Faster to charge 2x 10ah than 1x 20ah?

[dirtdad]

All things being equal, would it be faster to charge 2 10ah packs with 2 chargers than one 20ah pack with one charger?

I suspect there are lots of "it depends" and I don't have the batteries to test it myself. Here are the parameters.

Packs are the same voltage. Chargers have the same amperage and voltage output. Packs have identical but scaled BMS. Lifepo4 batteries.

I don't think it would make a big difference. The individual cells are going to charge at the same rate, no? They are not wanting for current.

About the only difference I can see is what would happen as the first cell reaches full charge, and how long the slowest to charge cell takes to charge at that point. And that depends on the BMS, I think. What do BMS's do as the first cell reaches full charge? Do they go into a different charge mode on all cells, or do they manage each cell differently, or does if vary with BMS? It is possible 1 of the 2 packs would come to full charge faster than the large pack if there is a noticeable difference in the charge time between the fastest and slowest to charge cells in each pack.

 

[fechter]

Chargers have the same amperage and voltage output. Packs have identical but scaled BMS. Lifepo4 batteries.

Two chargers will charge twice as fast as a single one of the same amperage.

 

[monster]

the answers in the question. two chargers are twice as fast as one.

most comercial chargers are very conservative on amps. you can actually charge batteries much faster than most chargers will allow. i like to charge big series strings with a home made super charger. you could probably buy a 1kw super charger but it would cost $$$.