Battery Sizing Formula:
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The battery sizing calculation determines the required battery capacity (in ampere-hours) for an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system when batteries are connected in series. This ensures the UPS can support the connected load for the required duration.
The calculator uses the following equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation calculates the required battery capacity by determining the total energy needed (watt-hours) and dividing by the system voltage to get ampere-hours.
Details: Correct battery sizing is crucial for ensuring UPS systems provide adequate backup time. Undersized batteries may not support critical loads during outages, while oversized batteries increase costs unnecessarily.
Tips: Enter the total load in watts, desired backup time in hours, and total series voltage in volts. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What's the difference between series and parallel battery connections?
A: Series connections increase voltage while keeping capacity the same. Parallel connections increase capacity while keeping voltage the same.
Q2: How do I determine my UPS load in watts?
A: Sum the wattage of all connected devices or check the UPS display/management software for current load percentage.
Q3: Should I add a safety margin to the calculated size?
A: Yes, it's common to add 20-25% to account for battery aging, temperature effects, and unexpected load increases.
Q4: How does battery voltage affect the calculation?
A: Higher system voltages reduce the required ampere-hour capacity for the same power and runtime.
Q5: What about battery efficiency?
A: This calculation assumes 100% efficiency. For lead-acid batteries, you might need to divide by 0.8 (80% efficiency).