
• Monitor the fluid levels (electrolyte) in wet cell batteries and refill them if required.
• Lubricate your corrosion-resistant batteries to boost their shelf life.

How To Get The Best Performance From Deep Cycle Batteries?

If you want to achieve optimum performance from your deep cycle batteries, you need to follow proper care and maintenance. Here are some useful tips to maximize the durability of your battery:

1. Monitor the Charge Levels of Your Battery 

Always monitor the charge levels of your deep cycle battery. Start charging them when you see any indication of a 50% charge. But make sure you do not let it go below 20%.

You can use simple tools like digital multimeters to measure battery charge levels.

2. Prevent Sulfation

Prevent the sulfation build-up on the batteries by keeping them charged from time-to-time. Charge your battery even when not in use.

3. Let the Battery Rest

Allow the battery to rest for some time after continuous usage and recharge. Let it cool down before you start using it again. Using the battery immediately after recharging can lead to formation grid corrosion, which may further destroy the battery.

Some Frequently Asked Questions: