If I've got a device that uses a single battery, and with that single battery, the device lasts an hour, and I want the device to last for two hours, I'm assuming I can wire two batteries up and it should work. But how? Do I want to double the voltage (so serial) or double the current? (so parallel.)
Either way, if the device takes two batteries normally, and I want to double the running time, I do a combo of 2 parallel series of 2 serial batteries, right? But if I want to triple the run time, is that 3p2s or 2p3s?
Thanks.
Answer
When you connect two batteries in parallel, you are effectively halving your discharge rate while doubling your capacity -- effectively, doubling battery life, as you are intending to do.
Serial connection does not increase life, but rather, increases operating voltage, which some devices need. If your device has two serial batteries, then you need to connect another two serial batteries in parallel.
If they are not going to be recharged in the configuration you are putting them in, then you should be able to connect them in parallel. They will end up using a small amount of power by charging each other a small amount, but you will probably see more than a doubling of battery life.
If you are pulling a lot of power from a battery, you will find that its battery capacity decreases and causes excess current draw to decrease life and decreased capacity to decrease life. There are some excellent explanations about batteries online. The link I gave is more lithium focused, but the general knowledge applies to most batteries. This link is specifically about discharge rates and their effect on battery life.
Hope this helps. If you comment on anything that is not clear, I will edit and expand on it.
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