1. What is Battery Capacity?

Battery capacity is the amount of electric charge a battery can deliver at the rated voltage. It's typically measured in ampere-hours (Ah) and indicates how long a battery can power a device.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the battery capacity equation:

Where:

• \( Power \) — Power consumption of your device in watts (W)
• \( Time \) — Desired runtime in hours (h)
• \( Voltage \) — Battery voltage in volts (V)

Explanation: The equation converts power requirements into battery capacity by accounting for both voltage and desired runtime.

3. Importance of Battery Capacity Calculation

Details: Proper battery sizing ensures your devices will operate for the required duration without unexpected power loss. It's crucial for system design and reliability.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter power requirement 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 different discharge characteristics affecting usable capacity.

Q3: Should I add a safety margin?
A: Yes, typically add 20-30% to account for inefficiencies, temperature effects, and battery aging.

Q4: Can I use this for solar systems?
A: Yes, but solar calculations also need to account for days of autonomy and depth of discharge.

Q5: How does temperature affect battery capacity?
A: Cold temperatures reduce available capacity, while high temperatures can reduce battery lifespan.