Battery Capacity Equation:
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The battery capacity equation calculates the required battery capacity (in ampere-hours) for a solar inverter system based on power consumption, time, depth of discharge, system voltage, and efficiency.
The calculator uses the battery capacity equation:
Where:
Explanation: This equation determines the battery capacity needed to support a specific power load for a given time period while considering battery discharge limits and system efficiency.
Details: Proper battery sizing is crucial for solar inverter systems to ensure reliable power supply, prevent battery damage from over-discharge, optimize system performance, and extend battery lifespan.
Tips: Enter power consumption in watts, time in hours, depth of discharge as decimal (0-1), system voltage in volts, and efficiency as decimal (0-1). All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What is Depth of Discharge (DoD)?
A: DoD indicates how much of the battery's capacity has been used. A higher DoD means more capacity is used, but frequent deep discharges can shorten battery life.
Q2: What is typical system efficiency for solar inverters?
A: Most modern solar inverters have efficiency between 85-95% (0.85-0.95). This accounts for conversion losses in the inverter and battery system.
Q3: How do I determine my power consumption?
A: Calculate the total wattage of all appliances you want to run simultaneously, or use energy monitoring devices to measure actual consumption.
Q4: What voltage should I use for my system?
A: Common system voltages are 12V, 24V, or 48V. Higher voltages are more efficient for larger systems. Use the nominal voltage of your battery bank.
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.