Battery Capacity Formula:
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The Inverter Battery Size Calculator helps determine the appropriate battery capacity (in ampere-hours) needed to power a UPS system for a specified duration. It considers the UPS load, required backup time, and battery voltage.
The calculator uses the following formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the battery capacity needed to sustain the given load for the specified duration at the selected battery voltage.
Details: Correct battery sizing ensures your UPS system can provide adequate backup power during outages. Undersized batteries may not last the required time, while oversized batteries increase costs unnecessarily.
Tips: Enter the total VA rating of your UPS load, the desired backup time in hours, and the battery bank voltage. Common battery voltages are 12V, 24V, or 48V.
Q1: Should I add a safety margin to the calculated Ah?
A: Yes, it's recommended to add 20-25% to account for battery aging, temperature effects, and conversion losses.
Q2: How does battery voltage affect the calculation?
A: Higher battery voltages require less Ah capacity for the same power and runtime, as power (VA) equals voltage times current.
Q3: What's the difference between VA and watts?
A: VA is apparent power while watts is real power. For purely resistive loads they're equal, but for reactive loads VA will be higher.
Q4: How many batteries do I need?
A: Divide the total required Ah by the Ah rating of individual batteries, then arrange them in series/parallel as needed to match the voltage.
Q5: Does battery type affect the calculation?
A: The basic calculation applies to all types, but lead-acid batteries typically shouldn't be discharged below 50% capacity for best lifespan.