12v versus 6v batteries in a 36v system

l_cubed · 07-15-2008, 05:49 AM

Can someone explain to me the pro's and con's of using different batteries.
I have a 36v cart that had 6 - 6v batteries. I was thinking about putting in 3 - 12v deep cycle batteries.

What is the drawback? less run time ?

scottyb · 07-15-2008, 07:11 AM

The 3 12v batteries will make 36v and the cart will run.....just not very far

Your amperage capacity will be greatly reduced.....Electric motors eat amps
More lead = more amp storage capacity.

KM Parrish · 07-15-2008, 12:59 PM

Scottyb is spot on.

3x12 volt in series.. not enough to get far. I'm thinking on 2 3x12 volt strings in parallel. still 6 batteries, but better current handling I would think. Here's my thinking. Someone slap me if I'm mistaken..

Normal layout of the battery stack (series string)

(6+6+6+6+6+6)

36 volts with the current handling capability of the weakest battery versus.

(12x12x12)=36
(12x12x12)=36

This series - parallel battery stack would still produce 36 volts, but with twice the current handling since now, you have the current handling capability of 2 batteries now.

I can't see why this shouldn't work.

endoman · 07-15-2008, 01:09 PM

One thing often overlooked when it comes to batteries is the RC (reserve capacity) rating. You'd be hard pressed to find 3 12V batteries with more RC than 6 6 volt ones.

outback · 07-15-2008, 03:15 PM

Keith, two parallel packs of 3x12v would in fact be 36v, with double the current of one 3x12v..., but what would you use to charge this parallel pack with?

Nate · 07-15-2008, 03:20 PM

Endoman is on the right track; if you don't plan on modifying the battery trays then you will be using group 24 deep cycle 12V batteries. Even six group 24 deep cycle 12V batteries do not have the capacity of six T-105 golf cart batteries.

You would however have more amps available, KM Parrish is correct in this statement. Don't get available amps confused with capacity. The dual 36V string of 12V batteries would have ~twice the available amps of the single six GC battery string but the dual 12Vs will be ready for charge before the GC batteries are and don't forget life time before replacement. It is very difficult to beat even the cheapest GC battery for lifetime with a 12V battery.

outback · 07-15-2008, 03:40 PM

I wonder what the duty slope of these two configurations would look like?

I can run my 6x6v configuration leisurly, without charging, for ~3 days and not notice a significant decrease in performance. If I could run parallel 3x12v configurations, getting more current, without component damage, just recharge more frequently..., it may be worth the effort.

Although..., I would worry about the added current available to the controller.

Nate · 07-15-2008, 06:20 PM

The controller will limit current if it hits max so you may not see any gain with the 2X 12V pack. Another word of caution, 12V batteries don't stay balanced as well as GC 6V batteries do.

l_cubed · 07-15-2008, 06:38 PM

Thanks for all the great input everyone.

scottyb · 07-15-2008, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by l_cubed

Thanks for all the great input everyone.

If I try to speak 4 everyone, someone's not happy

But, 4 myself, glad WE could be of some help

07-15-2008, 05:49 AM	#1
l_cubed Not Yet Wild Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 13	12v versus 6v batteries in a 36v system Can someone explain to me the pro's and con's of using different batteries. I have a 36v cart that had 6 - 6v batteries. I was thinking about putting in 3 - 12v deep cycle batteries. What is the drawback? less run time ?
l_cubed Not Yet Wild Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 13

07-15-2008, 07:11 AM	#2
scottyb Happy Carting Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 73,417	Re: 12v versus 6v batteries in a 36v system The 3 12v batteries will make 36v and the cart will run.....just not very far Your amperage capacity will be greatly reduced.....Electric motors eat amps More lead = more amp storage capacity.

07-15-2008, 12:59 PM	#3
KM Parrish Not Yet Wild Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Willows Ca. Posts: 22	Re: 12v versus 6v batteries in a 36v system Scottyb is spot on. 3x12 volt in series.. not enough to get far. I'm thinking on 2 3x12 volt strings in parallel. still 6 batteries, but better current handling I would think. Here's my thinking. Someone slap me if I'm mistaken.. Normal layout of the battery stack (series string) (6+6+6+6+6+6) 36 volts with the current handling capability of the weakest battery versus. (12x12x12)=36 (12x12x12)=36 This series - parallel battery stack would still produce 36 volts, but with twice the current handling since now, you have the current handling capability of 2 batteries now. I can't see why this shouldn't work.

07-15-2008, 01:09 PM	#4
endoman Not Yet Wild Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Delray Beach Posts: 17	Re: 12v versus 6v batteries in a 36v system One thing often overlooked when it comes to batteries is the RC (reserve capacity) rating. You'd be hard pressed to find 3 12V batteries with more RC than 6 6 volt ones.

07-15-2008, 03:15 PM	#5
outback Getting Wild Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Garland, TX Posts: 142	Re: 12v versus 6v batteries in a 36v system Keith, two parallel packs of 3x12v would in fact be 36v, with double the current of one 3x12v..., but what would you use to charge this parallel pack with?

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07-15-2008, 03:20 PM	#6
Nate Gone Wild Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 679	Re: 12v versus 6v batteries in a 36v system Endoman is on the right track; if you don't plan on modifying the battery trays then you will be using group 24 deep cycle 12V batteries. Even six group 24 deep cycle 12V batteries do not have the capacity of six T-105 golf cart batteries. You would however have more amps available, KM Parrish is correct in this statement. Don't get available amps confused with capacity. The dual 36V string of 12V batteries would have ~twice the available amps of the single six GC battery string but the dual 12Vs will be ready for charge before the GC batteries are and don't forget life time before replacement. It is very difficult to beat even the cheapest GC battery for lifetime with a 12V battery.
Nate Gone Wild Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 679

07-15-2008, 03:40 PM	#7
outback Getting Wild Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Garland, TX Posts: 142	Re: 12v versus 6v batteries in a 36v system I wonder what the duty slope of these two configurations would look like? I can run my 6x6v configuration leisurly, without charging, for ~3 days and not notice a significant decrease in performance. If I could run parallel 3x12v configurations, getting more current, without component damage, just recharge more frequently..., it may be worth the effort. Although..., I would worry about the added current available to the controller.

07-15-2008, 06:20 PM	#8
Nate Gone Wild Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 679	Re: 12v versus 6v batteries in a 36v system The controller will limit current if it hits max so you may not see any gain with the 2X 12V pack. Another word of caution, 12V batteries don't stay balanced as well as GC 6V batteries do.
Nate Gone Wild Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 679

07-15-2008, 06:38 PM	#9
l_cubed Not Yet Wild Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 13	Re: 12v versus 6v batteries in a 36v system Thanks for all the great input everyone.
l_cubed Not Yet Wild Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 13

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