Battery Types and Sizes
Battery Types
Automotive Starting Batteries
The lead-acid battery you are most familiar with is probably the starting battery in your vehicle. An automotive starting battery is designed to deliver a large amount of current for a short period of time (so it can start your engine). Only a small portion of the battery’s capacity is used when starting the engine, and the spent capacity is quickly recharged by the running engine.
The starting battery in your vehicle is not designed for repeated deep- discharge cycles where the battery is almost completely discharged and then recharged. If a starting battery is used in this kind of deep discharge service, it will wear out very rapidly.
Deep-Cycle Batteries
Deep-cycle batteries are designed for deep discharge service where they will be repeatedly discharged and recharged. They are marketed for use in recreational vehicles, boats, and electric golf carts—so you may see them referred to as RV batteries, marine batteries, or golf cart batteries.
For most applications of the TS400, Xantrex recommends that you use one or more deep-cycle batteries that are separated from the vehicle’s starting battery by a battery isolator.
A battery isolator is a solid-state electronic circuit that allows equipment to be operated from an auxiliary battery without danger of discharging the vehicle’s starting battery. During vehicle operation, the battery isolator automatically directs the charge from the alternator to the battery requiring the charge.
Battery isolators are available at marine and RV dealers and most auto parts stores.