Deep Cycle recharge time?

Tabaz

I read somewhere on this forum that a "true" deep cycle battery takes a much longer time to recharge on solar than a "normal" car battery. I have a Group 27 "dual purpose" battery.  If I use my very small 600W microwave for 4 minutes, it takes my Zamp 200W about 18 minutes to recharge based on my calculations.  Can I reduce that re-charge time with a true deep cycle battery - or will it make the re-charge time longer?

Ratkity

According to the physics I learned, a battery is a battery. It's a chemical reaction between two metal plates - no matter if it's sealed (gel or agm) or flooded. How thick the plates are and the stability (proprietary) mix of said chemicals determines type of use (dual, deep, starting). State of charge is achieved slowly in the last ~90% of any battery. Overheating and off-gassing of hydrogen can occur and occasionally, catastrophic incidents (not just "boom" explosions, but splash of acid solution, split casing). How much charge any battery can receive is fairly static when it reaches the "float" stage in that 10-15% range to reach 100%. I think using a true deep cycle battery *will* give you a longer battery life as the chemical mix and plate size/thickness are designed to cycle to a lower charge state than a "starting" battery. 

I'm sure someone else here that is more mechanically-inclined can chime in and let me know if my old physics knowledge has become obsolete.

Nomad

OutbackAZ - Evidently you didn't get the memo - People with microwaves and other appliances are only certified for "hookup" campgrounds. Dry camping and boondocking is disallowed. :-)

Verna

I haven't tried my microwave while on solar. I would need to connect my larger inverter directly to the battery. 

OutbackAZ, you can warm up food in a saucepan or a skillet on the stove. Yes, even those microwave entrees.  I warm up the rice in those 90 second packages in a saucepan frequently (without the package). Sometimes you just have to think outside of the frozen entree box ;-)

Nomad

OutbackAZ - You should have taken HomeEc :-)

Tabaz

You're both right - I never learned to cook.  That's why I LOVE the microwave!  I also bought a 2,000 watt inverter and quick battery cable disconnect for my beloved micro.

Verna

Frank, I can give you some easy pointers. I'll be at Lost Dutchman next week with the Arizona Tearkers. Come in on a day pass and I'll show you some easy meals. You've given me some pointers on a subject that concerned me and I can return the favor. 

Tabaz

Verna - if I learn a new skill, I have to forget a current one.  You know what they say about old dogs.

Nomad

Maybe we should start a "Easy Cooking Lessons/Recipes for Frank" thread. :-)

jkjenn

I'll bring the Betty Crocker EZ Bake oven.

Nomad

Anyone have an old Baking with Barbie oven they could send Frank to get him started :-)

wizard1880

Yes, a true deep cycle flooded lead acid battery will take longer.  The exception to the rule is if you use AGM batteries instead.  They are the best of both worlds in terms of deep cycle life and recharge times, but you're going to pay dearly for them.  In a few years, lithium iron batteries will become more common, and you'll be able to charge up very quickly and have more capacity as well.  In addition to weighing less than half.