The tubular batteries also known as lead-acid power sources have an extensive size. These batteries are typically installed in the inverter and UPS line. They come with plates located inside the cloth-wrapped tubes. That supports the battery’s electrode capacity.
Advantages of Tubular-Type Battery
Tubular batteries are designed to have an extended life span, especially for prolonged power support requirements. These most excellent power sources utilize fewer water refills.
Compared to other inverter batteries, tubular ones are also more durable. They typically have an extended warranty period. The inverters with tubular batteries are cost-effective yet require more storage range.
There are various battery container sizes options available – one of the essential factors to consider for any application.
Moreover, the mentioned batteries also have the following advantages,
- Comparably quick to charge
- Simple to maintain
- Puncture resistant
- High discharge rate
- and more
Disadvantages of Tubular Batteries
Despite tubular batteries’ excellent performance, they also have some limitations. That includes the following:
- Being not environmentally friendly
- Pricey than normal batteries
- Designed with complex structures
- Requires more maintenance
- Requires refilling distilled water for acidic electrolyte furnish
- Acid-leakage tendencies
Tubular Inverter Battery Components
Here are some important components of tubular batteries.
Electrolyte
An essential part of the tubular battery, combined with water and sulfuric acid. It is an important element when it comes to power generation.
Assessing the battery’s electrolyte amount is advised. Distilled water is recommended to be refilled. However, some electrolytes don’t need to refill.
Lead Plates
This element supports the electrolytes’ power movement.
Various lead plate designs are available.
They are formed to improve surface space, yet save more capacity
Lead Acid
It is formed from fiberglass tubes that are composed of red lead powder and lead oxide.
Separators
The tubular batteries’ separators are used to separate negative from positive plates. This method can avoid short-circuit occurrences. Separators and available electrolytes must be suitable.
Other components are shown below image.
Where to Use the Tubular Batteries
- Electrical installations
- Home UPS
- Emergency lighting during power failure occurrences
- Submarine motors (large sizes)
- Nuclear submarines necessary support
- Computer system backup power source
- Electric scooters
- Electrical wheelchairs
- and more
Tubular Battery Types
The tubular batteries are formed in a wide range of dimensions. They are selected according to the applications’ storage areas. These batteries are categorized into two various types.
Consider the following.
-
Tall Tubular Battery
As the name hints, the tall ones have a larger height yet come with shorter width.
It provides reasonable extended supporting time, ideal for home usage with no limited storage area.
-
Short Tubular Battery
The short category of tubular batteries has smaller sizes. But they are designed with wider widths.
Since these batteries are small, they are convenient and easy to carry, perfect for travel applications.
Standard Specifications
| Battery Category | Tubular Battery |
| Voltage | 12 Volts, custom |
| Capacity | 40ah – 240ah |
| Weight | 55 kilogram, custom |
| Application | Offices, industries, homes, etc. |
| Technology | Lead Acid Battery |
| Price | 150.48 USD, depending on the manufacturers or sellers |
Tubular and Flat-Plate Battery Variations
As mentioned above, the tubular-type of batteries have settled positive plates inside the cloth-wrapped tubes. While the flat-plate ones are designed with multiple square grids. Forming a comprehensive mesh and using fine electrodes.
A warranty period for tubular batteries is about six years, whereas flat batteries have more than two years of warranty.
The tubular power source can endure the utmost temperature changes. Moreover, it can make high-voltage power capacity turns into fair voltage. However, flat-plate batteries can only operate specific temperature range.
The flat–plate batteries are made exclusively for fundamental applications, while tubular ones offer excellent capacity for a comprehensive range of usages.
Tubular inverter batteries need less maintenance than flat-tape ones, which require regular care. Unlike flat-type batteries, tubular ones have increased charging energy cycles and more excellent thermal control.
Tubular and Gel Battery Differences
The two batteries possess unique characteristics capable of functioning in their designated usage. Specific differences point out their limitations and advantages.
Spillage. With gel electrolyte, the acid from the battery won’t leak. But tubular, on the other hand, has liquid electrolytes which spill if improperly handled.
Self-discharge. Both batteries have a low rate of self-discharge. For a specific reference, the tubular loses charge up to 15% in a month. Whereas gel batteries only lose 3%.
Maintenance. A tubular battery needs less maintenance. But gel batteries are MF. They don’t require any maintenance at all (Maintenance-free).
Cost. Gel batteries are more pricey compared to tubular ones. It’s because of the premium electrolyte grade, which is over 50% more.
Eco-friendly. During discharge and charging, exposure to toxic gases is possible. However, gel batteries don’t release such gases. Therefore, they can use in domestic applications. That features do not apply to the tubular battery.
Power Storage. The stored energy density is determined by the battery’s size. A heavier tubular battery has more stored energy. And that shows they have better power than gel batteries.
Overcharge. Gel batteries are easily overcharged. They are designed to be charged only with low voltage. And cannot be charged with a high volt, or it will be damaged. Tubular batteries, however, can tolerate high-voltage charging.
Dissimilarities of Tubular and Deep Cycle Batteries
There is no difference between the two. Tubular-type batteries are classified as a deep cycle.
The deep cycle battery is a lead battery. It is made to supply stable power for the long run until lasting to 20% discharge. By then, it has to be a charge.
Even if the deep cycle discharges at 20% or less, it should be at a constant high percentage. Charging at 45% or above is recommended —a strategy for extending battery life. That’s why both batteries should not be differentiated.
Solar Tubular Battery Vs Lithium-Ion Battery
| Tubular Battery(Tall) | Lithium-Ion Battery |
| Through chemical impact, it recharges | At the recharging moment, electrochemical impact happens |
| Less maintenance to achieve suitable functions | Achieve efficient operation without maintenance |
| Cost-effective | Needs increased investment |
| Delivers hydrogen during the performance | Doesn’t deliver hydrogen |
| 1200 discharge cycle level | 10000 discharge cycle level |
| Three to five years warranty | Seven to eight years warranty |
Tubular Battery – Standard and Superb Design
Distinctive Design Features
- They contain high energy density, which suits heavy-duty performance.
- The battery has a robust structure.
- This battery’s positive electrode has a flat design. And its negative electrodes are in tube type.
- Has heightened purity level with opposition against rusting.
- Excellent optimization features that allow efficient usage to a low degree.
- Functional material equal distribution via a wetting filling procedure that ables plate uniformity.
- Provides high resistance to material shedding due to non-woven gauntlets.
- It has enveloped separators and 1″ space sediment that prevent the chance of short circuits.
- With terminal bushing (rubber), the impact-absorbent is efficient.
High-Capacity Tubular Batteries
A high-capacity tubular battery is recommended when it runs time out at maximum level. This battery has top qualities that fulfill necessary usage requirements. They are equipped with separator technology such as multi-plate thin. With that, more negative and positive plates are allowed.
Also, they have more advanced features, such as
- Stable watering space on plates
- Delivers uninterrupted circulation on electrolyte
Significant Acid Circulation
The tubular battery tube with a round form has better acid circulation. It is relatively more remarkable than the flat plate and square tube positives.
Additionally, the round tube also has other benefits. Among them are
- Shape formality
- When expanding at discharge, it maintains forms.
Various Sealed Tray
Dripping fluid problems can be caused by various factors, including washing positions, improper maintenance, overwatering, and electrical structures. Thus, sealed trays are offered in various options.
Batteries’ excess fluids can be drained utilizing vertical tubes. It’s a more practical option than emptying extra fluid from the bottom. This tube can be inserted in the spaces between battery cells.
The watering system (single-point) is one example of sealed trays. And the others are called,
- Vent Caps (flip-top). They are compatible with almost all water indicators. It ables easy filling and prevents leakage.
- Electrolyte Indicators. This indicator shows when the electrolyte is at a low level.
Maintenance Directions
The tubular battery’s high performance and long span depend on stable conditioning and maintenance. Below are the tips and actions needed to consider.
The battery must,
- Not exposed to direct sunlight
- Always in well-ventilated, cool, and dry conditions
- Away from children’s reach
- Regularly check its float indicators
- Not be carelessly thrown anyplace.
- Check on the water needed
- Regular monitored of its water level
- Keep its indicators closed
- Never undertake any unauthorized repairs.
- Not filled with acids.
Purchasing Tubular Battery: Important Aspects to Consider
When purchasing specific tubular batteries, there are multiple factors to think about. That includes the battery’s sizes, capacities, warranties, and technology.
Most manufacturers, including Thinpack, advised choosing the ones with extreme AH levels and possible warranties. The outer measurements are also considered for selecting suitable tubular batteries.
Additionally, it is essential to consider the inverter battery’s freshness. The charging and recharging capacity will affect the battery’s performance.
Choosing the Right Tubular Batteries
There are some affordable unbranded tubular batteries offered. But there is no guarantee for it. The batteries may be damaged in a short-life service. That means you need to consider a trusted manufacturer or supplier of tubular batteries for you.
You can determine the quality of mentioned batteries through their spine tubes. Below are various casting techniques for making such important quality factor.
Low-Pressure Casting
The low-pressure method of casting tubular spine tubes is a second-grade process.
High-Pressure Casting
This casting technique is more functional than gravity and low-pressure ones. It produces tubular batteries with the following benefits:
- Corrosion resistant
- Overcharge resistant
- Low self-discharge
- and more
Gravity Casting
The gravity casting procedure has the lowest manufacturing cost. Its utilized machines only cost $604.72.
What are the Available Sizes of Tubular Batteries?
Every battery’s category comes with standard sizes. They are typically designed with about 500x187x416 mm in dimension. However, tubular power source sizes are customizable, depending on application or capacity requirements.
How Long is the Tubular-Type Battery’s Lifespan?
The tubular type of battery lasts for about four to five life service years. Of course, with proper regular maintenance and care, their life capacity will extend.
What is the Standard Pricing for Tubular Batteries?
Below are some standard prices of custom tubular batteries according to capacity. However, their cost ranges always depend on the company’s or manufacturers’ offers.
| Capacity | Price(USD) |
| 12V 150Ah | $124.7 |
| 12V 200 Ah | $139.12 |
| 12V 160Ah | $141.87 |
| 12V 135Ah | $80.91 |
| 12V 120Ah | $89.85 |