1. What is Battery Capacity?

Battery capacity is a measure of the charge stored in a battery, typically measured in ampere-hours (Ah). For a 12V battery system, it indicates how much current a battery can provide at the nominal voltage for a specified time.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Energy} \) — Energy in watt-hours (Wh)
• \( 12 \text{V} \) — Nominal battery voltage

Explanation: The formula converts energy (Wh) to capacity (Ah) by dividing by the battery voltage.

3. Importance of Battery Capacity Calculation

Details: Knowing battery capacity is essential for sizing battery banks, estimating runtime, and ensuring proper system design for applications like solar power systems, RVs, and backup power.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter energy in watt-hours (Wh). The value must be greater than 0. The calculator assumes a 12V nominal battery system.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use 12V as the standard?
A: 12V is a common standard for many battery systems including automotive, marine, and small solar applications.

Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides theoretical capacity. Actual capacity may vary based on battery chemistry, temperature, and discharge rate.

Q3: Can I use this for lithium batteries?
A: Yes, the formula works for any battery chemistry as long as the nominal voltage is 12V.

Q4: What if my battery isn't exactly 12V?
A: For more precise calculations, use the actual nominal voltage of your battery system.

Q5: How does this relate to battery runtime?
A: Runtime depends on load current. Divide capacity (Ah) by load current (A) to estimate hours of operation.