Battery Capacity Calculator Series Parallel

Battery Capacity Equations:

\[ \text{Total Capacity (Ah)} = \text{Parallel Capacity (Ah)} \times \text{Number Parallel} \] \[ \text{Total Voltage (V)} = \text{Series Voltage (V)} \times \text{Number Series} \]

Parallel Capacity:

Number Parallel:

unitless

Series Voltage:

Number Series:

unitless

Total Capacity:

Total Voltage:

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is Series-Parallel Battery Configuration?

A series-parallel battery configuration combines both series and parallel connections to achieve desired voltage and capacity. Series connections increase voltage while parallel connections increase capacity (Ah).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses these equations:

\[ \text{Total Capacity (Ah)} = \text{Parallel Capacity (Ah)} \times \text{Number Parallel} \] \[ \text{Total Voltage (V)} = \text{Series Voltage (V)} \times \text{Number Series} \]

Where:

Parallel Capacity — Capacity of one parallel branch (Ah)
Number Parallel — Number of parallel-connected batteries
Series Voltage — Voltage of one series string (V)
Number Series — Number of series-connected batteries

Explanation: The equations account for how voltage adds in series and capacity adds in parallel.

3. Importance of Battery Configuration

Details: Proper battery configuration is crucial for achieving the desired voltage and capacity while maintaining balanced cells and optimal performance.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the capacity of one parallel branch, number of parallel connections, voltage of one series string, and number of series connections. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between series and parallel?
A: Series increases voltage (capacity stays same), parallel increases capacity (voltage stays same).

Q2: Can I mix different battery types?
A: Generally not recommended due to differences in capacity, chemistry, and charge characteristics.

Q3: How does this affect charging?
A: Series strings require matching voltages; parallel strings require balancing to prevent current hogging.

Q4: What about battery life in these configurations?
A: Properly configured batteries have similar life to single cells, but imbalances can reduce overall life.

Q5: When should I use series-parallel vs. just series or parallel?
A: When you need both higher voltage AND higher capacity than a single cell can provide.