Series VS Parallel batteries?

[Zach Davis]

I am putting together a catamaran that will have a single motor. I would like to run it on 4S with 5000mah available. Is it better to run (2) 4S 2500mah packs in Parallel or (2) 2S 5000 in series?

Thanks,
Zach

 

[RaceMechaniX]

There is no difference. It comes down to which batteries and fitment in the hull. I prefer to run small cells in parallel given the option.

 

[Zach Davis]

Thanks for the quick reply Tyler. I was coming to that conclusion but when searching on the WEB you often get all kinds of opinions.

Stay safe,
Zach

 

[RobertDoak]

Hey Zack... I was at my LHS today and asked the same question...there reply was this....if a cell goes out on a 2 cell pack its less $$ on the wallet..

 

[Paul Cooper]

There is no difference. It comes down to which batteries and fitment in the hull. I prefer to run small cells in parallel given the option.

Wouldn't you get double the run time out of 2, 4s in parallel compared to 2, 2s in series. 2, 2S in series would only equal 1, 4s battery.

 

[RaceMechaniX]

Paul Yes if you had two 4S 5000mAh packs. What Zach was asking about was two 2S 5000mAh packs in series and two 4S 2500mAh packs in parallel.

 

[Bob Zola]

I like using 2S stick packs with series connection in my FE limited cats. I find the boat handles better when the packs are installed outboard and on the bottom of the sponson runners (down low). Lowers the CG of the boat! The larger 2S 5000-6000 mAh packs also tend to have lower internal resistance, than the same brands 4S 2500 size cells. Usually the bigger the capacity lipo cell, the lower the IR!

 

[properchopper]

The boat in question will have a full P motor - 5000mah no matter how you cut it isn't enough for sprints PLUS a single 4S 5000 would need to be centered where there won't be enough room on the tunnel. 2 X 2S 5000 in series isn't sufficient either as above.