How do battery banks function in a series and parallel connection?

Battery banks connected in series and parallel serve different purposes based on how voltage and current behave in each configuration.

When batteries are connected in series, their voltages add up while the current remains the same. For example, if two 12-volt batteries are connected in series, the total voltage is 24 volts (12V + 12V), but the current capacity of the series configuration is limited to the current rating of the individual batteries. This is particularly useful when higher voltage is required for certain applications.

In a parallel connection, the scenario changes. Here, the voltage across each battery remains the same, but the currents from each battery can add up, increasing the total current capacity. For instance, if two 12-volt batteries with the same amp-hour ratings are connected in parallel, the voltage stays at 12 volts, but the total capacity in amp-hours effectively doubles, allowing for a longer usage time before needing a recharge.

So, when considering the correct answer, stating that "Voltage adds in series, current adds in parallel" accurately depicts the behavior of batteries in these configurations. This understanding is crucial for linemen, as it helps in properly designing and implementing energy storage solutions to match the voltage and current requirements of various electrical systems