Magne
When connecting packs in parallel the higher voltage packs will discharge into the lower voltage packs until the voltage is equal. Most people connect packs that are about the same state of charge and the same capapcity. Tests have been done with packs of widely different state of charge and even with batteries of different capacity without problems. Cellpro sells safety connectors which limit the current between packs, but most people are not using them. The balance connectors will also bleed the high voltage cells into the lower voltage cells. For instance all of the cell# 1's could end up at 3.75v, all the cell# 2's could end up at 3.73v, etc., until the charging begins.
OK, thank you for the reply and explanation.
(But, and I am not trying to be awkward or difficult, just trying to get to grips with the possibilities.)
Does this not mean that if for instance you want to parallel charge four packs (each 10s5Ah) at max power (40A total) INTENDING to get 10A into each pack (2C),
if one pack is at eg. 3.5V and the rest of the packs are at 3.7-3.8V, (could easily happen after flying) then not only will all the current (40A) go into the lower pack, but the higher packs will discharge into this pack as well, putting the total current even higher, until the voltage is equalised in all four packs?
Regards,
Magne