Battery Time Equation:
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The Battery Time Calculator estimates how long a battery will last based on its capacity (Ah), voltage (V), and the power consumption (W) of the device it's powering. This helps in planning power requirements for various applications.
The calculator uses the battery time equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation converts the battery's energy capacity (Ah × V = Wh) and divides it by the power draw (W) to determine runtime in hours.
Details: Accurate battery runtime estimation is crucial for designing power systems, emergency backup planning, and ensuring devices have sufficient power for their intended use duration.
Tips: Enter battery capacity in Ah, voltage in V, and power consumption in W. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What's the difference between Ah and Wh?
A: Ah (amp-hours) measures charge capacity, while Wh (watt-hours) measures energy capacity (Ah × V). Wh accounts for voltage differences between batteries.
Q2: Does this account for battery efficiency?
A: No, this gives theoretical maximum. Real-world times are typically 10-30% less due to efficiency losses, temperature, and discharge rates.
Q3: Can I use this for any battery type?
A: Yes, the calculation works for lead-acid, lithium-ion, etc., but different chemistries have different discharge characteristics.
Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides a good estimate, but actual runtime depends on factors like battery age, temperature, and discharge rate.
Q5: What if my device lists current (A) instead of power (W)?
A: Multiply current (A) by voltage (V) to get power (W), or use Time = Ah / A directly if voltage matches.