Australians love to sail eastern shore, where water sports and adventure activities are available. With the advancement in technology, we have state-of-the-art facilities for our ease. The days of diesel engine motor boats are past now. The modern marine applications are powered by lithium starter batteries that are meant to meet all power demands. You need not worry about cranking amps and power backup for your gadgets. Lithium battery technology is the best option whether you are searching for backup power for commercial purposes or for your own sports activities.
Lithium Starter Batteries for Sailors
Nothing beats a day on the water for fishing. The planning, the expectations. The turning point and opportunity zone. You just want to get home after a long day of sailing. Don’t allow a dead battery to leave you stranded. The power, performance, and dependability of the lithium starter battery will keep you going on time. A starter battery is intended to deliver high burst power to support the engine to start by providing the necessary cold-cranking amps. A starter battery uses some of its capacity to deliver rapid power for a short period. Still, a deep cycle battery is intended to supply backup power to appliances for an extended period of time.
Difference between Deep Cycle and Starting Battery
The transportation industry is getting updated day by day with the invention of improved resources. This has placed the battery market under enormous competitive pressure. This situation is challenging for battery makers to deliver the battery packs with the best features in order to stay in business. Modern-day cars, boats, drone technology, and different driving behaviours need varying power demands from batteries.
As a result, it is critical to choose the right battery type to match the energy requirement. This involves choosing a lithium cranking battery or if an upgrade to a deep cycle battery is suitable.
Lithium Batteries
Starting, Lighting, Ignition (SLI) – Starter Batteries
Lithium cranking batteries are meant to provide a sufficient amount of cold cranking amps or CCA. This is to ensure that the engine will get an ample amount of power for ignition. Further, the diverse role of the starter battery supports further power operations. So a dual-purpose starter battery is tasked to supply CCA and backup power for lighting etc. when required.
A starter and a DCS lithium battery get charging current from a generator or alternator. In case of multiple discharge bursts without timely charge, the continuous battery drain means reduced battery life. So, it is important to check that alternator functionality must be free from any glitches. If the alternator isn’t working, one should visit the service centre or mechanic at the earliest.
Deep Cycle Battery Packs
Deep cycle batteries are specially designed power packs that offer a continuous supply of stored current over a longer time duration. LiFepo4 deep cycle power packs are best known for their longer life span. You can get 3X charge and discharge cycles when compared with lead-acid battery packs. Another significant difference between lithium and lead-acid batteries involves discharge capability.
Lead-acid batteries can be discharged by half of their rated capacity, i.e. a 100ah lead-acid battery can be safely discharged by 50ah. A lithium iron phosphate battery can provide deep discharge in real, i.e. 100 amps per hour. The DCS lithium batteries are the best source to make it as a deep cycle and starter battery. Due to the lower cranking current, one must have a huge size battery to offer cranking amps.
Safe Discharge Limit
The deep-cycle lead-acid battery has a safe discharge limit of 50%, but the lithium battery may be drained completely, utilizing 100% of its rated capacity. The ideal way to balance lifetime and cost is to keep the average cycle below 100% discharge. A deep cycle lithium-ion battery should be discharged at 90% of its rated capacity. As a result, lithium battery packs have become a popular choice for powering electronic devices and plug-in accessories. EV manufacturers such as Tesla and others use lithium iron phosphate batteries. A dual battery system is the combination of a starter and a deep cycle battery.
Why Choose Deep Cycle Battery for Marine Application?
Everyone desires a dependable power solution for maritime applications. Modern marine boats are limiting their reliance on diesel engines by combining starter and deep cycle battery technologies to fulfil the requirement for engine cranking amps as well as in-house power consumption for equipment. Furthermore, a lithium marine battery can help to limit harmful emissions from fossil fuels.
Integration with Solar Technology
To reduce the carbon footprint, the researchers have come up with the idea of utilizing solar power, which is available without any cost. It only requires a one-time capital investment to install solar panels and other accessories. Companies are manufacturing solar-powered boats to reduce dependency on diesel boats, while deep cycle lithium marine batteries are the best option to store power. This stored power is helpful when sunlight isn’t available.
Deep Cycle Lead Acid Marine Battery
Wet-cell or flooded acid batteries, AGM, and gel-cell battery packs are among the lead-acid batteries for seafarers, while the carbon-enhanced lead-acid battery is a recent addition with certain improved characteristics above the classic lead-acid battery.
Features of 27 Series Deep Cycle Battery
A liquid electrolyte is used in both flooded and wet cell power batteries. When the criteria were followed, the two acid batteries proved to be superior to the gel and AGM batteries. These batteries are noted for having the lowest cost per amp-hour, which attracts seafarers, but the related drawbacks outperformed them. The following are the features of acid batteries:
Low C Rating
C rating refers to the pace at which the deep cycle battery is charged and discharged. Acid batteries have the lowest C rating, which means they take longer to charge and also take longer to discharge. Any effort to charge or discharge acid batteries more quickly will almost certainly result in irreparable damage.
Low Depth of Discharge
The main disadvantage of lead-acid batteries is that they can only discharge half of their specified capacity. This is to guarantee the long life and good operation of lead-acid batteries, as exceeding the safe discharge limit has a detrimental impact on battery cells. So, with a 200ah lead-acid marine battery, you will only receive 100 amps for one hour. To satisfy the needed ampere-hours backup time, extra lead-acid batteries, connection cables, space, and maintenance work are required.
Battery Ventilation
Flooded acid batteries, which are position sensitive, must be put in open ventilation to minimize gassing issues. Because submerged acid batteries emit poisonous fumes that are dangerous to people and other living things, they must be put in vented regions or in a forced ventilation setting.
High Self-Discharge Rate
This is another disadvantage of lead-acid batteries that contributes to their poor image. Deep cycle lead-acid batteries have the greatest self-discharge rate of any battery. Even when no active load is attached to the battery, self-discharge is a regular occurrence.
Regular Maintenance
One of the most serious issues with lead-acid batteries is the requirement for frequent inspections. To achieve the proper number of electrolytes, lead-acid batteries must be examined for a reduced level of sulfuric acid among their cell chambers and filled with distilled water.
Best Alternative for 27 Series Deep Cycle Battery
Modern marine applications require compatible power battery technology to ensure maximum output. Mariners prefer a battery using lithium iron phosphate chemistry for backup power. The deep cycle LiFePo4 marine battery features state-of-the-art functions that make marine operations hassle-free for boat owners and staff.
Cycle Life
The battery life cycle is an essential component that reflects any battery chemistry’s projected lifespan. A conventional acid battery has an average lifespan of 200 to 400 lifecycles, which means it may be discharged and charged 400 times. Depending on the battery construction, a deep cycle marine battery has a life cycle of 2000 to 4000 cycles. One lifespan entails draining the battery to its safe limit, which is 50% for lead-acid batteries and 100% for LFP batteries and then completely charging it. Charging a battery after it has been partially discharged counts as one lifetime.
High C Rating
A Deep Cycle lithium RV battery or marine battery is the most efficient battery chemistry that comes with a high C Rating capacity. It means you can quickly charge and discharge a lithium battery. 1C charge or discharge means rate amp power capacity, i.e. a 100ah lithium battery can be charged and discharged to 100 amps. A 2C discharge rate means you can draw 200 amps from a 100ah battery for half an hour.
Best Place to Get Lithium RV Batteries
Deep Cycle Systems is a trusted partner for Australians who want a durable and time-tested energy backup solution for their recreational vehicles or marine applications. You can contact us for your off-shore power solutions to get a wide range of backup power solutions. So, if you are looking for the best lithium RV batteries, place your order now!