I plan to use packs of 18650 Li-Ion batteries as power source for my hobby project. I would like to combine two 4-packs connected in parallel. Each 4-pack connects four batteries in series. So there is total 8 batteries. Assuming nominal voltage of 3.6V per battery each 4-pack will give 14.4V. Connecting two 4-packs in parallel will maintain 14.4V but double the capacity, at least that's what I expect.
I'm going to draw 1-2A from above setup. I will use identical 18650 batteries and will charge them individually with smart charger, outside of above setup.
My questions are:
- Is it a valid circuit for Li-Ion batteries (are there any caveats)?
- Can I expect the combined batteries to have the capacity equal to the sum of individual capacities? My reasoning is: If one 18650 battery has 3000mAh at 3.6V then series of four should have 3000mAh at 14.4V. Times two gives 6000mAh at 14.4V from combined 8 batteries.