Charging batteries in parallel means supplying a charging current to the entire battery bank collectively. Charging batteries in parallel offers several advantages: 1. Increased capacity: By combining multiple batteries, the overall capacity of the battery bank is increased.
There is series-parallel connected batteries. Series-parallel connection is when you connect a string of batteries to increase both the voltage and capacity of the battery system. For example, you can connect six 6V 100Ah batteries together to give you a 12V 300Ah battery, this is achieved by configuring three strings of two batteries.
Parallel battery configuration helps increase the duration in which batteries can power equipment, but due to the increased amp-hour capacity they can take longer to charge than series connected batteries. This time can safely be reduced, without damaging the batteries, by charging faster.
Nickel-based rechargeable batteries, such as nickel-cadmium (NiCd) or nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), can be charged either in series or parallel depending on your specific needs. However, it’s worth noting that these types of batteries require careful monitoring during charging to prevent overcharging.
Conversely, when charging batteries wired in parallel, the output voltage of the charger should equal the voltage of the individual batteries, as the total voltage in a parallel configuration remains constant. For example, if you have four 12V batteries wired in parallel, you'd use a 12V charger.
However, keep in mind that charging multiple batteries in parallel may require a more complex system to ensure proper charge distribution. For lithium-ion batteries and other similar chemistries, experts recommend charging them individually before connecting them either in series or parallel.