Batteries are ever-so important in our daily lives. Each battery design delivers a particular type and volume of energy. The chemistry and format of their cells dictates these factors, but sometimes we need more energy. There are two ways of connecting batteries to achieve this goal.
Two Reasons For Connecting Batteries For More Power
The volume of energy and power in batteries depends on their chemistry, voltage and current:
- Voltage is the force with which electrons flow from batteries. It’s like the pressure of water surging from a tap.
- Current is the speed with which electrons flow from batteries. It’s like the volume of water flowing from a tap.
We can combine batteries to amplify one of these factors to achieve a particular goal:
Amplifying Voltage with Series Battery Connections
Connecting batteries in series is a bit like combining efforts in a tug of war. Batteries R2 and R3 in our image are doing that before our eyes. Their positive and negative terminals are connecting in series, and increasing the voltage. Or, as Medium.Com puts it, their combined contribution equates to a notable rise in voltage along the chain.
Connecting Batteries in Parallel to Amplify Current
Joining batteries in parallel is somewhat like watering with two sprinklers in the garden. We deliver a greater volume of moisture, but the pressure drops, Batteries R1 and R2 / R3 are doing that in our image. The voltage in the circuit remains the same, but the current capacity grows. This allows us to draw the same amount of power, but for a longer time.
Which Option Is Better – Series or Parallel?
Your choice between connecting batteries in series or parallel depends on your goal. Connecting in series delivers the boost of power you may need. However, if you want reliable power for longer, then parallel may be for you this time.
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Series and Parallel Battery Connections
