This article will discuss the difference in benefits and drawbacks of connecting two batteries in series vs. parallel to power a load.
With both options come advantages that should be considered when determining which way to connect your batteries for powering a load. For example, if you would like to increase the voltage but not the current, then it might be better to connect them in series. On the other hand, if you want a higher current with no change in voltage, then connecting them in parallel might be a better option.
What is the difference between connecting two batteries in series and parallel to power a load?
The difference between connecting two batteries in series and parallel to power a load is the voltage and current.
If you connect batteries in series, then their voltages are added together, and they will have one less cell (one fewer plates per stack), so a 12V battery connected to another 12V battery would produce 24V. This is because two positives added together equal a negative, so you can think of it as having 12V – 12V = 0V, but because there is another positive terminal wire, the actual voltage measured will be 24V. On another note, if you were to connect two batteries in parallel, their voltages will remain the same. They will have one more cell (an additional plate per stack), so a 12V battery is connected to another 12V battery that would produce 24V. This will result to doubling the number of positives and putting two negatives together (the 0V terminal wires will cancel out).
The current from the two batteries in parallel remains the same, so you can connect them together to double your battery capacity while maintaining the same voltage. For example, connecting a 12V battery to another 12V battery would produce 24A. If you were to connect two batteries in series, their voltages are added together. They will have one less cell (one fewer plates per stack), so a 12V battery connected to another 12V battery would produce 24A. This is because two positives added together equal a negative, so you can think of it as having 12V – 12V = 0V, but because there is another positive terminal wire, the actual voltage measured will be 24V.
Advantages of connecting two batteries in series
Of course, there are advantages of connecting batteries in parallel. Connecting the two batteries in series will increase the voltage (V) and current (I), but not the power (P). This is because connecting two batteries in series increases the voltage by multiplying it but decreases the current.
To find out how many times you need to connect batteries in series to get a desired voltage, you have to use this equation: V=I*n. If you want 9 volts, for example, then you need to connect 3 batteries in series. Likewise, if you want 15 volts, then 6 batteries in series are required. This equation assumes that we are doubling up on battery cells.
There are some issues with connecting two batteries together, and there are ways around these problems. The most common problem with connecting batteries in series is the voltage drop which occurs when you connect batteries together. This can be solved by using a resistor, which should be calculated using Ohm’s law, or by connecting it at the end of your circuit. Another problem with connecting batteries in series is an increase in internal resistance, which produces heat that might lead to a fire if not cooled properly. You can solve this problem by adding a chemical that lowers resistance. However, this will shorten battery life or just connecting them in parallel.
Disadvantages of connecting two batteries in series
A disadvantage of connecting two batteries in series is that you must have the same voltage rating. Batteries with different voltage ratings can’t be connected together. They will need to be connected in separate chains.
Advantages of connecting two batteries in parallel
Some of the advantages of connecting the batteries in parallel are that you can get a higher current without any change in voltage. It also requires more work to maintain correct voltage readings and equalize the charge, but a charger can do this. The charge time is also faster with batteries connected in parallel.
Disadvantages of connecting two batteries in parallel
There are a few disadvantages to connecting two batteries in parallel. One of the most notable is that doing so decreases overall battery life. Another disadvantage is that when batteries are connected in parallel, they discharge at the same rate, meaning that one may not last as long as the other and could potentially stop working before the other battery.
Conclusion
The main difference between connecting two batteries in series vs. parallel to power a load is that the voltage and current will differ depending on how they are connected. In all cases, connect your batteries according to their voltages so you can maximize the benefits of each type of connection (increased volts with series and higher amps without changing volts with parallel). We recommend reading our article for more information about how these connections work as well as some advantages and disadvantages before deciding which battery configuration would best suit your needs.
