1. What is Deep Cycle Battery Run Time?

The Deep Cycle Battery Run Time calculation estimates how long a battery can power a Rainbird irrigation system before needing recharge. It's based on the battery's capacity (Ah), voltage (V), and the power consumption (W) of the Rainbird system.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following equation:

Where:

• Deep Cycle Ah — Battery capacity in amp-hours
• V — Battery voltage (typically 12V for deep cycle batteries)
• Rainbird W — Power consumption of Rainbird system in watts

Explanation: The equation calculates the total energy capacity of the battery (Ah × V = Wh) and divides it by the power draw of the Rainbird system to determine runtime.

3. Importance of Run Time Calculation

Details: Accurate run time estimation is crucial for irrigation system planning, ensuring your battery can power the Rainbird system for the required duration between charges.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the battery's amp-hour rating (Ah), voltage (V), and the Rainbird system's power consumption (W). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical Ah rating for deep cycle batteries?
A: Common ratings range from 50Ah to 200Ah for solar/irrigation applications. Larger systems may use multiple batteries.

Q2: What voltage should I use for my battery?
A: Most deep cycle batteries are 12V, but check your battery specifications as some systems use 6V or 24V configurations.

Q3: How do I find my Rainbird system's power consumption?
A: Check the controller specifications or measure with a watt meter. Typical Rainbird controllers consume 5-30W.

Q4: Does this account for battery efficiency?
A: This provides theoretical maximum. Real-world results may be 10-20% less due to efficiency losses and battery aging.

Q5: Should I derate for cold weather?
A: Yes, battery capacity decreases in cold temperatures. Add 20-30% more capacity for operation below 50°F (10°C).