Battery Types; Starting Batteries; Deep-Cycle Batteries - Xantrex PROSINE 2.0 User Manual

PRO 2.0 I •C
SINE NVERTER HARGER

Battery Types

For the purpose of this discussion, there are two principal battery types:
starting and deep-cycle. There are several different types of battery
chemistries including flooded and gel lead-acid, nickel-iron (NiFe), nickel-
cadmium (NiCad), alkaline, and gel-cell. Batteries are either sealed or vented.
However, there are even different kinds of these batteries. This section
explains some of the differences among lead-acid batteries to help you choose
a battery that best suits your needs.
Your PROsine Inverter•Charger is designed for use with deep-cycle, lead-acid
batteries. These batteries are designed for deep discharge service where they
will be repeatedly charged and discharged. This type of battery is often labeled
as a marine, recreational vehicle, or golf cart battery. Xantrex recommends
that you use one or more deep-cycle batteries separated from the starting
battery of your vehicle or boat.

Starting Batteries

Do not use starting batteries with your inverter: they will wear out rapidly in a
deep-cycle application. The way they are rated gives a good indication of their
intended use: "Cold Cranking Amps" is a measure of the amperage output of a
battery intended for starting or "cranking" an engine.
Starting batteries use many thin plates to maximize the surface area of the
battery. This allows very high starting current but allows the plates to warp
when the battery is cycled.

Deep-Cycle Batteries

Deep-cycle batteries are best suited for use with inverters. They are designed
to have the majority of their capacity used before being recharged. Available
in many sizes and types, the most common is the non-sealed, liquid electrolyte
type referred to as a "flooded" battery, commonly used in boats and RVs. Non-
sealed types have removable battery caps. The caps should be removed at least
monthly so the electrolyte level can be checked. When a cell is low, only
distilled water should be added.
The many different types of deep-cycle, lead-acid batteries can be grouped
into four categories: flooded (or wet), sealed flooded ("maintenance free"),
recombinant flooded (often "starved electrolyte"), and gel batteries.
Another popular and inexpensive battery of this type is the "golf cart" (T-105
or CG220) battery. These six-volt batteries can be connected in series to form
a 12V system and be discharged repeatedly to 80% of their capacity without
being damaged. This is the minimum quality of battery that should be used
with the inverter in normal applications.
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