1. What is Power Inverter Run Time?

The run time of a power inverter indicates how long a battery can power a specific electrical load. It's calculated by dividing the battery's energy capacity (in watt-hours) by the power consumption of the connected device (in watts).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( Battery\ Wh \) — Battery capacity in watt-hours
• \( Load\ Watts \) — Power consumption of the connected device

Explanation: This formula gives the theoretical run time in hours. Actual run time may vary due to factors like inverter efficiency, battery age, and temperature.

3. Importance of Run Time Calculation

Details: Knowing your inverter's expected run time helps in planning power usage during outages, selecting appropriate battery sizes, and managing energy consumption.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter battery capacity in watt-hours (Wh) and load power in watts (W). Both values must be positive numbers. For accurate results, use the actual measured values if possible.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I find my battery's watt-hour rating?
A: Multiply the battery's voltage (V) by its amp-hour (Ah) rating. For example, a 12V 100Ah battery has 1200Wh (12 × 100).

Q2: Does inverter efficiency affect run time?
A: Yes, typical inverters are 85-95% efficient. For more accuracy, divide the result by the inverter's efficiency (e.g., 0.9 for 90% efficient).

Q3: What's the difference between Wh and Ah?
A: Watt-hours (Wh) measure energy capacity, while amp-hours (Ah) measure charge capacity. Wh accounts for voltage differences between batteries.

Q4: Can I use this for solar power systems?
A: Yes, but remember solar charging during use will extend run time. This calculates discharge time without charging.

Q5: Why is my actual run time shorter than calculated?
A: Battery capacity decreases with age, high discharge rates, and cold temperatures. Inverter losses and parasitic loads also reduce run time.