Battery Capacity Formula:
From: | To: |
Battery capacity is a measure of the charge stored in a battery, typically measured in ampere-hours (Ah). It represents how much current a battery can deliver over a specified time period.
The calculator uses the battery capacity formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates how much charge the battery can deliver by multiplying the discharge current by the time it can sustain that current.
Details: Knowing battery capacity is essential for designing power systems, estimating runtime, and selecting appropriate batteries for specific applications.
Tips: Enter discharge current in Amps and time in hours. Both values must be positive numbers. The result will be in ampere-hours (Ah).
Q1: What's the difference between Ah and Wh?
A: Ah (Ampere-hours) measures charge capacity, while Wh (Watt-hours) measures energy capacity. Wh = Ah × Voltage.
Q2: How does temperature affect battery capacity?
A: Capacity typically decreases at lower temperatures and may increase slightly at moderate temperatures above room temperature.
Q3: What is C-rate in batteries?
A: C-rate is the discharge current relative to battery capacity. A 1C rate means discharging at current equal to the Ah rating in 1 hour.
Q4: Why do battery capacities decrease over time?
A: Due to chemical degradation, loss of active materials, and increased internal resistance from charge/discharge cycles.
Q5: How accurate is this calculation for real-world applications?
A: This gives theoretical capacity. Actual capacity may vary based on discharge rate, temperature, age, and battery chemistry.