The Uses of a Deep Cycle Battery

Renewable Energy Applications

• Deep cycle batteries are commonly used in renewable energy applications for backup battery power sources. Examples of small-scale renewable energy applications include solar panels mounted on the roof of a home or the use of micro-hydro power or wind power turbines. Deep cycle batteries typically are connected into a series circuit configuration for increasing the voltage the system's output capacity. Home Power Magazine recommends sizing your backup battery system to withstand a 50 percent drain for three days of use on backup power in times of power outages.

Marine Environments

• Deep cycle batteries, also known as marina batteries, are used on boats due to their ability to store larger amounts of power and for their deeper discharge levels. Trickle chargers can be used in conjunction with solar panels on a boat to recharge a deep cycle marina battery over a few days. Deep cycle batteries can be used with a power inverter, similar to renewable energy systems, to power traditional home appliances while out at sea. In the same way, a deep cycle battery can also be used in an RV.

Additional Car Appliances

• If you travel in your car or truck with a portable office, then you may need to install a secondary battery as a power source for different appliances, such as advanced audio equipment, computers, fax machines or printers. Due to the low discharge potential of a car battery, deep cycle batteries can be used to power the appliances for a moving office in order to save the car battery strictly for driving purposes. You will also need to install a battery isolator to your alternator in order to switch the vehicle's recharging capabilities back and forth between your car battery and the deep cycle battery.

Electrically Propelled Devices

• Although there are several other uses for deep cycle batteries, another common use is seen in electrically propelled devices such as forklifts, floor sweeps and motorized wheelchairs. Deep cycle batteries are designed to provide an even discharge over a long amount of time, making them suitable for long periods of use between recharging intervals.