UPS Battery Capacity Formula:
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The UPS Battery Capacity calculation determines the required battery size (in Ampere-hours) to support a specific UPS load for a desired backup time. It considers battery voltage, depth of discharge, and system efficiency to provide accurate sizing recommendations.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the required battery capacity by dividing the total energy requirement by the available energy from the battery considering discharge limits and system losses.
Details: Proper battery sizing is crucial for ensuring uninterrupted power supply during outages, preventing battery damage from over-discharge, optimizing battery life, and avoiding unnecessary costs from oversizing.
Tips: Enter UPS load in VA, desired backup time in hours, battery bank voltage, appropriate depth of discharge (typically 0.8 for lead-acid), and system efficiency (typically 0.9). All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What is Depth of Discharge (DoD)?
A: DoD is the percentage of battery capacity that can be used without damaging the battery. For lead-acid batteries, 80% is typical to extend battery life.
Q2: Why consider system efficiency?
A: Efficiency accounts for losses in the UPS system including inverter losses, wiring losses, and battery internal resistance.
Q3: How does battery voltage affect capacity?
A: Higher battery voltage reduces the required Ah capacity for the same power requirement, as power = voltage × current.
Q4: Should I add a safety margin?
A: Yes, it's recommended to add 10-20% safety margin to account for battery aging, temperature effects, and future load increases.
Q5: Can this calculator be used for lithium batteries?
A: Yes, but use appropriate DoD values (typically 0.9-0.95 for lithium) and consult manufacturer specifications for exact parameters.