1. What is Battery Capacity Calculation?

The battery capacity calculation determines how much energy storage (in ampere-hours) is needed to power an AC inverter for a specific duration. It helps in sizing battery banks for solar systems, UPS, and other power backup solutions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the battery capacity formula:

Where:

• \( Inverter\ AC\ Power \) — Power consumption of AC load in watts
• \( Time \) — Duration of operation in hours
• \( Voltage \) — System voltage in volts

Explanation: The formula converts power requirements over time into battery capacity by accounting for the system voltage.

3. Importance of Battery Capacity Calculation

Details: Proper battery sizing ensures your power system can meet energy demands without over-discharging batteries, which extends battery life and improves system reliability.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the inverter's AC power output in watts, desired runtime in hours, and system voltage in volts. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Should I add a safety margin to the calculated capacity?
A: Yes, it's recommended to add 20-30% to account for inefficiencies, battery aging, and unexpected load increases.

Q2: What's the difference between Ah and Wh?
A: Amp-hours (Ah) measure charge capacity, while watt-hours (Wh) measure energy capacity. Wh = Ah × V.

Q3: Does this account for inverter efficiency?
A: No, this is a basic calculation. For more accuracy, divide the result by your inverter's efficiency (typically 0.85-0.95).

Q4: How does battery type affect capacity?
A: Different battery chemistries (lead-acid, lithium) have different usable capacities. Lead-acid batteries typically shouldn't be discharged below 50%.

Q5: Can I use this for DC loads?
A: Yes, but you can simplify by using just the DC current draw (A) × time (h) = Ah needed.