1. What is Run Time?

Run Time is the duration a battery can power a device before needing recharge. It's calculated based on battery capacity, voltage, and the power consumption of the connected load.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Run Time equation:

Where:

• Battery Capacity — The energy storage capacity in amp-hours (Ah)
• Battery Voltage — The nominal voltage of the battery (V)
• Load Power — The power consumption of the device being powered (W)

Explanation: The equation calculates how long a battery can sustain a given power load by converting the battery's energy capacity (in watt-hours) to runtime at the specified power level.

3. Importance of Run Time Calculation

Details: Accurate run time estimation is crucial for system design, backup power planning, and ensuring uninterrupted operation of critical devices.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter battery capacity in Ah, voltage in V, and load power in W. All values must be positive numbers for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is my actual run time different from calculated?
A: Real-world factors like temperature, battery age, discharge rate, and efficiency losses can affect actual performance.

Q2: Should I use nominal or actual battery voltage?
A: For lead-acid batteries, use nominal voltage (12V, 24V etc.). For lithium batteries, you might use average voltage during discharge.

Q3: Does this work for all battery types?
A: Yes, the basic calculation applies to all battery chemistries, though actual performance may vary by type.

Q4: How does battery capacity change with discharge rate?
A: Some batteries (especially lead-acid) have reduced capacity at higher discharge rates (Peukert effect).

Q5: What if my load power varies?
A: For variable loads, you may need to calculate for different power levels or use average power consumption.