1. What is Battery Capacity?

Battery capacity is a measure of the charge stored in a battery, typically measured in ampere-hours (Ah). It determines how long a battery can power a device before needing to be recharged.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the battery capacity formula:

Where:

• \( Load \) — Power consumption of the device (watts)
• \( Time \) — Desired runtime (hours)
• \( Voltage \) — Battery system voltage (volts)

Explanation: The formula converts watt-hours (energy) to ampere-hours (charge) by dividing by the system voltage.

3. Importance of Battery Sizing

Details: Proper battery sizing ensures your devices will run for the required time and prevents over-discharge which can damage batteries.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the device's power consumption in watts, desired runtime in hours, and battery system voltage. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is battery capacity measured in Ah?
A: Ampere-hours directly relate to the amount of charge a battery can deliver, making it a practical unit for comparing batteries.

Q2: What's the difference between Ah and Wh?
A: Ah measures charge (current × time), while Wh measures energy (power × time). Wh accounts for voltage differences between systems.

Q3: Should I add a safety margin?
A: Yes, it's recommended to add 20-30% to the calculated capacity to account for inefficiencies and battery aging.

Q4: Does temperature affect battery capacity?
A: Yes, cold temperatures can significantly reduce available capacity, especially for lead-acid batteries.

Q5: How does depth of discharge affect battery life?
A: Shallower discharges (using less of the rated capacity) can dramatically increase the number of charge cycles.