UPS Battery Size Formula:
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The UPS battery size calculation determines the required battery capacity (in ampere-hours) needed to support a specific electrical load for a desired backup time. This ensures your UPS system can provide adequate power during outages.
The calculator uses the following formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula converts watt-hours to ampere-hours by accounting for the system voltage.
Details: Correct battery sizing ensures sufficient backup time, prevents over-discharge (which damages batteries), and optimizes system cost and space requirements.
Tips: Enter the total wattage of all devices to be powered, desired backup time in hours, and battery bank voltage. Typical voltages are 12V, 24V, or 48V for most UPS systems.
Q1: Should I add margin to the calculated size?
A: Yes, add 20-30% to account for battery aging, temperature effects, and conversion losses.
Q2: What's the difference between Ah and Wh?
A: Ampere-hours (Ah) measure charge capacity, while watt-hours (Wh) measure energy capacity. Wh = Ah × V.
Q3: How does battery type affect the calculation?
A: Lead-acid batteries should only be discharged to 50% capacity for longevity, while lithium can often go to 80-90%.
Q4: Does inverter efficiency matter?
A: Yes, typical UPS inverters are 85-95% efficient. Divide the result by 0.9 for 90% efficiency.
Q5: How do I convert VA to watts?
A: For computer loads, multiply VA by 0.6-0.7 to estimate watts. For precise values, check device specifications.