What size battery is suitable for a 1200W motor?
3 Answers
Selecting a battery is not directly related to the motor's power, but mainly depends on the motor's voltage and the desired runtime per charge. A battery with insufficient capacity will result in shorter endurance. If a large motor is paired with a battery that has inadequate capacity, the battery's lifespan may be affected. Here is some extended information: 1. Motor power: Motor power = Motor voltage × Motor current. With the battery voltage remaining constant, the higher the maximum current the motor windings can withstand, the greater the motor's power will be. A higher motor current also means greater heat generation, so thicker wire diameters and shorter total wire lengths are required to reduce internal resistance, thereby allowing higher currents to pass. Therefore, motors with higher power generally use thicker wires than those with lower power. 2. Battery: A battery is a type of cell, also known as a storage battery, which works by converting chemical energy into electrical energy. The term 'battery' commonly refers to lead-acid batteries, which primarily use lead and its oxides as electrodes and sulfuric acid solution as the electrolyte.
As a seasoned electric bicycle modification enthusiast, I frequently deal with pairing 1200W motors with batteries. In practice, the key factor is the motor's operating voltage. If you're using a 12V system, I'd recommend an 80-100Ah battery to support 1-2 hours of operation, though the battery will be heavy – suitable for short commutes. Switching to a 24V system is better, where 40-50Ah suffices with lower current and less heat generation. The 48V system is optimal, paired with 30-40Ah lithium batteries for lightweight efficiency and longer range. Don't forget battery types: lead-acid is cost-effective but short-lived, while lithium batteries are lightweight and durable but more expensive. Through several modifications, I've learned that mismatched batteries drain quickly and cause sluggish acceleration, so always measure voltage first when selecting capacity, and consult repair shops to avoid mistakes.
Let me briefly explain the matching principle between motors and batteries. The 1200W motor power is fixed, but battery matching depends on voltage. Current is calculated by dividing power by voltage: higher voltage means lower current. For example, a 12V system has about 100A current, and the required battery capacity in Ah roughly equals the desired runtime (in hours) multiplied by the current. To run for 1 hour, you'd need 100Ah. A 24V system with 50A current only requires 50Ah. Considering actual discharge C-rate effects, slightly larger capacity is needed to prevent over-discharge. Battery material is also crucial: lead-acid withstands high voltage but is heavy, while lithium batteries are efficient but require protection circuits. Proper matching extends equipment lifespan. Remember not to randomly match when voltage is unclear, as it may cause safety risks.