Inverter Battery Formula:
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The Inverter Battery Capacity Calculator estimates the required battery capacity in ampere-hours (Ah) for an inverter system based on the load, backup time, system voltage, and depth of discharge. This helps in selecting the appropriate battery size for your power backup needs.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the battery capacity needed to support a specific load for a given duration, accounting for the battery's usable capacity based on its depth of discharge.
Details: Proper battery sizing is essential for ensuring adequate backup power, preventing premature battery failure, optimizing system cost, and maintaining reliable power supply during outages.
Tips: Enter load in watts, backup time in hours, system voltage in volts, and depth of discharge as a decimal between 0 and 1. All values must be positive numbers with DoD not exceeding 1.
Q1: What is depth of discharge (DoD)?
A: Depth of discharge represents the percentage of battery capacity that has been used relative to the total capacity. A higher DoD means more capacity is used, which can affect battery lifespan.
Q2: What is a typical DoD value for batteries?
A: For lead-acid batteries, DoD is typically 0.5-0.8 (50-80%), while lithium batteries can handle 0.8-0.9 (80-90%) DoD without significant degradation.
Q3: How do I determine my total load?
A: Sum the wattage of all devices you want to power simultaneously during an outage. Check device labels or manuals for power consumption information.
Q4: Why is system voltage important?
A: System voltage (typically 12V, 24V, or 48V for inverters) affects the current draw and battery configuration. Higher voltages reduce current requirements for the same power.
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 unexpected load increases.