1. What is the Battery Capacity Calculation?

This calculation determines the required battery capacity (in ampere-hours) for a Luminous inverter system based on the inverter's VA rating, power factor, desired backup time, and battery bank voltage.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following equation:

Where:

• \( \text{VA} \) — Inverter volt-amp rating
• \( \text{PF} \) — Power factor (typically 0.8 for home inverters)
• \( \text{Time} \) — Desired backup time in hours
• \( \text{DC Voltage} \) — Battery bank voltage (typically 12V, 24V, or 48V)

Explanation: The formula converts the AC power requirement to DC battery capacity needed to support the load for the specified duration.

3. Importance of Proper Battery Sizing

Details: Correct battery sizing ensures adequate backup time, prevents premature battery failure, and optimizes system cost and performance.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the inverter VA rating, power factor (default 0.8), desired backup time in hours, and battery bank voltage (default 12V). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical power factor for home inverters?
A: Most home inverters have a power factor between 0.7 and 0.8. The default in this calculator is 0.8.

Q2: How do I choose the right battery voltage?
A: Match the voltage to your inverter's battery input - common values are 12V, 24V, or 48V for home systems.

Q3: Should I add margin to the calculated Ah value?
A: Yes, it's recommended to add 20-30% margin to account for battery aging and efficiency losses.

Q4: Does this work for all inverter brands?
A: While the formula is universal, it's optimized for Luminous inverters which have specific efficiency characteristics.

Q5: How does temperature affect battery capacity?
A: Battery capacity decreases in cold temperatures - you may need larger capacity in cold climates.