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Exploring the Distinction between Marine Deep Cycle and Starter Batteries
Pubdate: 2023-05-25
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As dedicated boating enthusiasts, marine batteries are an integral part of the marine, providing starting power and emergency back-up power for the boat's electronics and engines. However, due to the unique nature of the sailing environment, the fit and requirements of marine batteries need to be even more demanding.

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Starlight Power will provide an introduction to the types and maintenance of marine batteries to help you better understand and use best 12v marine battery.

 

What is a marine deep cycle battery?

A marine deep cycle battery is a type of battery used in boats, yachts and other marine applications. Unlike standard marine batteries designed to provide bursts of power to start engines, deep cycle batteries are designed to provide continuous and steady power at lower voltages for longer periods of time, making them ideal for running trolling motors, fish finders, operating electronic equipment such as sonar, GPS and radio, lighting and other equipment that require a constant power supply, to name a few.

Marine deep cycle batteries are also constructed differently to standard marine batteries, with thicker plates and denser active materials to withstand the harsh marine environment and repeated deep discharge cycles.

 

What types of marine deep cycle batteries are available?

1. Lead-acid batteries

Lead-acid batteries are the most commonly used deep cycle batteries and are generally Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries (FLA) and Sealed Lead-Acid (SLA) batteries.

2. Lithium iron phosphate batteries

Lithium-ion batteries typically offer higher energy density, longer life and lighter weight than lead-acid batteries; Starlight Power's 12v 100ah deep cycle marine battery is lightweight and compact, making it the right choice for you.

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What is a marine starter battery?

A marine starter battery is a type of battery used to power the starter motor of a boat's engine. It is designed to provide a short burst of high power to start the engine and is not designed for deep cycle use. Marine starter batteries are designed to provide high power at a high voltage for a short period of time. Marine starter batteries, are similar to automotive batteries but they are often designed to be more robust and reliable in the marine environment, with features such as shock and corrosion resistant terminals.

Marine starter batteries are also constructed differently to standard marine batteries, having thinner poles to withstand the high current draw during engine start-up and to recharge quickly.

 

Types of Marine Starter Batteries

1. Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries (FLA): This is a traditional type of marine starter battery, also known as a wet battery. The advantage of FLA batteries is that they are relatively inexpensive and can withstand high temperatures and high humidity.

2. Absorbed Glass Mat Batteries (AGM): They use glass fibre as the media for the battery, a design that creates more surface area in the battery and increases the energy density and capacity of the battery. the advantage of AGM batteries is that they are sealed, do not require the addition of electrolyte, do not leak and have a high cycle life and shock resistance. Furthermore, AGM marine batteries are maintenance free and have a longer service life than Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries. This makes AGM marine batteries ideal for high performance boats.

However, in terms of price comparison, AGM batteries are usually more expensive than FLA batteries.

 

How to properly maintain your best marine batteries?

1. Charge your batteries regularly: Batteries can self-discharge even when they are not in use. Therefore, users need to recharge their marine batteries regularly. It is important to note that users should try to choose an on-board charger or smart charger designed for marine use.

2. Check the electrolyte level: If your marine battery is a flooded lead-acid battery, you should check the electrolyte level regularly and add the appropriate amount of distilled water as needed.

3. Clean the terminals: Dirty or corroded terminals will reduce the performance of the battery. Use a wire brush and a mixture of baking soda and water to clean the terminals.

4. Check for damage: Check the battery casing for cracks, bumps or other signs of damage. Damaged batteries should be replaced immediately.

5. Store batteries properly: When batteries are not required, store marine batteries promptly in a cool, dry place away from heat sources and direct sunlight.

 

Technical conditions for the marine environment that marine batteries must meet include the following:

(1) Adaptation to vibration and shock. Vibration can loosen the fixed or connected parts of electrical equipment and cause structural damage or malfunction of the parts. This is why it is important to have anti-loosening measures, vibration damping or isolation measures and a robust vibration and shock resistant mechanical structure.

(2) Adapt to tilting and swaying. Continuous tilting and swaying disrupt the balance of forces in the normal static position and generate additional forces on the moving parts, leading to equipment failure or damage.

(3) Adaptation to ambient temperature. Ambient temperature has a significant impact on the performance and service life of electrical equipment. Ambient temperature includes air temperature and seawater temperature.

(4) Adaptation to humidity, salt spray, oil mist and mould. Humidity of the ambient air, salt spray, oil mist and mould degrade the insulation properties of electrical equipment insulation materials and cause rust and corrosion of metal parts. Damp salt spray forms a moist leaky film on the surface of insulating materials, and moulds secrete organic acids under hot and humid conditions, exacerbating the dampness of the surface. Oil mist and dust adhering to the surface increase surface leakage and prevent heat dissipation raising the temperature. Moist water molecules penetrate into cracks and capillaries in the insulation material, increasing leakage currents and thus leading to a drop in insulation resistance. Damage to many electrical devices is often caused by thermal breakdown of the insulation material. As the temperature exceeds a certain limit, the ageing of the insulation material will be accelerated and the insulating properties will be lost. Therefore, marine cables, wires, windings, etc. should be used with higher heat-resistant grade of humidity-resistant, salt spray-resistant, anti-mold insulation materials, good flame retardant, good mechanical strength and corrosion-resistant materials.

(5) Adapt to the changes of voltage and frequency of the ship's power grid. The ship power system is an independent limited grid. Voltage and frequency are affected by changes in load, so the range of voltage and frequency changes is specified, to be able to work effectively within this range.

(6) Protection requirements. In order to avoid malfunction or damage to electrical equipment by the intrusion of external solid and liquid foreign bodies, which could lead to fire hazards, electrical equipment in general should have protective housing covers.

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Conclusion

Starlight Power has a high degree of expertise in the production of marine batteries. The company has always focused on battery quality and stability, using advanced manufacturing processes and materials to ensure that its batteries have a good cycle life and are shock resistant. At the same time, Starlight Power's wide range of marine batteries covers different types of batteries, including dry and sealed batteries, to suit the needs of a wide range of vessels. In addition to this, Starlight Power also provides thoughtful after-sales service to ensure that users can get a prompt solution when they encounter problems in the course of use.

Overall, through its long history of manufacturing and research and development of best marine batteries, Starlight Power has accumulated a wealth of experience and expertise in this field.

 

Contact us now for more information. Learn more about our quality marine batteries and how we can help meet your marine power needs.

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