Achieving 44V with 22V Batteries: Parallel vs. Series Configuration

To achieve 44V using your 4x22V batteries, you can configure them in different ways. However, the configuration you choose will directly affect the voltage, overall battery life, and performance under load. Let's explore the two scenarios you proposed:

Scenario 1: 2 Pairs of Batteries in Parallel Then in Series

Configuration:

Pair 2 batteries in parallel (22V 22V 22V, but doubled in capacity, so Amp-hours Ah are additive) Connect these two parallel pairs in series to achieve 44V

Voltage and Capacity:

Total Voltage: 44V (22V 22V) Total Capacity: If each battery is, for example, 100Ah, then each pair in parallel will still be 22V but have a capacity of 200Ah

Advantages:

Increased capacity Ah, which can result in longer run times under the same load Better performance under load because the batteries share the current, reducing stress on individual batteries

Disadvantages:

If one battery fails in a pair, it can significantly affect the performance of the entire parallel configuration

Scenario 2: 2 Pairs of Batteries in Series Then in Parallel

Configuration:

Connect 2 batteries in series (22V 22V 44V for each pair) Connect these two 44V pairs in parallel

Voltage and Capacity:

Total Voltage: 44V from each series pair Total Capacity: If each series pair is 100Ah, then the capacity remains 100Ah but with two pairs in parallel, it becomes 200Ah

Advantages:

Each series pair operates at full voltage, which might be more efficient for certain applications Better redundancy: If one battery in a series pair fails, only that pair is affected, and the other can still function

Disadvantages:

If the batteries in one series pair are mismatched in charge or discharge, it could lead to imbalances and potentially reduce overall performance and lifespan

Summary of Impacts on Battery Life and Load Performance

Battery Life: In general, both configurations can provide similar total capacity (Ah), but the parallel-first configuration might offer better performance under heavy loads due to shared current. The series-first configuration can lead to potential imbalances if batteries are not well-matched.

Load Performance: The parallel-first configuration often leads to better load sharing, reducing strain on individual batteries.

Conclusion

The choice between these configurations should consider the specific load requirements, the condition and age of the batteries, and how you plan to monitor and maintain them. If you have batteries of similar age and condition, either configuration can work well. However, the parallel-first arrangement tends to be more forgiving under varying loads.