Batteries are used as energy stores rather than energy sources. They are essential because they power industries and many electrical devices that are used by people to make their lives more comfortable, more convenient, and more effective. Batteries are available in different types, shapes and sizes and these variations are brought about by the differences in their applications and capacities. There are small batteries and big batteries. Small batteries are applied in devices such as watches and torches while big batteries are utilized in cars and marine bodies. In this article, I will compare and contrast the marine battery vs deep cycle battery.
Similarities Between Marine and Deep Cycle Battery
1. Both batteries are used to store electric energy.
2. Both batteries can supply high voltages for a short period.
3. Both batteries have cells which retain electric power.
Differences Between Marine and Deep Cycle Batteries
1. The Rate of Energy Discharge
Marine batteries possess the characteristics of deep cycle batteries, but deep cycle batteries do not necessarily possess the characteristics of marine batteries. Marine batteries usually provide high voltages when starting boats and other water bodies. Additionally, the batteries also serve as deep cycle batteries because they have to support the various power demands of the marine body while on board. On the other hand, some deep cycle batteries cannot provide high voltage for a short period because this would damage their cells.
2. The lifespan of the Battery
Marine batteries generally tend to have a shorter lifespan than the deep cycle batteries. Since the marine batteries usually have to provide high voltage levels for a subsequent number of times, their cells tend to deteriorate at a faster rate compared to deep cycle batteries which supply a steady voltage over a considerable amount of time.
3. The Thickness of Cell Plates
Marine batteries have thicker plates than the deep cycle batteries. The thicker plates are installed to ensure that the batteries can supply a very high voltage for a short period and at the same time provide a steady current to support the load. The deep cycle batteries have plates that are slightly less thick. The plates are not as thick as those of marine batteries because the batteries are not designed to provide a steady current for a significant amount of time.
4. Application Differences
Marine batteries are mainly utilized in water bodies and vehicles where they are primarily used for starting engines. On the other hand, deep cycle batteries are used in industrial settings and solar backup applications where a steady current is required to flow for a considerable duration of time. Trojan is one brand name for deep cycle batteries.
5. The Battery Discharge Capacity
Deep cycle batteries discharge only a small percentage of their capacities per unit time. On the other hand, marine battery cells can release a small fraction of their energies over a long period and at the same time discharge a high percentage of their capacities for a short time under special circumstances such as when starting a boat or when cruising a turbulent wave.
In summary, despite the differences between the marine batteries and the deep cycle batteries, it is vital to understand that these differences make them unique in their different applications. The marine battery vs deep cycle battery comparison is therefore complementary.