Battery Capacity Equation:
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Battery capacity is a measure of the charge stored in a battery, typically measured in ampere-hours (Ah). It indicates how much energy a battery can deliver at a specific voltage over time.
The calculator uses the battery capacity equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation calculates how much battery capacity is needed to power a device with specific power requirements for a certain duration at a given voltage.
Details: Accurate battery capacity calculation is crucial for designing power systems, selecting appropriate batteries, and ensuring devices operate for required durations.
Tips: Enter power in watts, time in hours, and voltage in volts. All values must be positive numbers.
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 battery chemistries (Li-ion, lead-acid, etc.) have different energy densities and discharge characteristics.
Q3: Why is voltage important in capacity calculation?
A: Voltage determines how much work the stored charge can do. Higher voltage means more energy for the same charge.
Q4: How does temperature affect battery capacity?
A: Capacity typically decreases at lower temperatures due to reduced chemical activity in the battery.
Q5: Should I include a safety margin?
A: Yes, it's recommended to add 20-30% to calculated capacity to account for efficiency losses and aging.