Battery University | BU-302: Series and Parallel Battery
Batteries achieve the desired operating voltage by connecting several cells in series; each cell adds its voltage potential to derive at the total terminal voltage. Parallel
For example, a “3S2P” battery pack means that three battery cells are connected in series, and then two groups of such series cells are connected in parallel. Such a configuration can simultaneously increase the voltage and capacity of the battery pack to meet specific application requirements.
In a battery pack, “S” stands for “Series”. When multiple battery cells are connected in series, their voltages are added together, while the total capacity of the battery pack (usually expressed in mAh or Ah) remains unchanged.
A 3S lithium battery consists of 3 cells connected in series, each with a nominal voltage of 3.7V. Here's how the charging works: 3S lithium batteries have a nominal voltage of 11.1V (3.7V × 3 cells). The fully charged voltage of a 3S lithium battery is 12.6V (4.2V per cell × 3 cells).
“P” stands for “Parallel”. When multiple battery cells are connected in parallel, their capacities are added together, while the total voltage of the battery pack remains the same as the voltage of a single battery cell.
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