UPS Battery Equation:
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The UPS Battery Equation calculates the required battery capacity (in amp-hours) for an uninterruptible power supply system based on the load, desired backup time, battery voltage, depth of discharge, and system efficiency.
The calculator uses the UPS Battery Equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation calculates the battery capacity needed to support the specified load for the desired backup time while accounting for battery discharge limitations and system efficiency losses.
Details: Proper battery sizing is crucial for ensuring uninterrupted power supply during outages, preventing system downtime, and maximizing battery life by avoiding over-discharge.
Tips: Enter UPS load in VA, backup time in hours, battery voltage, depth of discharge (0-1), and efficiency (0-1). All values must be positive numbers within their respective ranges.
Q1: What is Depth of Discharge (DoD)?
A: DoD indicates how much of the battery's capacity can be used. A DoD of 0.8 means 80% of the battery capacity can be utilized, preserving 20% to extend battery life.
Q2: What is typical efficiency for UPS systems?
A: Most modern UPS systems have efficiency between 85-95% (0.85-0.95 decimal), depending on the technology and load level.
Q3: How do I convert watts to VA for UPS load?
A: VA = Watts / Power Factor. For typical computer equipment, power factor is around 0.6-0.8. When in doubt, use the VA rating of your equipment.
Q4: What battery voltage should I use?
A: Common UPS battery voltages are 12V, 24V, or 48V. Check your UPS specifications for the correct battery bank voltage.
Q5: Should I add a safety margin to the calculated capacity?
A: Yes, it's recommended to add 10-20% safety margin to account for battery aging, temperature effects, and future load increases.