Battery Capacity Formula:
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The Inverter Battery Calculator helps determine the required battery capacity (in ampere-hours) based on your inverter's load, desired backup time, and system voltage. It's essential for designing reliable power backup systems.
The calculator uses the following formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates how much current (in amperes) your system will draw over time, determining the battery capacity needed to sustain your load.
Details: Proper battery sizing ensures your power backup system meets your needs without over-investing in unnecessary capacity. Undersized batteries may not provide enough backup time, while oversized systems are unnecessarily expensive.
Tips:
Q1: What's the difference between Ah and Wh?
A: Amp-hours (Ah) measure charge capacity, while watt-hours (Wh) measure energy capacity. Wh = Ah × V. Our calculator gives Ah which is standard for battery ratings.
Q2: How does battery type affect capacity?
A: Lead-acid batteries typically shouldn't be discharged below 50%, while lithium can often go to 80-90% discharge. Adjust your calculations accordingly.
Q3: Should I add a safety margin?
A: Yes, we recommend adding 20-30% to the calculated value to account for inefficiencies and battery aging.
Q4: How does temperature affect battery capacity?
A: Cold temperatures reduce battery capacity. Below freezing, lead-acid batteries may deliver only 50-60% of rated capacity.
Q5: Can I connect batteries in series/parallel?
A: Series connections increase voltage (capacity stays same), parallel connections increase capacity (voltage stays same). Always use identical batteries when connecting.