Run Time Formula:
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This calculator estimates how long a 50 amp-hour (Ah) battery will last powering a specific load at a given voltage. It's useful for planning power systems in RVs, boats, solar installations, and other off-grid applications.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula converts battery capacity to watt-hours (Ah × V = Wh) then divides by load to determine runtime.
Details: Accurate runtime estimation helps prevent power outages, ensures proper system sizing, and protects battery health by avoiding deep discharges.
Tips: Enter system voltage (typically 12V, 24V, or 48V) and total load in watts. For multiple devices, sum their wattages. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: Is this for lead-acid or lithium batteries?
A: The calculation works for both, but actual runtime may vary due to different discharge characteristics and depth-of-discharge limits.
Q2: Why doesn't it account for battery efficiency?
A: This gives theoretical maximum. For lead-acid, multiply result by 0.8-0.5 for real-world estimates (lithium: 0.9-0.8).
Q3: What if my battery isn't exactly 50Ah?
A: Adjust the formula by replacing 50 with your actual battery capacity in Ah.
Q4: Does temperature affect the result?
A: Yes, cold temperatures reduce actual capacity, especially for lead-acid batteries.
Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides a theoretical maximum. Real-world factors like battery age, temperature, and discharge rate affect actual runtime.