1. What is Battery Capacity?

Battery capacity, measured in ampere-hours (Ah), indicates how much charge a battery can store and deliver. It's a crucial parameter for determining how long a battery can power a device given its energy consumption.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the battery capacity equation:

Where:

• \( Power \) — Device power consumption in watts
• \( Time \) — Desired runtime in hours
• \( Voltage \) — Battery voltage in volts

Explanation: The equation converts power requirements (watts) into charge capacity (ampere-hours) by accounting for the battery voltage.

3. Importance of Battery Capacity Calculation

Details: Proper battery sizing ensures your devices will operate for the required duration without premature power loss. It's essential for system design in solar installations, electric vehicles, and backup power systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter power in watts, desired runtime in hours, and battery voltage in volts. All values must be positive numbers.

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 battery type affect capacity?
A: Different chemistries (Li-ion, Lead-acid, etc.) have varying discharge characteristics affecting usable capacity.

Q3: Should I add a safety margin?
A: Yes, typically add 20-30% to account for efficiency losses and capacity degradation over time.

Q4: How does temperature affect battery capacity?
A: Capacity decreases in cold temperatures and may increase slightly in moderate warmth (within limits).

Q5: Can I use this for battery banks?
A: Yes, the calculation works for single batteries or parallel-connected banks (series connections change voltage).