Questions to ask when making a battery buying decision.

Questions to ask when making a battery buying decision.

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As the number of performance rating schemes and methods for evaluating battery purchases continues to grow, it's crucial to make informed decisions that minimize buyer's remorse. Here are some key considerations when buying batteries:

Understanding Rating Discrepancies

• Some companies may rate their Reserve Capacities at 23 amps, diverging from the industry standard of 25 amps. Always confirm how Reserve Capacity is measured.
• Amp Hour (AH) ratings can be based on various discharge rates (e.g., 5-hour, 10-hour, 20-hour, or even 100-hour). Ensure you're comparing equivalent rates.
• Cranking Amps, which indicates the battery's ability to deliver high starting current, can vary based on the temperature at which the ratings are tested. Always check that you're comparing Cranking Amps under identical temperature conditions. The industry standard for Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) is at 0°F (-18°C).

The Controversy of Lifetime Energy Units (LEU)

Some manufacturers have introduced their own rating systems to simplify the comparison of deep-cycle batteries. For instance, a U.S.-based manufacturer created the "Lifetime Energy Unit" (LEU) to help consumers assess the overall performance and value of batteries. The LEU reflects the total kilowatt-hours of energy a battery can provide throughout its life.

This simplification, however, raises questions about its validity. It relies on calculation methods that may differ between suppliers, leading to inconsistencies in how LEUs are determined. Without standardized methods, meaningful comparisons are complicated, potentially relegating the LEU concept to a marketing gimmick devoid of scientific foundation.

Essential Data for Informed Decision-Making

To improve the LEU's effectiveness for consumers, additional data would enhance comparisons:

1. Discharge control methods: What procedures were followed in determining Cycle Time, including discharge rates and depths?
2. Pre-conditioning procedures for batteries before testing.
3. The amount of ampere-hours discharged per cycle.
4. Recharge control procedures prior to subsequent discharges.
5. Control methods determining Life Cycles of the batteries.
6. Total ampere-hours discharged over the battery's lifespan.

Determining the True Value of Batteries

When calculating battery value, consider additional factors:

1. Time and supply costs for servicing the battery per manufacturer recommendations.
2. Expenses related to worker safety, including protective clothing.
3. Potential environmental costs, including impacts from hydrogen emissions during charging and discharging.
4. Shipping costs and any associated restrictions.

What to Consider When Buying a Deep-Cycle Battery

To achieve the best value for cycling applications, gather the following information:

• Discharge current used (e.g., 25 Amps, 75 Amps).
• Effective discharge time at 100% depth (1.75 volts per cell).
• Discharge cycles until the battery can no longer deliver at least 50% of its original rated capacity.

Different battery types may have varying end-of-life criteria. For example, a golf cart battery may only reach its end of life if it can no longer deliver 1.75 volts for 40 minutes at 75 Amps.

Service Considerations

Determine the number of times the battery will need servicing over its lifespan according to the manufacturer's recommendations. This is essential for accurate time-cost analyses. We recommend considering an average service time of 10 minutes per battery per service. Estimate labor costs based on regional averages, and ensure this analysis only covers direct labor expenses. Common ranges are between $18.00 and $25.00 per hour, approximating $0.30 - $0.42 per minute. Include costs for servicing materials throughout the battery's life, such as distilled water and protective gear, alongside other variable service expenses.

Cost Overview

Consider these additional costs in your battery purchase:

• Initial purchase price.
• Freight or handling fees.

Estimating Overall Cost to Own

When recalibrating battery servicing costs, assume average upkeep materials like water and cleaning agents lead to a typical expenditure of around $1.70 per service. Multiply this by the battery's projected lifespan and the recommended service frequency to estimate total costs. Proper maintenance is critical; neglecting service recommendations can drastically reduce life expectancy. Leading manufacturers emphasize consistent servicing, especially as batteries age, to ensure longevity and performance.

Finally, when matching a quality flooded battery against a Discover Semi Traction EV Dry Cell AGM or GEL battery of similar size, the total cost of ownership would likely favor the Discover option. Through less required servicing, Discover batteries present considerable long-term value compared to flooded types, which often fall short of necessary service standards.

Evaluating flooded batteries versus Dry Cell AGM or GEL also requires consideration of other associated complications, such as:

• Special clothing expenses.
• Battery compartment repairs.
• Workplace air quality issues.
• Potential workers' compensation claims.
• Occupational health concerns.
• Regulations regarding hazardous materials.
• Shipping limitations.
• Damage to service areas from corrosive spills.

In competitive environments, the transition to Discover Semi Traction EV Dry Cell AGM or GEL batteries becomes increasingly advantageous, especially with larger battery banks where servicing costs loom larger.