1. What is Battery Capacity?

Battery capacity is a measure of the charge stored in a battery, typically measured in ampere-hours (Ah). It indicates how much current a battery can deliver over a specified time period.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the battery capacity formula:

Where:

• \( Discharge Current \) — Current drawn from battery in Amperes (A)
• \( Discharge Time \) — Time battery can sustain the current in hours (h)

Explanation: The formula calculates the total charge capacity by multiplying the discharge current by the time the battery can sustain that current.

3. Importance of Battery Capacity Calculation

Details: Knowing battery capacity is essential for designing power systems, estimating battery life, and ensuring proper sizing for applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter discharge current in Amps and discharge time in hours. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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?
A: This provides theoretical capacity. Actual capacity depends on discharge rate, temperature, age, and battery chemistry.