How to Use Lithium-ion Battery Size Calculator Properly?

Lithium-ion batteries are a type of rechargeable batteries that come with high energy density and are commonly found in consumer electronics. Unlike lithium primary batteries, a lithium-ion battery utilizes intercalated lithium compound rather than metallic lithium as an electrode. At present, these batteries have become the first choice for many applications and it is all because of the advantages it offers. It has relatively low self-discharge rate as compared to the nickel-based batteries, and low maintenance.

It doesn’t matter in which application you use the battery; it is seen as a proven and mature technology that stores electrical energy. Moreover, the battery is used as a way to provide voltage support for power systems that are weal, for instance, at the end of long, small transmission lines.

Nowadays, it’s quite curial to size the battery properly and that’s when lithium-ion battery size calculator role comes in. If you don’t know much about battery size calculator, then you will be pleased to know that you’re in the right place. Here is the complete guide on lithium-ion battery size calculator - how to use it and why there is a need for it. So, let’s begin.

Types of Lithium-ion Battery Size Calculator

If you look for the lithium-ion battery size calculator on the internet, then you will find different battery manufactures sites that have provided a different formula for battery sizing.

For instance, you may find a battery size calculator that will calculate the battery ratting in Ah (ampere-hour) based on several factors like discharge level, duration, and load. It means that you don’t have to dig into what formula is used behind the calculation and just enter your values and you will get to know the precise size of your lithium-ion battery.

Why Do We Need a Lithium-ion Battery Size Calculator?

Many people wonder why they need a lithium-ion battery size calculator. Well, sizing a battery is quite important to make sure that supplied load or the supported power system are effectively provided for by the battery for the time period for (autonomy) which it is made.

Keep in mind that improper or inappropriate battery sizing cause permanent damage/harm to the cells of the battery from low load voltages, over-discharge, etc and poor autonomy times.

The proper size of a battery system is important to ensure consistent protection of critical loads. Besides using the battery sizing calculator for the load demand, another important factor is redundancy, especially when there is support for the critical loads.

Battery sizing calculation is an important part when it comes to battery maintenance. So, there are a number of benefits when you use the calculator for your lithium-ion battery size. First of all, you get to know where the battery is on its predictable life curve. Secondly, you get to know when it’s time to replace your battery. Thirdly, you find weak cells in your battery.

Another common question that many have is when to do the battery size calculation. Typically, the calculation can be started when the below information is known -

· The nominal voltage of the battery

· Autonomy time or times

· Battery loads required to be supported.

How to Use Lithium-ion Battery Size Calculator Properly?

Well, the important thing you need to keep in your mind is that sizing lithium-ion battery can be quite a complicated task if you don’t have all the necessary information you require to make the precise calculations. At least, you need basic information about your battery to get started.

More importantly, you need to know the parameter defined in the battery sizing calculator. In other words, you need to fill every parameter of the calculator you will use. Thus, to get started, knowing the right cell model and configuration for your battery needs is important. Moreover, you need to know what does all the parameters that are specified in the calculation means.

Well, there are certain things you need to do before sizing your battery system.

· Reduce electrical demand -

Keep in mind that sizing a battery without reducing demand is just like you are heating your room in the winter while leaving the windows open. Once you’re able to reduce energy usage, you can then start sizing your battery system.

· Considering amp-hour requirements

You need to understand that battery sizing is like a balancing act. In order to calculate your battery requirements, you will have to found out how many kWh (kilowatt-hours) you require to store. The good news is that most battery manufacturers generally offer online calculators so to help you simplify the entire calculation process.

However, the standard calculation or formula for power needs is “Watts = Amp X Volts”. Let’s take an example - if you need 1,000 watt-hours a day and choose a 12-volt battery pack, then you will need 84 amp-hours of storage.

Thus, if you know your battery’s daily watt-hour usage, then you’re able to convert it into Amp-hours needed for operation on a daily basis. Ass lithium technology is almost 99% efficient, and that’s why the daily consumption calculation is quite easy to calculate.

Well, there are some factors that influence the sizing of your battery. First, one is Ambient temperature - cold or hear has a remarkable impact on the performance and capacity of the battery. The second one is Seasonal factors - people utilize more power at numerous different times of the year. The sun generates more power during summer that in winter.

Nevertheless, recharge rate, daily Ah consumption, space, and weight requirements are the main things you need to pick the right battery for your application. And lithium-ion battery surpasses all other batteries in terms of efficiency and that’s why they are optional battery solution these days.