1. What is the Battery Run Time Formula?

The Battery Run Time formula calculates how long a battery will last under a given load. It's a fundamental calculation in electrical engineering and battery system design.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( Ah \) — Battery capacity in amp-hours
• \( A \) — Current draw in amps

Explanation: The formula divides the total charge capacity of the battery by the current being drawn to determine how many hours the battery will last.

3. Importance of Run Time Calculation

Details: Accurate run time estimation is crucial for designing battery-powered systems, ensuring adequate power supply, and preventing system failures due to power loss.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter battery capacity in Ah and current draw in A. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is this calculation accurate for all battery types?
A: This provides a theoretical maximum. Real-world factors like temperature, battery age, and discharge rate affect actual performance.

Q2: What if my load varies over time?
A: For variable loads, calculate average current draw or use more complex modeling.

Q3: Does this account for battery voltage?
A: No, this simple formula works with amp-hours regardless of voltage. For power calculations, voltage must be considered.

Q4: How accurate is this for lithium-ion vs lead-acid batteries?
A: Lead-acid batteries typically deliver less than their rated capacity at high discharge rates (Peukert effect), while lithium-ion performs closer to rating.

Q5: Should I derate the calculated time for safety?
A: Yes, it's recommended to multiply the result by 0.7-0.8 for lead-acid batteries to account for capacity loss at higher discharge rates.