A Head-to-head Comparison Between Flat Plate & Tubular Batteries

The battery is an essential component of an inverter system, and choosing the right battery for your inverter is crucial. Flat plate and tubular batteries are the two most common types of batteries used in inverters. Several factors, including the frequency of power failures, the budget, and the requirement of heavy-duty applications, can determine the difference between these two types of batteries.

If you are on the search for the best inverter battery dealers in Chennai, get in touch with Nantech Power Systems. We have all kinds of inverter batteries from A to Z. In this blog, we will discuss the key differences between flat plate batteries and tubular batteries to help you determine the best battery you need to choose to meet your requirements.

An Overview of Flat Plate & Tubular Batteries

Flat plate batteries are lead-acid batteries recommended for places with frequent power shortages. They are cheap but have a lower lifespan (1-3 Years) compared to tubular batteries. They are best for places that require fast charging within low time. These batteries are unsuitable for heavy-duty equipment and are suggested for budget-conscious individuals with small homes. A flat plate battery has the following:

1. Long Service Life: Flat-plate batteries are designed with thick plates, offering a longer service life than other battery types.
2. Faster Recharge: The flat plate battery’s structure, design, and metal composition (chemical and components) contribute to its rapid charge recovery.
3. Sleek Appearance: The sealed plastic housing of the flat-plate battery gives it a sleek and modern appearance. This makes it an excellent option for those who value aesthetics in their backup power system.
4. Compact Size: The flat-plate battery is designed to be compact, making it an excellent inverter battery choice.

A tubular battery is an inverter battery that is ideal for areas that experience long and fewer power cuts. It is recommended for individuals who have big homes and do not have a budget restriction. This type of battery comes with a complex design and long lifespan (4-6 Years). It is best for long backup and heavy application usage. A tubular battery has the following:

1. Thick Plates: The battery plates in a tubular-plate battery are designed using thicker plates, which offer twenty percent more electrolytes to bear power outages.
2. Minimum Space: These batteries require minimum space, making them ideal for those with a limited floor area.
3. Low Maintenance: Tubular-plate batteries require minimal maintenance, making them a convenient option for those who don't want to spend time and money on maintenance.
4. Power-packed Performance: The super long life and excellent performance make it one of the best batteries for your inverter. It is ideal for those who need a backup power source that can handle heavy usage and applications.

Differences Between Flat Plate & Tubular Batteries

Charge Cycles

At 80% depth of discharge (DOD), a flat battery typically has 50-1000 cycles, while a tubular battery has 800-1400 cycles. However, the number of charge cycles may vary depending on the manufacturer.

Float Current

In terms of maintenance, tubular batteries are favoured due to their low self-discharge rate and the high number of charge cycles, reducing the need for maintenance. Some batteries, such as gel tubular batteries, do not require maintenance.

Thermal Management

The design of tubular batteries allows for easier heat convection, making them more thermally efficient compared to flat plate batteries. This is also influenced by the amount of electrolyte in the battery, with taller tubular batteries having higher electrolyte volume and better thermal management properties.

Pros & Cons of Flat Plate & Tubular Batteries

Let us explore the pros and cons of both flat plate and tubular batteries.

Flat Plate Batteries

Pros

• Budget-Friendly: Flat Plate batteries are the most budget-friendly option for backup power. They are significantly cheaper than tubular batteries, making them an attractive choice for people on a tight budget.
• Best for Places with Frequent Power Failures: Flat plate batteries are ideal for places that experience frequent power failures. They are designed to provide backup power quickly and effectively during power outages.

Cons

• High Water Consumption: Flat Plate batteries consume much water, making them an environmentally-unfriendly option. Maintaining them requires significant water, which can be problematic in areas with limited water resources.
• Low Lifespan: Flat plate batteries have a short lifespan, lasting only 1-3 years. This means you will have to replace your battery more frequently, which can be costly and time-consuming.
• Limited Temperature Range: Flat plate batteries work best at recommended temperature conditions. If the temperature exceeds the recommended range, the battery's performance can be affected, decreasing its lifespan.
• Poor Performance under Heavy Loads: Flat plate batteries are not designed for heavy usage. They can't support heavy loads, making them unsuitable for applications requiring much power.

Tubular Batteries

Pros

• Higher Lifespan: One of the biggest advantages of tubular batteries is their lifespan. On average, a tubular battery lasts 8-10 years, significantly longer than a flat plate battery.
• Good Performance and Heavy Load Usage: Tubular batteries are ideal for applications requiring much power. They perform well under heavy load conditions, making them a reliable choice for heavy usage.
• Low Water Consumption: Tubular batteries consume less water than flat plate batteries. This makes them an environmentally-friendly option, as less water is required to maintain them.
• Optimized Performance: Tubular batteries are designed to work at high temperatures, making them ideal for hot climates. They are optimized to perform consistently in hot conditions, ensuring your power supply is never interrupted.

Cons

Higher Cost: The biggest disadvantage of tubular batteries is their cost. They are more expensive than flat plate batteries, which may make them an unattractive option for some people.

The Takeaway

In terms of performance, tubular batteries offer better performance compared to flat plate batteries, as they have a larger surface area and can deliver more power. Tubular batteries also have a better discharge rate, making them ideal for high-power applications. On the other hand, flat plate batteries are limited in their performance, and their output power decreases as the battery ages. Although they are budget-friendly, they offer limited performance and a short lifespan. But tubular batteries are a high-performance option, known for their long life, reliability, and ability to perform well in extreme conditions. If you require a continuous power supply and are willing to invest in a high-performance battery, then a tubular battery is the right choice. However, if you're budget conscious and need a power backup for a short duration, then a flat plate battery may be a good choice. Contact Nantech Power Systems, one of Chennai's best inverter battery dealers, if you are looking for high-quality tubular or flat-plate batteries.