Off-grid solar energy has become famous for domestic and industrial use in recent years. Although there are many storage options for solar power, determining how big a battery is required for a property or home is the same. The process of sizing a battery involves determining the battery’s load and runtime autonomy.
We must also account for energy efficiency and change from the input source into the desired form. We need to consider several factors when determining the system’s battery capacity. These include the total load, per person, and individual run times.
The Autonomy of (H) in Hours
This is how long a battery can operate without needing to be recharged. Each load has autonomy, which can be labeled h1, H2, H3, etc.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Battery Size
A detailed approach is required to determine the solar system’s battery requirements. This must take into consideration the voltage losses. We must also understand that solar batteries’ capacity changes with temperature. The lower the temperature, the smaller the capacity. The battery’s life span will be shorter if heated to operating temperatures above 85 degrees Celsius.
Calculating the Total and Average Load
It can be done by directly measuring the load and estimating the equipment rating.
Estimate the Battery Capacity by Using an Average Load
The average load can be calculated by considering factors like inefficiencies, run Time, Time at which they occur at discharge, and peak load. The battery’s remaining capacity can then be calculated.
It is important to note that the size and input required to charge the solar battery are directly related. The charger must also provide sufficient current to recharge the battery until it is fully charged.
The efficiency of the battery and charger is another essential factor to consider. The conversion losses from the power source will affect the charger’s efficiency. More losses can be expected due to the variations in the discharge voltage and battery charging.
Beneficial Formula for Finding Energy:
Energy efficiency in Watt Hours = Amps/Volts/time
Coulombic efficiency = Ampere-hours in Coulombic Efficiency = Amps x Time
Battery Sizing for Solar Battery and Charger
Once the output requirements and recharge characteristics have been determined, solar battery sizing can be accurately determined.
Total Watts minus the inefficiencies are taken from the battery = Total Watts minus the inefficiencies.
Size of the Battery = (Time * Total Watt)/ (Battery Voltage* Capacity Fraction) * (Temperature Compensation)
The ambient temperature, depth of discharge, and recharge affect the battery size necessity. These factors determine the battery’s life cycle and Time to recharge.
A fraction can be used to express battery capacity. If the maximum value of ninety percent follows the SOC/state-of-charge’s minimum value of twenty percent, the capacity fraction would be 75% or 0.75.
A contingency factor of +5% is added to the battery sizing calculation formula for smooth operation.
Bottom-Line
This method of solar battery calculation can take time and effort. You can get exact values from an easy-to-use solar battery size calculator.