Battery System Model
Ralph Varckette
This
battery system models the relationship between battery loads and
available time based on Amp-Hours (unit of electrical charge). The
battery has 120 Amp-Hours available and amp draw from individual
loads can be changed to determine battery life.
The
Amp-Hour rating tells you how much amperage is available when
discharged evenly over a period. The amp hour rating is cumulative,
so in order to know how many constant amps the battery will output
for 10 hours, you have to divide the amp-hour rating by 10. Example:
If a battery has an amp-hour rating of 120, dividing by 10 = 12.0
amps. Such a battery can carry a 12.0 amp load for 10 hours before
dropping to the fully discharged level, at which point the battery
needs to be recharged.
This
model will simulate battery life with both steady and dynamic loads.