1. What is Battery Capacity?

Battery capacity is a measure of the energy a battery can store and deliver. It's typically measured in watt-hours (Wh) and represents the integral of voltage multiplied by current over time.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simplified battery capacity formula:

Where:

• \( V \) — Voltage (volts)
• \( I \) — Current (amps)
• \( t \) — Time (hours)

Explanation: For constant voltage and current, the capacity is simply the product of voltage, current, and time. For variable voltage/current, integration is required.

3. Importance of Battery Capacity Calculation

Details: Knowing battery capacity is essential for determining how long a battery will last under specific loads, comparing battery performance, and designing power systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter voltage in volts, current in amps, and time in hours. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides an estimate. Real-world capacity varies with temperature, discharge rate, and battery age.

Q3: Why use watt-hours instead of joules?
A: Watt-hours are more practical for battery ratings (1 Wh = 3600 joules).

Q4: How does battery type affect capacity?
A: Different chemistries (Li-ion, NiMH, Pb-acid) have different energy densities and discharge characteristics.

Q5: Can I use this for solar battery sizing?
A: Yes, but include efficiency factors (typically 80-90%) for charge/discharge cycles.