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Maritime enthusiasts now have a multitude of battery designs to choose from to power their vessel forward. Inadvertently investing in the wrong chemistry could be the difference between a fun day out on the water or costly equipment downtime that results in a delay in the excitement.
Here’s a general overview of the current battery chemistries available for marine applications:
Flooded Lead Acid Batteries
Flooded lead acid batteries generally have a higher rate of self-discharge. Extremes in temperature can also dramatically affect the battery’s performance. Physical maintenance and human intervention are mandatory for proper operation, such as monitoring the battery’s fluid levels and topping it off as directed by the manufacturer. This type of battery is not the most robust, with cases and covers not built to withstand the severe shock and vibration dished out during an exhilarating ride out on the water. If the battery case cracks, acid could leak from the battery. Excessive vibration can damage the battery’s internal components.
Absorbed Glass Mat Batteries
Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries are engineered to withstand extreme temperatures, making them an excellent option for seasonal marine applications. They feature rugged construction, they’re non-spillable and are shock and vibration resistant. However, not all AGM batteries are the same. It’s beneficial to choose an AGM battery with an appropriate Cold Cranking Amperage (CCA) to give you adequate power to start your engine.
AGM Thin Plate Pure Lead Batteries
AGM Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) technology takes the benefits of AGM batteries a step further with pure lead electrode plates that can be made thinner than standard AGM engineering so that more plates will fit than in a comparably sized conventional lead acid battery. The additional plates provide as much as 15 percent greater surface area, increasing the electrochemical reactions with the electrolyte. The result is significantly higher cranking power.
Lithium-ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are also an option for boat owners, but they come with some inherent safety concerns due to thermal runaway and off-gas generation. They also require a very specific charging algorithm.
The way you install the battery into the marine application can also greatly affect its performance and longevity. As always, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper handling and care and direct any questions to your battery professional. A few general steps to take when installing a new battery into your vessel once the old one is removed are as follows:
- Make sure the battery is seated properly in the compartment and the battery’s posts are in the right orientation.
- Attach the positive cable terminal to the positive terminal post on the battery. Tighten the nut with care.
- Replace the negative cable terminal to the negative terminal post on the battery. Again, tighten the nut with care.
- Reinstall the lid and hold-down if necessary and make sure it is secure. If you had to access your battery through a compartment, make sure the cables are secure inside, then close the lid. If your battery had an ON/OFF switch, switch it to the ON position.
- Switch on an electronic device to test the battery. If the device works, the battery is properly connected.
Depending on the location, weather conditions and the roughness of the water, boats can move through some serious turbulence, which can cause the onboard battery to bounce around. That’s why proper installation is important so the battery cannot shift out of place once mounted. It’s also a good practice to check them regularly after you experience irregular seas to help ensure nothing was damaged along the voyage.
Check out our websites at www.odysseybattery.com and www.eu.odysseybattery.com for the latest ODYSSEY® battery global news and updates.
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ABOUT ENERSYS
EnerSys, the global leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications, designs, manufactures and distributes energy systems solutions and motive power batteries, specialty batteries, battery chargers, power equipment, battery accessories and outdoor equipment enclosure solutions to customers worldwide. The company goes to market through four lines of business: Energy Systems, Motive Power, Specialty and New Ventures. Energy Systems, which combine power conversion, power distribution, energy storage, and enclosures, are used in the telecommunication, broadband and utility industries, uninterruptible power supplies, and numerous applications requiring stored energy solutions. Motive power batteries and chargers are utilized in electric forklift trucks and other industrial electric powered vehicles. Specialty batteries are used in aerospace and defense applications, large over-the-road trucks, premium automotive, medical and security systems applications. New Ventures provides energy storage and management systems for various applications including demand charge reduction, utility back-up power, and dynamic fast charging for electric vehicles. EnerSys also provides aftermarket and customer support services to its customers in over 100 countries through its sales and manufacturing locations around the world. More information regarding EnerSys can be found at www.enersys.com.
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