1. What is the Battery Size Calculation?

The battery size calculation determines the required battery capacity (in ampere-hours) needed to power an inverter generator for a specific duration based on the generator's wattage and system voltage.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following equation:

Where:

• Generator Inverter W — The wattage rating of your inverter generator
• Time — The duration you need to run the generator (in hours)
• V — The system voltage (typically 12V, 24V, or 48V for most systems)

Explanation: The equation calculates how much battery capacity is needed to provide the required power for the specified time period at the given voltage.

3. Importance of Proper Battery Sizing

Details: Proper battery sizing ensures your system can meet power demands without over-discharging batteries, which can extend battery life and improve system reliability.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the generator's wattage rating, the number of hours you need to run it, and the system voltage. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between Ah and Wh?
A: Ah (ampere-hours) measures charge capacity, while Wh (watt-hours) measures energy capacity. This calculator converts power needs to battery capacity in Ah.

Q2: Should I add a safety margin to the calculated size?
A: Yes, it's recommended to add 20-30% to account for inefficiencies, battery aging, and unexpected loads.

Q3: What if my system uses multiple batteries?
A: Divide the total Ah requirement by the Ah rating of each battery to determine how many batteries you need in parallel.

Q4: How does battery type affect the calculation?
A: Different battery types (lead-acid, lithium-ion) have different depth-of-discharge limits that should be considered in system design.

Q5: Can I use this for solar systems?
A: While the basic calculation is similar, solar systems require additional considerations for charging cycles and days of autonomy.