Cycle stability & life span, key to deep-cycle batteries | Global Sources
by Vianie Li & Cecile de Veyra
Deep-cycle batteries produce sustained but lesser amount of power for a longer period than conventional types, such as those found in vehicles, that provide short but big bursts of power. Because of this key difference in functionality, deep-cycle batteries have thicker plates to handle the chemical reaction and thicker separators to prevent short circuiting. Both qualities are also related to avoiding corrosion from repeated charge cycles and to extending battery life. High-density active paste is used to protect against damage from deep discharging. In other words, these batteries are designed for robustness, with common applications in marine and recreational vehicles, UPS, and solar and wind power systems.
In China, electric vehicles and the renewable energy sector are expected to fuel R&D work on enhancing battery cycle stability and life span further. Sunstone Power Industry Co. Ltd offers units that can last 1,000 to 1,100 cycles at 50 percent depth of discharge or 1,800 to 1,900 cycles at 30 percent – equivalent to an operating life of 12 years, exceeding the average.
Chinese suppliers produce flooded and valve-regulated types, with the latter dominating their shipments. Typical specifications are a rated voltage of 12V, rated capacity ranging from 60 to 300Ah and life span of more than 10 years. Most batteries that are made in China are CE-approved, UL-listed and RoHS-compliant. They are typically made from materials and components sourced from domestic providers, with imported inputs used only on request.
Material and component costs rose in recent months, though many Chinese companies have not adjusted their product quotes. It may be toward the end of 2022 or in 2023 before costs and prices stabilize, according to manufacturers interviewed by Global Sources.
38Ah, 10-year float life
This deep-cycle battery from Guangdong Aokly Group Co. Ltd, the 6GFM 38G, is based on AGM technology and has a float life of 10 years at 25 C. It has 12V rated voltage and 38Ah rated capacity. Housing material is ABS. The minimum order requirement is 100 cartons. Lead time is 10 days.
2V, 800Ah
Guangdong Aokly Group Co. Ltd offers the GFM800, a deep-cycle AGM battery in an ABS housing. The rated voltage and capacity are 2V and 800Ah, and the float life is 10 years at 25 C. An order of at least 100 cartons is required and has a 10-day lead time.
Six cells, 120Ah
This 12V six-cell deep-cycle battery from Kaiying Power Supply & Electrical Equip Co. Ltd, the 6FM120G 10hr, provides 120Ah capacity at 10-hour rate to 1.75V per cell at 25 C. Its maximum discharge current is 1,200A/5sec, and discharge and charge temperatures are -20 to 60 C and 0 to 50 C. Dimensions are 405x173x201mm and weight is 35kg. The required minimum order of 100 units has a lead time of 15 days.
6V, 7Ah
From Kaiying Power Supply & Electrical Equip Co. Ltd, the 3FM7DC(6V7Ah) is for start-up, emergency and lighting applications. It has a rated voltage of 6V and a rated capacity of 7Ah. This deep-cycle battery, with low self-discharge, can be shipped within seven days for a minimum order of 100 units.
200Ah at 1.8V per cell
A deep-cycle battery, Sunstone Power Industry Co. Ltd’s UCG2-200(2V200AH)-1 has a rated capacity of 200Ah at 1.8V per cell. This 2V unit can last 1,000 to 1,100 cycles at 50 percent depth of discharge or 1,800 to 1,900 cycles at 30 percent. It is 173x111x329x365mm and weighs 13kg. An order of at least 100 units is required. Lead time is 25 days.
12V, 11.2kg
The MLG12-35(12V35AH)-1 from Sunstone Power Industry Co. Ltd is a 12V deep-cycle battery with a rated capacity of 35Ah at 1.8V per cell. It can withstand 1,000 to 1,100 cycles at 50 percent depth of discharge or 1,800 to 1,900 cycles at 30 percent. Battery dimensions are 195x30x154mm and weight is 11.2kg. The minimum order requirement is 100 units for delivery within 15 days.
