1. What is Battery Capacity Calculation?

The battery capacity calculation determines how much energy storage (in amp-hours) is needed to power an AC inverter air conditioner for a specified runtime. This ensures your battery bank can adequately support your cooling needs.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the battery capacity equation:

Where:

• \( AC\ Inverter\ W \) — Power consumption of the inverter AC (watts)
• \( Runtime\ h \) — Desired operating time (hours)
• \( V \) — Battery system voltage (volts)

Explanation: The equation converts watt-hours to amp-hours by accounting for the system voltage, showing how much current the battery must deliver over time.

3. Importance of Proper Battery Sizing

Details: Correct battery capacity calculation prevents system failures, extends battery life, and ensures your air conditioner runs for the required duration without power interruptions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the AC inverter's wattage (found on nameplate), desired runtime in hours, and your battery bank voltage (typically 12V, 24V, or 48V). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Should I add a safety margin to the calculated capacity?
A: Yes, we recommend adding 20-30% to account for inefficiencies, battery aging, and voltage drops.

Q2: How does inverter efficiency affect this calculation?
A: The formula assumes 100% efficiency. For more accuracy, divide the result by your inverter's efficiency (typically 0.85-0.95).

Q3: What's the difference between Ah and Wh?
A: Amp-hours (Ah) measure charge capacity, while watt-hours (Wh) measure energy capacity. They're related by voltage (Wh = Ah × V).

Q4: Can I use this for non-inverter AC units?
A: This works for any AC load, but non-inverter units typically have higher startup surges that require additional battery capacity.

Q5: How does temperature affect battery capacity?
A: Cold temperatures reduce battery capacity. In cold climates, you may need 1.5-2× the calculated capacity.