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Battery Run Time Formula:
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The battery run time calculation estimates how long a LiPo (Lithium Polymer) battery will last under a specific electrical load. This is essential for planning power requirements in various electronic applications.
The calculator uses the simple formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula divides the total energy storage capacity of the battery by the rate at which energy is being consumed to determine the total runtime.
Details: Calculating battery run time is crucial for designing portable electronics, drones, RC vehicles, and any battery-powered system where knowing operational duration is important for functionality and safety.
Tips: Enter the battery capacity in Ah (Ampere-hours) and the load current in A (Amperes). Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.
Q1: Is this calculation accurate for all battery types?
A: While the basic formula applies to all battery types, actual performance may vary due to factors like battery chemistry, age, temperature, and discharge rate.
Q2: Why is my actual battery life shorter than calculated?
A: Real-world factors like voltage drop, battery aging, temperature effects, and inefficiencies in the system can reduce actual run time compared to theoretical calculations.
Q3: Should I fully discharge my LiPo battery?
A: No, fully discharging LiPo batteries can damage them. It's recommended to stop using them before they reach their minimum voltage threshold (typically around 3.0-3.2V per cell).
Q4: How does discharge rate affect battery life?
A: Higher discharge rates typically reduce the effective capacity of a battery due to internal resistance and heating effects, resulting in shorter run times than calculated.
Q5: Can I use this for batteries rated in mAh?
A: Yes, but you'll need to convert mAh to Ah (divide by 1000) and ensure your load current is in Amperes (not milliamperes) for accurate results.