1. What is the UPS Battery Life Equation?

The UPS battery life equation estimates how long a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) can power a given load based on its battery capacity and voltage. This calculation helps in selecting appropriate UPS systems for critical applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the UPS battery life equation:

Where:

• \( \text{UPS Capacity} \) — Battery capacity in amp-hours (Ah)
• \( V \) — Battery voltage in volts (V)
• \( \text{DigiKey Load} \) — Power consumption of the load in watts (W)

Explanation: The equation calculates runtime by converting battery capacity to watt-hours (Ah × V) and dividing by the load power consumption.

3. Importance of Battery Life Calculation

Details: Accurate battery life estimation is crucial for ensuring uninterrupted power supply during outages, especially for critical systems like servers, medical equipment, and telecommunications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter UPS capacity in Ah, voltage in V, and load in W. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What factors affect actual battery life?
A: Battery age, temperature, discharge rate, and efficiency losses can all affect actual runtime.

Q2: Should I derate the calculated runtime?
A: Yes, it's recommended to multiply the result by 0.7-0.8 to account for real-world inefficiencies.

Q3: How does battery type affect the calculation?
A: Lead-acid batteries typically provide 80-85% of their rated capacity, while lithium-ion can provide 95% or more.

Q4: What's a typical UPS battery voltage?
A: Common voltages are 12V for small UPS and 24V/48V for larger systems.

Q5: How often should batteries be replaced?
A: Most UPS batteries need replacement every 3-5 years, depending on usage and environmental conditions.