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Battery Discharge Time Formula:
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Battery discharge time refers to the duration a battery can power a device before needing recharging. It's calculated based on the battery's capacity and the rate at which current is drawn from it.
The calculator uses the battery discharge time formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula provides a theoretical estimate of how long a battery will last under constant current draw, assuming ideal conditions.
Details: Calculating battery discharge time is essential for designing power systems, selecting appropriate batteries for applications, and estimating runtime for electronic devices and backup power systems.
Tips: Enter battery capacity in amp-hours (Ah) and discharge rate in amperes (A). Both values must be positive numbers. The result shows the estimated discharge time in hours.
Q1: Is this calculation accurate for all battery types?
A: This provides a theoretical estimate. Actual runtime may vary due to factors like battery age, temperature, discharge curve, and efficiency losses.
Q2: What is the difference between Ah and Wh?
A: Ah (amp-hours) measures charge capacity, while Wh (watt-hours) measures energy capacity. Wh = Ah × Voltage.
Q3: Why might actual discharge time differ from calculated?
A: Factors include battery internal resistance, temperature effects, discharge rate (Peukert effect), and battery age/health.
Q4: How does discharge rate affect battery life?
A: Higher discharge rates typically reduce both runtime and overall battery lifespan due to increased internal heating and stress.
Q5: Can this formula be used for lithium-ion batteries?
A: Yes, but note that lithium-ion batteries have different discharge characteristics and voltage curves compared to lead-acid batteries.