Gel vs Tubular Battery- Everything You Need to Know
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7 October
7 October 
A battery consists of two primary components: the electrolyte and the electrode. The electrolyte facilitates the flow of current between electrodes, and it can exist in various forms such as:
The electrodes, on the other hand, are metallic terminals made of different materials. One is called the anode (positively charged), and the other is the cathode (negatively charged). The types of electrodes can be:
Here’s an interesting fact: the name of a battery depends on the type of electrolyte and electrode it contains. For instance, a gel battery uses a gel-type electrolyte, while a tubular battery has tubular-shaped electrodes. However, a gel battery can feature flat plate, tubular, or tall tubular electrodes. Likewise, a tubular battery’s electrolyte could be gel, wet, or dry.
In the industry, it’s commonly understood that flooded batteries are named after their electrodes (e.g., flat plate battery or tubular battery), whereas gel batteries are referred to as such, regardless of their electrode type. However, the type of electrode in a gel battery is usually indicated on its label.
Therefore, a gel battery might have tubular electrodes, and a tubular battery could use gel electrolytes. To clarify the difference between a gel battery and a tubular battery, we’ll compare a flooded tubular battery with a gel tubular battery.
Let’s explore in detail the major differences between a gel battery and a tubular battery.
Since the electrolyte in a gel battery is in gel form, it won’t spill even if the battery is turned upside down, making it ideal for frequent movers. In contrast, the liquid electrolyte in flooded tubular batteries requires careful handling to avoid spillage.
Flooded batteries release hazardous gases during charging and discharging, while gel batteries do not. This makes gel batteries preferable for renters who may need to keep them in confined spaces without worrying about gas emissions.
Self-discharge occurs when a battery loses its stored power over time without being connected to a load. Flooded tubular batteries have a self-discharge rate of 12-15% per month, while gel tubular batteries only lose 1-3% of their charge per month, making them better suited for long-term storage.
Flooded batteries require frequent water top-ups to maintain performance. Tubular batteries require less maintenance than flat plate batteries, but gel batteries are maintenance-free, earning them the nickname “maintenance-free (MF) batteries.”
Energy density refers to the amount of energy stored in a battery relative to its size or weight. Flooded batteries from Daewoo India typically store more energy than a gel battery of the same weight. However, tubular batteries weigh more than gel types, meaning they store more energy overall.
Power density measures the maximum load a battery can handle for short durations. Flooded batteries in sine wave inverters have a higher power density than gel batteries, while gel batteries are better for longer backup times and lower current usage.
The deep-cycle capability determines how deeply a battery can discharge without being damaged. Both flooded and gel tubular batteries can be discharged up to 80% without harm, as they share the same electrode structure.
Flooded batteries require more overcharging than gel batteries to prevent stratification (the separation of electrolytes), resulting in longer recharge times for flooded tubular batteries.
Round-trip efficiency refers to the battery’s efficiency during the charge-discharge cycle. Heat generation affects this efficiency—flooded batteries typically have a round-trip efficiency of 70-80%, while gel batteries perform better, with 80-90% efficiency.
The luminous gel tubular battery measures 51 x 28 x 27 cm (LxWxH), while the luminous flooded tubular battery is slightly larger at 51.8 x 27.2 x 30.7 cm. The dimensions of both types are quite similar.
Luminous gel tubular batteries weigh 24.44 kg, while flooded tubular batteries are heavier at 38 kg. This makes tubular batteries heavier than their gel counterparts.
Due to their low maintenance and lower self-discharge rate, gel batteries come with a slightly longer warranty. The luminous gel tubular battery has a 48-month warranty, while the luminous flooded tubular battery has a 42-month warranty.
Gel batteries are 50% more expensive than tubular batteries due to their high-quality electrolyte and tubular electrode structure.
Gel batteries tend to have a longer lifespan than flooded tubular batteries because of their superior thermal and electrical characteristics.
The decision to choose a gel, tubular, or SMF battery depends on your preferences. Choose only the best from Daewoo Electronics.
Gel batteries use a gel electrolyte. Tubular batteries use liquid electrolytes. Gel batteries are sealed. Tubular batteries need water refills.
Tubular batteries usually last longer. They can handle more charge-discharge cycles. This makes them good for frequent power outages.
No, they’re different. SMF batteries are a type of lead-acid battery. They’re sealed like Gel batteries. But they use absorbed glass mat (AGM) technology, not gel.
Both can work. Gel batteries are often preferred. They’re maintenance-free and work well in varying temperatures. But tubular batteries can be cheaper for large systems kike hybrid solar inverters.
No, Gel batteries are maintenance-free. You don’t need to add water or check electrolyte levels. This is similar to SMF batteries.
Gel batteries usually cost more upfront. Tubular batteries are cheaper to buy. But tubular batteries may need more maintenance over time. This can increase their long-term cost.
