1. What is LiFePO4 Battery Run Time?

The LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery run time is the duration a battery can power a load before needing recharge. It's determined by the battery's capacity, voltage, and the power consumption of the connected load.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the run time equation:

Where:

• Capacity — Battery capacity in amp-hours (Ah)
• Voltage — Nominal voltage of the battery (V)
• Load — Power consumption of the device (W)

Explanation: The equation converts the battery's energy capacity (in watt-hours) and divides it by the load's power consumption to determine how many hours the battery can last.

3. Importance of Run Time Calculation

Details: Accurate run time estimation helps in designing power systems, selecting appropriate battery sizes, and planning for backup power needs in applications like solar systems, RVs, and marine applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the battery capacity in Ah (typically found in specifications), nominal voltage (usually 12V, 24V, or 48V for LiFePO4), and the load power in watts. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is this calculation accurate for all LiFePO4 batteries?
A: This provides an estimate. Actual run time may vary based on temperature, battery age, discharge rate, and other factors.

Q2: Should I consider Depth of Discharge (DoD)?
A: Yes. LiFePO4 batteries typically allow 80-100% DoD. For longer battery life, multiply the result by your desired DoD percentage (e.g., 0.8 for 80% DoD).

Q3: How does this compare to lead-acid batteries?
A: LiFePO4 batteries can typically discharge more of their capacity (higher DoD) and maintain voltage better under load than lead-acid.

Q4: What if my load varies?
A: For variable loads, use the average power consumption or calculate run time for different load scenarios.

Q5: Can I use this for battery banks?
A: Yes, sum the capacities of parallel-connected batteries (keeping voltage the same) for bank calculations.