Aug
18
Solar power systems require the use of deep cycle Solar Batteries for optimum performance and reliability. The batteries are specifically designed and manufactured for solar systems to provide DC power. Depending on the system requirements and the design, you can use a solar battery bankvariety of high quality batteries from different manufacturers to ensure that the system will deliver the highest level of reliability. Unlike standard car batteries, deep cycle batteries are constructed with heavier duty materials to withstand many discharge and recharge cycles. This construction allows the deep cycle battery to deliver sustained power with low current drain for extended periods of time.
Deep Cycle Batteries: Unlike standard car batteries, deep cycle batteries are constructed with thicker grids on antimony lead alloy and a denser paste of active material to withstand discharge and recharge cycles. This construction allows the deep cycle battery to deep cycle batterydeliver sustained power with low current drain for extended periods of time. Repeated cycling (discharge and recharge) does not cause the same level of damage that a car battery would sustain from the same process. The ability to deliver steady power with long cycle life makes the deep cycle battery an ideal solution for a range of both recreational and industrial applications. In recreational applications, deep cycle batteries may be found in golf buggies, caravans, electric scooters, four wheel drive vehicles, boats and electric wheelchairs. Deep cycle batteries are also ideal for materials handling equipment such as pallet movers and forklifts. However they can also be used in other industrial applications such as auxiliary power supplies, solar devices and acissor lifts.
Types of Deep Cycle Batteries
There are several different types of deep cycle Solar Batteries available, each with specific features designed to suit different applications.
Flooded Batteries: These are the most basic widely used type of lead acid battery. Lead plates are suspended in wet acid which means electrolyte levels require periodical topping up. Flooded batteries are fairly tolerant of charging rate and depth of discharge. Leaving flooded lead acid batteries to stand in a discharged state can cause irreparable damage.
Gel Batteries: The electrolyte of a gel battery is held in a jelly like state. Gel Solar Batteries can be left discharged for longer periods of time without affecting their ability to recover. gel batteriesHowever, the batteries require very strict monitoring of the charge voltage and a rest period is necessary after rapid charging to ensure the true charge state is known.
Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Batteries: AGM batteries consist of acid suspended in a special glass mat separator. This is state-of-the-art-technology. AGM batteries have a higher charge acceptance rate than other types and they are not as susceptible as gel batteries to damage caused by lack of charge voltage control.These batteries are sealed and do not leak if the battery case is fractured.
Spiral Solar Batteries: These are a variety of AGM battery. Lead plates are in spiral configurations with acid saturated glass mat separators. They have a sealed case to eliminate acid.
Charge Controllers
When photovoltaic (PV) panels are connected to Solar Batteries in remote and off grid applications, the amount of charge to the batteries must be closely monitered so that the batteries are not overcharged. A charge regulator is an electronic switch which senses when the battery is full and either disconnects the panel from the battery or diverts the energy away charge controllerfrom it. The most advanced controllers increase charge current by operating the PV module in a manner that allows the module to produce all the power it is capable of through the use of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technology. Use of the right charge control equipment in a photovoltaic system design ensures that the Solar Batteries will be well managed and enjoy a long, useful life.
