To determine how long a battery will last on an inverter, you need to consider the following:
1. Battery Capacity
The most crucial factor is the battery capacity, measured in ampere-hours (Ah). A higher Ah rating means the battery can deliver more power for a longer duration.
2. Inverter Load
The load on the inverter, measured in watts (W), determines how much power the battery needs to supply. A higher load will drain the battery faster.
3. Inverter Efficiency
Inverter efficiency is expressed as a percentage, representing how much of the battery's power is converted into usable power. A higher efficiency means less energy is lost during conversion.
Calculation
You can estimate the battery runtime using the following formula:
Runtime (hours) = Battery Capacity (Ah) x Battery Voltage (V) / Load (W) x Inverter Efficiency (%)
Example:
- Battery capacity: 100 Ah
- Battery voltage: 12 V
- Load: 500 W
- Inverter efficiency: 90%
Runtime = 100 Ah x 12 V / 500 W x 0.9 = 2.67 hours
Practical Insights:
- Real-world factors: The actual runtime might vary due to factors like battery age, temperature, and load fluctuations.
- Deep discharge: Avoid deep discharging batteries, as it can shorten their lifespan.
- Battery monitoring: Use a battery monitor to track the battery's state of charge and remaining runtime.
By understanding these factors and using the provided calculation, you can estimate how long your battery will last on your inverter.
