What Is a Watthour and Why You Should Care About It

Are you one of those who are still asking the question, "what is a watthour?" in 2023? Ask no more because, in this article, we explain everything you need to know about watthour and a lot more.

What Is Watthour, and Why Is It Important?

A watthour (Wh) is a unit of measurement commonly used to measure the total energy generated or consumed over a period of time. It is derived from the product of power, measured in watts, and time, measured in hours.

The watthour unit helps electrical companies and consumers to understand, manage, and optimize energy consumption. It also enables efficient billing, improves energy efficiency, and aids in load management.

To calculate the watthour (Wh) for a specific device or system, you need to know the power consumption in watts (W) and the time of operation in hours (h) first. After that, multiply the watts by the time.

To help you understand how to compute for watthours, let's assume you have a device with a power rating of 200 watts (W) that was used for 2 hours (h). Now, let's calculate the watthours consumed.

Watthour (Wh) = 200 W x 2 h = 400 Wh

Upon calculator, we can conclude that the device consumed 400 watthours of energy during its 2-hour usage.

Watt vs. Watthour: What’s the Difference?

Watt and watthour are related to each other but represent different aspects of electrical measurements.

A watt is a unit of power that measures the rate at which energy is consumed or produced. One watt is equal to one joule per second and is denoted by the symbol "W." On the other hand, a watthour is a unit of total energy consumed or produced over a specific period of time. One watthour is equal to one watt of power used or generated for one hour and is represented by the symbol "Wh."  

Amp-Hour vs. Watthour: What's the Difference?

The main difference between amp-hour and watthour is the type of measurements they represent.

Amp-hour (Ah) or ampere-hour is a unit of measurement used to quantify how many amps or currents are produced or consumed over a one-hour period. Amps or ampere is the unit used to measure the rate of electron flow or electric current.

To calculate for amp-hour, it is essential first to identify the ampere (amp) and multiply it by the hours used. For instance, if you have a device with 200 amps used for 2 hours, the amp-hour calculation would be as follows:

200 amp x 2 hrs. = 400 amp-hours

With this calculation, we find out that the 200 amp device used for two hours consumed 400 Ah of current.

On the other hand, a watthour is a measure of electrical energy expended for an hour. Basically, it is the measurement of how many watts or power a device consumes or produces in one hour. To solve for the watthour, simply multiply the watts by the hours the device was used. Therefore, while Ah and Wh are related to each other, they are different units of measurement that cannot be interchanged.

Capacities of Top Power Stations

Watthour is an important consideration when buying power stations. The watthour rating of a power station provides information about its energy storage capacity or the amount of energy it can deliver.

If you are looking for power stations with enough capacity to power your devices, here are our top three power stations worth checking out.

1. Anker 555 Powerhouse

The Anker 555 Powerhouse is a long-lasting power station with a 1024 Wh rating and 1000 wattage, which are enough to power devices such as electric grills, coffee makers, and more. It also has a 200W solar input with 45% higher solar charging efficiency, a unibody drop-proof structure, and 3 high-speed charging USB-C ports for faster charging. Additionally, it is equipped with 6 AC ports, 2 USB-A ports, and a car outlet so that you can connect all your devices without the need for an adapter.

2. Anker 760

The Anker 760 is another top-of-the-line power station from Anker that is certainly worth considering. It has a 10-year lifespan and a 2048 Wh rating that can be expanded to 4096 Wh with an expansion battery. Designed with an impact-resistant structure, electronic components with a 50,000-hour lifespan, and a ventilation grille, the Anker 760 is built to last for over a decade, even with everyday use. Furthermore, this innovative device has a secure 3-point protective clasp that keeps the battery in place and prevents leakage while the battery is charging.

3. Anker Powerhouse 767

Looking for a power station that is perfect for indoor and outdoor use? If yes, then the Anker Powerhouse 767 certainly fits the bill. This 2048 Wh power station can supply energy to a wide range of devices, from laptops to power tools. You may also expand its capacity to 4096 Wh with an extra battery. Furthermore, the Anker Powerhouse 767 boasts of its exclusive RV port, 4 AC ports with a wattage of up to 2400W, 3 USB-C charging ports, 2 USB-A ports, and 2 car outlets. It has a 10-year lifespan and a 5-year full device warranty as well.

Conclusion

Part of being a wise buyer is knowing the terms and features of the device you’re buying. Hence, when it comes to purchasing power stations and other electrical devices, understanding key specifications such as watt-hours (Wh) and amp-hours (Ah) is essential. By familiarizing yourself with Wh and Ah, you can make informed decisions and ensure that the power station you choose meets your needs.

FAQ

What’s the Watthour Capacity of 100Ah Lithium Battery?

To convert Ah to Wh, you need to multiply the battery’s amp-hour by the battery’s voltage. For a typical calculation, let’s assume that the battery voltage in this scenario is 12 volts. Hence, we have 100 Ah x 12V. The result is 1200 Wh.

How Much Are 20 Watthours?

If a device indicates a power rating of 20Wh, it means that it uses 20 watts of energy to operate for one hour. When it comes to the electricity cost of running a 20Wh device, the answer is dependent on the state or country you are in, as electric prices vary by location.

How long will 400 watt-hours last?

How long 400 watt-hours (Wh) lasts depends on the power consumption of your device. You can generally calculate the time using this formula: Time = watt-hours/watts of your device. For example, a device using 40 watts will run for 10 hours (400/40 = 10).

Does a 60 watt light bulb use 60 watts per hour?

Yes, a 60-watt light bulb generally uses 60 watts per hour if it's continuously on. Typically, we use the wh unit for the power consumption per hour. So if it runs for one hour, it consumes 60 watt-hours (Wh). The total energy used depends on how long it operates - e.g., 120 Wh if used for two hours.