Battery Capacity Equation:
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Amp-hours (Ah) is a measure of electric charge that represents how much current a battery can supply over time. It's calculated by dividing the energy capacity in watt-hours by the voltage of the battery.
The calculator uses the simple equation:
Where:
Explanation: This conversion allows you to determine how many amps the battery can deliver for one hour, or how many hours it can deliver a specific current.
Details: Knowing the amp-hour rating helps in sizing batteries for applications, comparing different battery types, and estimating runtime for electrical devices.
Tips: Enter the battery's capacity in watt-hours and its nominal voltage. Both values must be positive numbers. Common battery voltages include 3.7V (Li-ion), 12V (car battery), etc.
Q1: What's the difference between Wh and Ah?
A: Watt-hours measure energy capacity, while amp-hours measure charge capacity. Wh takes voltage into account, making it better for comparing different battery types.
Q2: How do I find my battery's Wh rating?
A: It's often printed on the battery. If not, multiply Ah by nominal voltage (Wh = Ah × V).
Q3: Why is voltage important in this calculation?
A: Different battery chemistries operate at different voltages, so the same Wh capacity will yield different Ah values at different voltages.
Q4: Can I use this for battery banks?
A: Yes, as long as all batteries in the bank have the same voltage. For series connections, use the total voltage; for parallel, sum the Wh capacities.
Q5: How does this relate to battery runtime?
A: Runtime (hours) = Ah / Load current (A). A 10Ah battery can power a 1A device for ~10 hours or a 5A device for ~2 hours.