High Cycle Batteries

High cycle batteries are made specifically to deliver high power pulses for short time periods. In most batteries, such as lead-acid and Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM), there is a correlation between the depth of discharge (DOD) and the cycle life of the battery. Cycle life of a battery is the number of charge/discharge cycles it can sustain in its life and depends on the DOD that is allowed. If the discharge of the battery is kept to a lower percentage (approximately 50%), it will have more useful cycles than if it is frequently discharged to its maximum DOD (below 80%). 

The typical lead-acid battery provides 200-300 charge/discharge cycles depending on the operating temperature and DOD. High cycle batteries can perform up to 900 charge/discharge cycles when operating at 68-77 degrees Fahrenheit at a 50% DOD.

High cycle vs Starting, Lighting and Ignition (SLI) batteries SLI batteries are a type of rechargeable lead-acid battery commonly used in cars to power the motor, ignition and lights. After the battery provides the jolt of power used to start the motor, the alternator takes over and recharges the battery. SLI batteries are considered high cycle batteries using flooded cell technology, which is cost-effective and reliable, but cannot handle any deep cycling and has a shorter lifespan compared to other technologies. High cycle batteries are designed with valve regulated lead-acid (VRLA) AGM technology. They can be found in off-grid power systems, electric vehicles, and uninterrupted power supply systems. AGM batteries have a longer lifespan than flooded batteries, they have a shorter recharge time and have a high power output. They are also more expensive than flooded batteries and are sensitive to overcharging.