1. What is Battery Size Calculation?

The battery size calculation determines the required battery capacity (in ampere-hours) needed to power an inverter for a specific duration. This ensures your battery bank can support your power requirements.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following equation:

Where:

• \( \text{Inverter Rating} \) — Power output capacity of the inverter in watts
• \( \text{Time} \) — Duration of operation needed in hours
• \( \text{Voltage} \) — Battery bank voltage (typically 12V, 24V, or 48V)

Explanation: The equation calculates how many amp-hours your battery needs to deliver to power the inverter for the specified time.

3. Importance of Proper Battery Sizing

Details: Correct battery sizing prevents system failures, extends battery life, and ensures reliable power supply. Undersized batteries drain quickly while oversized systems are unnecessarily expensive.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter inverter rating in watts, desired runtime in hours, and battery bank voltage. All values must be positive numbers. For best results, add 20-30% to the calculated size for efficiency losses.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Should I consider inverter efficiency?
A: Yes, most inverters are 85-95% efficient. Multiply the result by 1.1 to account for typical efficiency losses.

Q2: What about depth of discharge?
A: Lead-acid batteries shouldn't be discharged below 50%. For these, double the calculated Ah to stay within safe limits.

Q3: How does temperature affect battery size?
A: Cold temperatures reduce battery capacity. In cold climates, increase size by 20-30%.

Q4: What's the difference between Ah and Wh?
A: Amp-hours (Ah) measure charge, while watt-hours (Wh) measure energy. Multiply Ah by voltage to get Wh.

Q5: Can I use this for lithium batteries?
A: Yes, but lithium batteries can typically discharge deeper (80-100%) so you may need less capacity than with lead-acid.