Charging an LiPo with another LiPo

[LewisM]

I use a 10000mAh LiPo (emergency phone recharge type) to run my mini wifi router in the field for connecting SkySafari to my SXP. I have 2 of these batteries. Is it electronically ok to have these connected in series so essentially one LiPo charges the other, all whilst running the router, more or less getting 20000mAh?

Or is there potential for issues here?

Not that the router uses much, but just like to know if say one gets down to 10%, plugging another LiPo “on the fly” in to recharge it but not disconnecting the router from power would be ok?

[Logieberra (Logan)]

I’d avoid that mate. For some devices the warnings include don’t use while charging... a bigger battery would be safer...

[sunslayr (David)]

While this works in theory I think the losses from charging could be up around 30% maybe more depending on the quality of the powerbank.

[RB (Andrew)]

Originally Posted by LewisM

I have 2 of these batteries. Is it electronically ok to have these connected in series so essentially one LiPo charges the other, all whilst running the router, more or less getting 20000mAh?

You mean in parallel don't you?

RB

[Logieberra (Logan)]

Yeah was wondering the same- parallel increases capacity (must be 100% same lipos/capacity/rating) while in series doubles voltage...

[The_bluester (Paul)]

It wouldn't add voltage with the USB outputs, you would have device #1 charging device#2 and device #2 supplying the load. It really comes down to if they can be accpet charge and supply load at the same time, and on that I have no idea!

[gts055 (Mark)]

Connect batteries or cells in series or parallel only if the individual batteries or cells have virtually the same voltage and and Ah capacity. For charging and discharging lipos should only be loaded within the "C" rating of the cell or battery. I use lipos in rc planes and to power motors,servos and receivers. A voltage difference of 0.1V between cells in a battery is not good. Balance chargers will monitor each cell during charging and attempt to reach a fully charged voltage with a variation of about 0.01 volt per cell. It is very important that batteries or cells have similar voltages and Ah capacities when used in parallel or series.
Regards Mark

[The_bluester (Paul)]

I reckon it should be pointed out that the battery (Unless I am mistaking Lewis's post) is one of these style things. Meaning that there is no way to actually parallel or series connect the cells themselves. The question is if the internal circuitry can supply load and control battery charge input at the same time.

https://www.pccasegear.com/products/...k-with-poweriq

[LewisM]

Originally Posted by RB

You mean in parallel don't you?

RB

Probably. Maybe Perpendicular or Tangential?

The 2 power cells are identical in every respect, but I’ll just give it a miss. I might power the router from my V8 jump starter pack with the USB out if need be. Probably power it for 95 years....

In all seriousness, I am sure the 10000mAh will power it all night even in the sub-zero air

[RB (Andrew)]

Originally Posted by LewisM

Probably. Maybe Perpendicular or Tangential?

Try oblique - it’s French for ‘quirky’ (stop laughing Marc).

[LewisM]

Now you are going off on a tangent. Keep it in-line will you please, because we are trying to be series-ous.

[LewisM]

Marc laughing...that's like...
https://youtu.be/-r7dveDEv-I?t=16

[RB (Andrew)]

You're so predictable Lew.
Marc told me you were gonna respond with that.

[multiweb (Marc)]

Sacrebleu! Where's h0ughy when you need him? watis ole Zis mockin'

[LewisM]

Oh, la pauvre grenouille est offensée. Tendre chou-fleur

[multiweb (Marc)]

Originally Posted by LewisM

Oh, la pauvre grenouille est offensée. Tendre chou-fleur

I can't believe there's even a meme for that.

[LewisM]