How to calculate UPS power backup time?

Answered by James Kissner

To calculate the power backup time of a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), you can use a simple formula. The formula is as follows:

Backup Time (in hours) = Battery Capacity (in Ah) X Input Voltage (V) / Total Load (in Watts)

Let’s break down the formula step by step.

1. Battery Capacity (in Ah): This refers to the capacity of the UPS battery, usually measured in Ampere-hours (Ah). The battery capacity indicates how much charge the battery can hold.

For example, if the battery capacity is 110Ah, you would use this value in the formula.

2. Input Voltage (V): This refers to the voltage at which the UPS is operating. It is important to use the correct input voltage value to ensure accurate calculations.

For example, if the UPS is operating at 220V, you would use this value in the formula.

3. Total Load (in Watts): This refers to the total power consumption of the devices connected to the UPS. It is important to consider the power requirements of all connected devices to determine the total load.

For example, if the total load connected to the UPS is 500W, you would use this value in the formula.

Now, let’s apply the formula to calculate the backup time for two different battery capacities.

If the battery capacity is 110Ah:

Backup Time = 110Ah X Input Voltage / Total Load

For example, if the input voltage is 220V and the total load is 500W, the calculation would be:

Backup Time = 110Ah X 220V / 500W

Backup Time = 24200Wh / 500W (Note: Wh stands for watt-hours)

Backup Time = 48.4 hours

Therefore, with a battery capacity of 110Ah, an input voltage of 220V, and a total load of 500W, the UPS would provide approximately 48.4 hours of backup time.

If the battery capacity is 220Ah:

Backup Time = 220Ah X Input Voltage / Total Load

For example, if the input voltage is 220V and the total load is 500W, the calculation would be:

Backup Time = 220Ah X 220V / 500W

Backup Time = 48400Wh / 500W

Backup Time = 96.8 hours

Therefore, with a battery capacity of 220Ah, an input voltage of 220V, and a total load of 500W, the UPS would provide approximately 96.8 hours of backup time.

It is important to note that these calculations provide an estimate of the backup time based on the given parameters. Actual backup time may vary depending on factors such as battery efficiency, discharge rate, and battery age.

In conclusion, to calculate the power backup time of a UPS, use the formula Backup Time = Battery Capacity X Input Voltage / Total Load, where you input the appropriate values for battery capacity, input voltage, and total load.