I have 4 x 200AH 12 volt batteries that must be connected for a 24 volt inverter.

Thinking about it - there are two ways that I can connect:

Connect two batteries in parallel and connect in series to the other two in parallel.

Or, connect two batteries in series and parallel with the other two in series.

Which is best?

 

 

 

 

It's a case of six of one and half a dozen for the other.

 

Something tells me that the first option may be better in keeping the battery voltages balanced.

I don't think you are asking the difference between 2S2P and 2P2S (which are identical), but you are rather asking if you should common the mid-points of the batteries or not?

Both commoned or un-commoned will work, I'd advise against commoning though.

If you join the midpoints a faulty (or unbalanced) battery will affect the whole bank to its detriment, as opposed to only its own string if un-commoned.

 

22 minutes ago, phil.g00 said:

I don't think you are asking the difference between 2S2P and 2P2S (which are identical), but you are rather asking if you should common the mid-points of the batteries or not?

Both commoned or un-commoned will work, I'd advise against commoning though.

If you join the midpoints a faulty (or unbalanced) battery will affect the whole bank to its detriment, as opposed to only its own string if un-commoned.

 

Yes, now that I think about it, the mid-point description is what I'm referring to.

I have a balancer that I may want to connect, in which case I must wire-up using the mid-point option.

 

2 minutes ago, Crankshaft said:

I have a balancer that I may want to connect, in which case I must wire-up using the mid-point option.

It would be better with two balancers and still not to join the mid-point.

1 hour ago, phil.g00 said:

It would be better with two balancers and still not to join the mid-point.

I'll save that balancer for another project.

Should be fine as 2 x 24volt strings.