Tubular gel batteries (OPzV)
When batteries cycle daily instead of sitting idle, ordinary VRLA ages fast — tubular gel is what holds up.
Series we supply1
| Series | Power | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
 LEOCH OPzV series
|
2 V cells, by capacity | Tubular gel | Long design life and deep-cycle tolerance; telecom rooms, substations and solar |
Linked series open a full page with the model list, ratings and downloadable datasheets. Models not listed can also be supplied. Capacity and battery sizing should be calculated by an engineer against the actual load — never from the nameplate rating alone.
What tubular gel is for
Standard VRLA blocks are designed for standby — float charging for years, discharging occasionally. Run them on a daily cycle and they age in months. Tubular gel (OPzV) cells are built for the opposite duty:
- Deep-cycle tolerance — repeated discharges to a meaningful depth without the capacity collapse that kills ordinary AGM
- Long design life — typically 12+ years in float service, with a cycle life several times that of standard VRLA
- Gelled electrolyte — no stratification, no acid leakage risk, tolerant of higher ambient temperatures
Where we specify OPzV
- Solar and hybrid systems — daily charge/discharge cycles are exactly what AGM cannot survive
- Telecom rooms and base stations — frequent mains interruptions in remote sites
- Substations and switch rooms — long design life matches the asset's service period
- Any site where maintenance access is difficult — the cells are genuinely fit-and-forget within their design envelope
The trade-offs, stated plainly
OPzV costs more per Ah than AGM, and the 2 V cells are heavier and bulkier per kWh. If your batteries will sit on float and discharge twice a year, AGM is the better buy. OPzV earns its premium only when cycling is frequent or the design life must span a decade or more.
We size the string against the actual cycle profile — depth of discharge, cycles per day, recharge source — rather than defaulting to the more expensive option. Tell us the duty and we will price both side by side.
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