Battery Life Formula:
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The watt-hour battery life calculation estimates how long a battery will last under a specific load. It's crucial for designing and using battery-powered systems, from small electronics to electric vehicles.
The calculator uses the simple formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula divides the total energy available by the rate at which energy is being consumed to determine how many hours the battery will last.
Details: Accurate battery life estimation helps in system design, power management, and user experience planning. It's essential for applications where continuous power is critical.
Tips: Enter battery capacity in watt-hours and load power in watts. Both values must be positive numbers. For best accuracy, use manufacturer specifications for both values.
Q1: What's the difference between Wh and mAh?
A: Watt-hours (Wh) measure energy capacity, while milliamp-hours (mAh) measure charge capacity. To convert mAh to Wh, you need to know the battery voltage.
Q2: Does this account for battery efficiency?
A: No, this is a theoretical maximum. Real-world battery life may be 10-25% shorter due to efficiency losses and other factors.
Q3: What affects actual battery life?
A: Temperature, discharge rate, battery age, and charging cycles can all impact real-world battery performance.
Q4: How do I find my battery's watt-hour rating?
A: Check the battery label or specifications. For mAh ratings, multiply by voltage (V) and divide by 1000 to get Wh.
Q5: Can I use this for any battery type?
A: Yes, the formula works for lithium-ion, lead-acid, NiMH, and other battery types as long as you have the correct Wh rating.