Quick Answer
Yes, flooded lead-acid batteries can be used in series to increase the total voltage, but they must be matched carefully to ensure equalizing and to prevent overcharging one battery.
Battery Matching
When using flooded lead-acid batteries in series, it’s crucial to match the batteries carefully to prevent overcharging or undercharging individual batteries. The voltage difference between two matched batteries should be within 10 millivolts. For example, if you’re using 12-volt batteries, you should match batteries with nearly equal internal resistance and capacity to ensure they charge and discharge evenly.
Series Connection Considerations
When connecting flooded lead-acid batteries in series, ensure the positive terminal of one battery is connected to the negative terminal of the next battery, and vice versa. The battery with the highest specific gravity should be placed first in the series to ensure even charging and prevent overcharging one battery. A series connection increases the total voltage of the batteries, but it does not increase the total capacity.
Equalization and Maintenance
To maintain the health of flooded lead-acid batteries in series, regular equalization is necessary. Equalization involves charging the batteries to a higher voltage to balance the sulfate buildup on the plates and maintain the battery’s capacity. This should be done every 1-3 months, depending on the usage and charging patterns. It’s recommended to equalize the batteries at a higher charge voltage, such as 15.5 volts for 12-volt batteries, to ensure proper equalization.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.