48V Battery Run Time Calculator

Need to figure out how long your 48V battery system will last? Our 48V Battery Run Time Calculator takes the guesswork out of battery runtime estimation. Just enter your battery capacity, power requirements, and system efficiency to get an accurate estimate of your runtime.

Battery Capacity (Ah):

Load Power (Watts):

System Efficiency (%):

Includes inverter and transmission losses

Maximum Depth of Discharge (%):

This calculator helps you determine how long a 48V battery system will run under specific load conditions. Whether you’re planning a solar system, backup power solution, or mobile power application, this tool provides accurate runtime estimates considering real-world factors.

Understanding Basic Concepts

48V Battery Systems

Common in renewable energy systems
Used in telecom applications
Popular for off-grid setups
Higher efficiency than lower voltage systems

Key Components

Battery bank (48V nominal)
Inverter/converter
Load devices
Monitoring systems

Calculator Inputs Explained

Battery Capacity (Ah)

Measured in Amp-hours
Common ranges:
- Small systems: 50-100Ah
- Medium systems: 100-200Ah
- Large systems: 200Ah+
How to find your capacity:
- Check battery specifications
- Multiple batteries in parallel add capacity
- Series connection doesn’t affect Ah rating

Load Power (Watts)

Total power consumption of devices
How to calculate:
- Add up all device wattages
- Consider duty cycles
- Account for startup surges
- Include essential loads only

System Efficiency (%)

Typical range: 80-95%
Factors affecting efficiency:
- Inverter efficiency
- Wire losses
- Temperature effects
- Battery age
Recommended settings:
- New system: 90-95%
- Older system: 80-85%
- If unsure: use 85%

Depth of Discharge (DoD)

Maximum recommended discharge level
Typical settings:
- Lithium batteries: 80%
- AGM batteries: 50%
- Flooded lead-acid: 50%
Impact on battery life:
- Lower DoD = longer battery life
- Higher DoD = more usable capacity

Understanding the Results

Runtime Estimate

Shows hours and minutes
Represents continuous operation
Factors included:
- Available energy
- System losses
- DoD limits

Power Analysis

Load Power
- Actual device consumption
- Continuous rating
Actual Power Draw
- Includes efficiency losses
- Real battery drain
Current Draw
- System current requirements
- Wiring considerations

Energy Capacity

Total Energy
- Maximum stored energy
- Theoretical capacity
Usable Energy
- Practical available energy
- Accounts for DoD limits

Practical Applications

Solar Power Systems

Backup calculation
Night-time runtime
Minimum battery sizing
Load management

UPS Systems

Backup duration
System sizing
Load planning
Battery requirements

Mobile Systems

RV power planning
Marine applications
Portable power stations
Work site power

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How accurate is the runtime estimate?

A: The calculator provides theoretical estimates. Actual runtime may vary based on conditions and usage patterns.

Q: Should I include occasional loads?

A: Include all loads that might operate simultaneously during critical periods.

Q: How does temperature affect runtime?

A: Lower temperatures reduce battery capacity. Consider reducing capacity by 10% for cold conditions.

Q: What efficiency value should I use?

A: Use 85-90% for new systems, 80-85% for older systems, or check your inverter specifications.

Enjoyed this 48v battery run time calculator? Then be sure to check out our other lithium battery guides.