Battery Calculator Series Parallel

Battery Configuration Formulas:

\[ V_{series} = \sum V \] \[ Capacity_{parallel} = \sum Capacity \]

Single Battery Voltage:

Single Battery Capacity:

mAh

Batteries in Series:

Parallel Strings:

Total Voltage:

Total Capacity:

Total Energy:

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1. What is a Battery Series-Parallel Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the total voltage, capacity, and energy of battery configurations in series and parallel combinations.

Purpose: It helps electronics engineers, DIY enthusiasts, and battery system designers properly configure battery banks for their projects.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses these fundamental formulas:

\[ V_{series} = \sum V \] \[ Capacity_{parallel} = \sum Capacity \]

Where:

\( V_{series} \) — Total voltage in series (volts)
\( Capacity_{parallel} \) — Total capacity in parallel (mAh)
\( V \) — Single battery voltage
\( Capacity \) — Single battery capacity

Explanation:

Series connections multiply voltage while keeping capacity the same
Parallel connections multiply capacity while keeping voltage the same
Series-parallel combinations do both

3. Importance of Proper Battery Configuration

Details: Correct battery configuration ensures:

Proper voltage matching for devices
Sufficient capacity for runtime requirements
Safe operation within battery specifications
Optimal system performance

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

Enter single battery specifications (voltage and capacity)
Specify how many batteries are connected in series
Specify how many parallel strings are used
Default values represent common lithium-ion cells (3.7V, 2000mAh)

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why does voltage add in series but not parallel?
A: Series connections create a higher potential difference (voltage), while parallel connections maintain the same voltage but increase current capacity.

Q2: What's a typical lithium-ion battery voltage?
A: Most Li-ion cells are 3.7V nominal (4.2V fully charged, 3.0V discharged).

Q3: How does this affect battery life?
A: Proper configuration ensures balanced charging/discharging, which maximizes battery lifespan.

Q4: Can I mix different batteries?
A: Not recommended. Always use identical batteries in series-parallel configurations.

Q5: What about battery management systems (BMS)?
A: Complex battery banks should always include a BMS for safety and performance.