Energy storage power supply parallel connection

In many test and industrial applications, a single power supply may not provide enough current to meet system demands. Connecting power supplies in parallel is a practical solution that allows users to increase available current while maintaining a stable voltage.

In principle, it's possible to operate as many power supplies as you need to achieve the desired output current. The simplest is two, providing up to double the current. Principle of parallel PSU operation: The load receives at most the sum of the IMAX of the power supplies selected.

Designers connect power supplies in parallel to obtain a total output current greater than that available from one individual supply as well as to provide redundancy, enhance reliability, avoid PCB thermal issues and boost system efficiency.

Principle of parallel PSU operation: The load receives at most the sum of the IMAX of the power supplies selected. Use of a protection circuit for parallel operation is actually recommended. The key concern with parallel operation is ensuring each supply contributes equally to the overall current drawn.

While the above is true for many power supplies, EA's 10000 series products allow the user to combine different power levels in parallel. The only requirements are that they must have the same voltage rating, and they must be the same family. Examples are pairing PSB with PSBE or PUB and PSI with PS or PU.

There are several other good reasons to employ a parallel power architecture (Figure 1): Reliability and Redundancy. Using multiple small power supplies can be more reliable than using a single large power supply. Continuously operating a power supply at maximum load significantly reduces its reliability and shortens its life.