1. What is Deep Cycle Battery Run Time?

The run time of a deep cycle battery indicates how long it can power a specific load before needing recharging. Unlike starter batteries, deep cycle batteries are designed to provide sustained power over longer periods.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following equation:

Where:

• Deep Cycle Capacity — Battery's amp-hour (Ah) rating
• Voltage — Battery's nominal voltage (typically 6V, 12V, 24V, or 48V)
• Load — Power consumption of your device/appliance in watts

Explanation: The equation converts the battery's energy capacity (in watt-hours) to run time by dividing by the load's power consumption.

3. Importance of Run Time Calculation

Details: Accurate run time estimation helps in sizing battery banks for solar systems, RVs, boats, and off-grid applications to ensure sufficient power availability.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the battery's amp-hour rating, nominal voltage, and your load's wattage. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between deep cycle and regular batteries?
A: Deep cycle batteries are designed for prolonged discharges and frequent recharging, while starter batteries provide short, high-current bursts.

Q2: Should I derate the calculated run time?
A: Yes, for lead-acid batteries, multiply by 0.5-0.8 to account for depth-of-discharge limits and efficiency losses.

Q3: How does temperature affect run time?
A: Cold temperatures reduce available capacity, while high temperatures can increase capacity but decrease battery life.

Q4: What's a typical deep cycle battery capacity?
A: Common capacities range from 50Ah to 250Ah for 12V batteries, with larger systems using multiple batteries.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides theoretical maximum. Actual run time depends on battery age, temperature, discharge rate, and other factors.