Understanding Battery Connections: How to Connect Batteries in Series vs Parallel?

In battery applications, for golf carts and recreational vehicles, Most golf carts batteries are typical 48V systems, obviously a single 12V100Ah battery cannot run this golf cart, how to achieve this? We need to connect 4 batteries in series to increase the voltage, making the entire battery system a 48V100Ah battery system.

Next, we will teach you how to connect batteries in series and parallel. and their respective advantages and disadvantages.

How to Connect Batteries in Series?

In the series connection of batteries, connect the positive terminal of the first battery to the negative terminal of the second battery, and the positive terminal of the second battery to the negative terminal of the third battery. And so on until the required voltage is reached. The final voltage is the sum of all battery voltages, while the final ampere-hour and capacity remain unchanged.

For example, when four 12-volt batteries with a capacity of 100 Ah are connected in series, the output is 48 volts and the capacity is 100 Ah.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Wiring Batteries in Series

Advantages:

Wiring batteries in series increases the overall voltage of the system without affecting the current draw. For example, a device that requires 1200 watts of power operating at 12 volts would draw 100 amps (12V x 100A = 1200W). However, if the same device operates at 48 volts, it would only draw 25 amps (48V x 25A = 1200W). This means that for the same power system, higher voltage results in a lower system current. Consequently, thinner wiring can be used, reducing energy loss due to resistance. This is why large applications often use high-voltage systems instead of low-voltage ones.

Disadvantages:

The main downside of wiring batteries in series is that if one battery fails, the entire system can stop functioning. For instance, if you connect four 12V batteries in series, the total system voltage becomes 48V. If one battery fails, the system voltage drops to 36V (12V x 3), causing the system to stop working unless a converter is used to compensate for the voltage drop.

Precautions Before Wiring Batteries in Series

Before wiring batteries in series, ensure that all batteries have the same voltage, capacity, and charge rating. Mixing different battery types or specifications may seem convenient, but it is not recommended for your battery setup. Doing so can be hazardous and may lead to battery damage or system failure. Always use batteries with identical specifications to ensure safety and optimal performance.

How to Connect Batteries in Parallel?

In a battery parallel connection, the positive terminal of each battery is connected to the positive terminal of the next, and the same applies to the negative terminals. This configuration increases the overall capacity (amp-hours) while maintaining the same voltage.

For example, connecting four 12-volt batteries, each with a 100 Ah capacity, in parallel will result in a system that outputs 12 volts with a total capacity of 400 Ah.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Wiring Batteries in Parallel

Advantages:

One major advantage of wiring batteries in parallel is that if one battery fails, the system will continue to function. While the voltage remains the same, the overall capacity (amp-hours) increases, allowing your applications to run longer. Additionally, if one battery encounters an issue, the remaining working batteries will continue to power your appliances, ensuring minimal disruption.

Disadvantages:

· Higher Energy Loss: Lower voltage in a parallel connection leads to higher current draw and increased voltage drop. This can make it challenging to power large applications and necessitate the use of thicker cables.

· Potential for Imbalance: While the batteries are theoretically meant to be “equal,” differences in manufacturing or poor connections can cause unequal charging and discharging currents across the batteries. This imbalance can negatively affect the long-term performance and efficiency of the battery bank.

Precautions Before Wiring Batteries in Parallel

Before connecting batteries in parallel, ensure that all batteries have the same voltage and capacity rating. Using batteries with mismatched specifications can lead to damage, as unequal batteries may not perform properly and can affect the overall system's efficiency and safety.

Conclusion

The series connection of batteries increases the voltage of the batteries without changing their capacity.

Parallel connection of batteries increases the capacity of the batteries without changing their voltage