These two basic combinations, series and parallel, can also be used as part of more complex connections. Figure 8.3.1 8.3. 1 illustrates a series combination of three capacitors, arranged in a row within the circuit. As for any capacitor, the capacitance of the combination is related to both charge and voltage:
Total capacitance in parallel Cp = C1 + C2 + C3 + … If a circuit contains a combination of capacitors in series and parallel, identify series and parallel parts, compute their capacitances, and then find the total. If you wish to store a large amount of energy in a capacitor bank, would you connect capacitors in series or parallel? Explain.
By combining several capacitors in parallel, the resultant circuit will be able to store more energy as the equivalent capacitance is the sum of individual capacitances of all capacitors involved. This effect is used in the following applications.
This equation, when simplified, is the expression for the equivalent capacitance of the parallel network of three capacitors: Cp = C1 +C2 +C3. (8.3.8) (8.3.8) C p = C 1 + C 2 + C 3. This expression is easily generalized to any number of capacitors connected in parallel in the network.
The total capacitance of a set of parallel capacitors is simply the sum of the capacitance values of the individual capacitors. Theoretically, there is no limit to the number of capacitors that can be connected in parallel. But certainly, there will be practical limits depending on the application, space, and other physical limitations.
Find the net capacitance for three capacitors connected in parallel, given their individual capacitances are 1.0μF,5.0μF, and8.0μF. 1.0 μ F, 5.0 μ F, and 8.0 μ F. Because there are only three capacitors in this network, we can find the equivalent capacitance by using Equation 8.8 with three terms.