Battery Capacity Formula:
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The UPS battery capacity calculation determines how much battery capacity (in ampere-hours) is needed to support a given UPS load for a specified time period at a particular battery voltage.
The calculator uses the following equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation calculates the required battery capacity by accounting for the total energy needed (VA × hours) and dividing by the battery voltage to get ampere-hours.
Details: Proper battery sizing is crucial for UPS systems to ensure they can provide adequate backup power during outages. Undersized batteries may lead to premature shutdowns, while oversized batteries increase costs unnecessarily.
Tips: Enter the UPS load in VA (volt-amps), desired backup time in hours, and battery bank voltage in volts. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: How do I determine my UPS load?
A: The UPS load is typically the sum of the power ratings of all equipment connected to the UPS, usually provided in VA or watts.
Q2: What's the difference between VA and watts?
A: VA (volt-amps) is apparent power, while watts is real power. For purely resistive loads they are equal, but for other loads VA will be higher due to power factor.
Q3: What battery voltage should I use?
A: Common UPS battery voltages are 12V, 24V, or 48V for smaller systems, and higher voltages (96V, 192V, etc.) for larger systems.
Q4: Should I add a safety margin to the calculated capacity?
A: Yes, it's recommended to add 20-30% to account for battery aging, temperature effects, and other variables.
Q5: How does battery type affect the calculation?
A: Different battery chemistries (lead-acid, lithium-ion) have different discharge characteristics, but the basic capacity calculation remains the same.