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Series, Series-Parallel and Parallel is the act of connecting two batteries together. By connecting two or more batteries in either series, series-parallel or parallel, you can increase the voltage or amp-hour capacity, or both to allow for higher voltage applications or power hungry applications. Power Sonic explains these connection types below.
Connecting Batteries in Series
Connecting a battery in a series is to connect two or more batteries together to increase the battery system’s overall voltage. Connecting the batteries in a series does not increase the capacity only the voltage. For example, connecting four 12-volt 26Ah batteries you will have a battery voltage of 48-volts and a battery capacity of 26Ah.Contact Sager Power Systems for Your Battery Requirements
To configure batteries with a series connection, each battery must have the same voltage and capacity rating. Connecting batteries of different voltages could result in damage to the batteries. Connecting two 6-volt 10Ah batteries together in a series is a strong example of proper connection, while connecting one 6-volt 10Ah battery with one 12-volt 10Ah battery is not.
To connect a group of batteries in series connect the negative terminal of one battery to the positive terminal of a second battery and so on until all required batteries are connected. From this stage, connect a link or cable to the negative terminal of the first battery in the battery string to the application. A second cable is then attached to the positive terminal of the last battery to the application.
When charging batteries in series, you need to use a charger that matches the battery system voltage. It is recommended each battery is charged individually to avoid battery imbalance as each battery may be at a different charge level.
Sealed lead acid batteries have been the battery of choice for long string, high voltage battery systems for many years, although lithium batteries can be configured in series attention is required to the BMS or PCM.
Connecting Batteries in Parallel
Connecting a battery in parallel is when you connect two or more batteries together to increase the amp-hour capacity. With a parallel battery connection the capacity will increase, but the voltage will remain the same. For example, connecting four 12-volt 100Ah batteries would result in a 12-volt 400Ah battery system.
When connecting batteries in parallel, the negative terminal of one battery is connected to the negative terminal of the second battery and so on throughout the battery string. This same approach is taken with the positive terminals, with one positive terminal connected to the positive terminal of the next battery. By way of example, for a 12-volt 300Ah battery system, three 12-volt 100Ah batteries would be strung together in parallel.
Parallel battery configuration helps increase the duration in which batteries can power equipment, but due to the increased amp-hour capacity, this configuration can take longer to charge than series connected batteries.
Series – Parallel Connected Batteries
Series-parallel connection is the connection of a string of batteries to increase both the voltage and capacity of the battery system. Connecting six 6-volt 100Ah batteries together to create a 24-volt 200Ah battery system is achieved by configuring two strings of four batteries. In this particular connection, two or more sets of batteries will be configured in both series and parallel to increase the system capacity.
Examples of Batteries Connected in Series and in Parallel
Power Sonic Battery Solutions
Power Sonic has been manufacturing sealed lead acid batteries since 1970 and offer one of the most comprehensive battery ranges within the industry. The following is a sampling of the industry leading battery solutions from Power Sonic:
PS Series Rechargeable Sealed Lead Acid Batteries |
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PG Series Batteries
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PSL-SC Series of Series Connection Lithium Batteries
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