Sep 13, 2021 Pageview:1424
It is pivotal for us to know how to calculate battery run time. Doing so will help us to know how long the battery will last, allowing us to prepare ourselves better when it’s about to run out. This article offers the methods to calculate battery run time, along some information regarding battery inverters.
Calculate Battery Run Time Inverter
Contrary to people’s beliefs, counting the run time inverter is pretty easy.
How do you calculate battery run time inverter?
This is the formula available to use to calculate the battery run time:
Backup Time (in hours) = Battery Capacity (in Ah) X Input voltage (V) / Total Load (in Watts)
Let’s use an example to do the calculation. There is a 150 Ah inverter battery with a 12 V input voltage, and it’s pivotal to use it on a router, two fans, and three tube lights. How will you calculate it?
Tube lights = 120 Watts
Fans = 150 Watts
Wi-Fi router = 20 Watts
Total: 290 Watts
If we apply the watts to the formula, it will be: 150 x 12 / 290 = 6.2
The battery-based inverter will give the power we need for at least 6.2 hours.
What is a battery inverter?
Battery inverter has something to do with power conversion. A battery-based inverter transforms direct current (DC) from batteries into alternating current (AC) at the proper voltage and frequency to power lights, appliances, and other devices that rely on energy from the utility grid. Like the more prevalent grid-tie inverters, all battery-based inverters may be used in off-grid systems, and some can also send electricity back into the utility grid via net metering. A battery bank is required for all of these battery-based inverters to work.
What makes a battery inverter perfect is the fact that they can be used for both grid systems and off-grid systems. What are they, and how do they work?
Grid-Interactive Inverters
Grid-interactive inverters, also known as dual-function or hybrid inverters, have the ability to export energy to the utility grid. During a grid outage, it may also provide backup power to protected loads. These inverters store energy in a battery bank and will not work without them. They also have an automated transfer switch that allows them to securely operate off-grid in the event of a blackout.
It is crucial to know that the battery bank consumes a large quantity of energy. As a result, systems with battery backup usually produce 5 to 10% less energy (kWh) per kW of PV array than comparable grid-tie systems without batteries.
Off-Grid Inverters
Battery-based inverters convert DC electricity from a battery bank to AC power off the grid. In this instance, a charge controller is utilized to charge the batteries from the PV array and/or wind generator, and only the power needed by the loads is reversed to AC. Because these systems do not have access to the electrical grid, the inverter and battery bank must be suitably sized.
Off-grid inverters can produce AC waveforms that are either sine wave or modified sine wave (modified square wave). Sine wave inverters are capable of accurately simulating utility grid electricity and can power almost any AC equipment. For sensitive audio or telecommunications equipment, sine wave inverters with cleaner waveforms, such as the Exeltech XP series, are frequently sought.
Calculate Battery Run Time Online
Theoretically, the formula to count the battery’s runtime is Time(H) = Capacity(Ah)/Current(A). Time will be in hours if the capacity is in amp-hours and the current is in amps (charging or discharging).
If you think calculating by yourself is a hassle, worry not because there are online websites that offer the service to count the battery run time for you. Here are some of the websites whose result and accuracy have been tested by the team:
1. Batteries in a Flash
Just as the name stated, the website offers its user a battery run time calculator result that is as quick as flash. The website offers two kinds of calculations: battery run time and battery size.
The battery run time calculator requires the basic information you can get easily on the battery’s packaging. The website requests information about the battery’s capacity (Ah), application consumption (Amps), and battery type (gel, flooded, AGM, or others). Once you have all the information, the website will give the result in a flash.
As for the battery size calculator, you will need to give information on the application load (Ah), application runtime (hours), and the battery type. You can also check mark the points if you will need the battery outside (hotter temperature) and longer than six months.
2. Digikey
Digikey is the kind of converter for those who want to get the online result while learning it at the same time. On Digikey’s website, you can see the formula to count the battery run time attached next to the calculator. They also give the definition of the formula, giving us a deeper understanding regarding the formula.
If you want to calculate the battery’s running time using Digikey, you will need to give the battery capacity (mAh) and the device consumption (mA). You will also need to give the time format of the battery, whether its hours, days, weeks, months, or years.
After you have given all the information, the website will give you the result in a couple of minutes.
Calculate Battery Run Time mah
The formula used to count the run time of mAH is (mAh)/(Amps*1000) = (hours). For example, you have a battery of 3000 mAH that runs on 0.2 Amps (equal to 2000 mA). The result of the formula will be:
3000)/(0.2*1000) = (3000)/(200)= 15 Hours
Thus, the battery’s runtime will be 15 hours on average, assuming the battery is in its normal condition.
We hope that this article can help you calculate the run time of the battery, whether it’s online or done manually. Have you counted your battery’s run time?
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