Battery Runtime Equation:
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Battery runtime is the duration a battery can power a device before needing recharge. It's calculated by dividing the battery's energy capacity (in watt-hours) by the device's power consumption (in watts).
The calculator uses the simple runtime equation:
Where:
Explanation: This equation converts watts to volts implicitly by using watt-hours (which already account for voltage) in the calculation.
Details: Knowing battery runtime helps in designing power systems, selecting appropriate batteries, and estimating operational duration for electronic devices.
Tips: Enter battery energy in watt-hours (Wh) and power consumption in watts (W). Both values must be positive numbers.
Q1: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides theoretical maximum runtime. Actual runtime may be 10-25% less due to inefficiencies, temperature, and battery age.
Q2: Can I use this for different battery types?
A: Yes, the calculation works for all battery types (Li-ion, Lead-acid, etc.) as long as you know the energy capacity in watt-hours.
Q3: What if my battery shows mAh instead of Wh?
A: Convert mAh to Wh by multiplying by voltage (Wh = mAh × V / 1000). Our calculator needs watt-hours.
Q4: Does this account for battery discharge curves?
A: No, this is a simplified calculation. Some batteries (like Lead-acid) have nonlinear discharge characteristics.
Q5: Why use watt-hours instead of amp-hours?
A: Watt-hours account for both voltage and current, making it a more universal measurement across different battery voltages.