A battery pack consists of cells. The number of cells and whether they are connected in series or parallel are specified in the technical description. For example, the expression “3S” indicates that there are 3 cells connected in series. In some cases, you might see the expression 3S1P. This means that 3 cells are connected in series and 1 parallel. In other words, 1 parallel connection actually means there is no parallel connection.
Series connection increases the voltage value. Parallel connection increases the capacity value.
Example for series connection: The nominal voltage of an 18650 LiPo cell is 3.7 volts. If we make a 3S battery pack from cells with a capacity of 2000 mAh, it means 3 cells are connected in series. 3 x 3.7V = 11.1V and 2000 mAh x 1 = 2000mAh. So the result is an 11.1V 2000 mAh battery.
Example for series and parallel connection: Similarly, if we make a 3S2P battery from cells with a capacity of 3.7V 2000mAh… 3 x 3.7V = 11.1V and 2000 mAh x 2 = 4000 mAh, resulting in an 11.1V 4000 mAh battery.
Examples of 2P and 3P connected batteries:
Parallel-connected cells should now be considered as a single cell. When connecting the balancing cable, it is connected as if it were a single cell. For example, two separate balancing cables are not used for two separate cells. A single balancing line is made. Parallel-connected cells balance each other. The cell with more charge charges the other cell until they are eventually reach equal voltage values.
