1. What is Battery Capacity?

Battery capacity is a measure of the charge stored by the battery, typically measured in ampere-hours (Ah). It represents how much current a battery can supply over a specific period of time.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the battery capacity formula:

Where:

• \( Power \) — Electrical power consumption in watts (W)
• \( Time \) — Duration of operation in hours (h)
• \( Voltage \) — Battery voltage in volts (V)

Explanation: The formula converts power consumption into battery capacity by accounting for the voltage of the battery system.

3. Importance of Battery Capacity Calculation

Details: Knowing battery capacity is essential for designing power systems, determining runtime, and selecting appropriate batteries for specific applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter power in watts, time in hours, and voltage in volts. All values must be positive numbers for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between Ah and Wh?
A: Ah (ampere-hours) measures charge capacity, while Wh (watt-hours) measures energy capacity. Wh = Ah × V.

Q2: How does temperature affect battery capacity?
A: Lower temperatures typically reduce battery capacity, while higher temperatures may increase capacity but reduce lifespan.

Q3: What is the typical voltage for different battery types?
A: Lead-acid: 12V, Li-ion: 3.7V per cell, NiMH: 1.2V per cell. Multiple cells are often combined in series.

Q4: Should I oversize my battery capacity?
A: It's common to add 20-30% capacity to account for inefficiencies and battery aging.

Q5: How does discharge rate affect capacity?
A: Higher discharge rates often result in lower effective capacity (Peukert effect).