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Charging 12V batteries in series-parallel using a 24V charger

Electrical Engineering Asked by Jack Conway on October 29, 2021

Would it be okay to charge four identical 12V batteries in series-parallel, using a 24V charger, as shown?

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I am trying to create a 24V battery bank, so naturally I need to connect two 12V batteries in series. I also need a larger capacity than these batteries can supply, so I intend to wire up two more 12V batteries in parallel for a total of four. I have a 24V charger for this battery bank, but will it be able to safely and effectively charge all four of the batteries wired in this configuration?

3 Answers

I assume they are lead-acid batteries.

If so, yes, what you are doing will work. Indeed, this is exactly what the industry has been doing for a century.

Despite what others have said, imbalance is not a significant issue with only two 12 V lead acid batteries in series, because at the end of charge the most charged battery will handle a bit of overcharge as the other battery finishes charging.

(Conversely, if these are Li-ion batteries, a whole lot of issues would arise, especially depending on whether or not they are protected batteries.)

Answered by Davide Andrea on October 29, 2021

Charging and discharging batteries in series can lead to voltage imbalance over time. You can read more about it here. To get the most lifetime from your batteries, you can charge them in series but then you should have a charge balancing circuit.

Answered by mr_js on October 29, 2021

voltage is doubled when connected in series, but amperage stays the same. When connected in parallel, amperage doubles but voltage stays the same. Wire 2 batteries parallel and then wire the other 2 the same. Then wire one set to the other set in series. Problem solved.

Answered by user258115 on October 29, 2021

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