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Combining Two 12V 15A Power Supplies in Parallel—Current Limiter & Schottky Diode Method

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  • #1 21663418
    Cart McCormick
    Anonymous  
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  • #2 21663419
    Calinoaia Valentin
    Anonymous  
  • #3 21663420
    Steve Lawson
    Anonymous  
  • #4 21663421
    Steve Lawson
    Anonymous  
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  • #5 21663422
    Steve Lawson
    Anonymous  
  • #6 21663423
    David Figueroa
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  • #7 21663424
    Kevin Parmenter
    Anonymous  
  • #8 21663425
    sudheep Rc
    Anonymous  
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  • #9 21663426
    Steve Lawson
    Anonymous  
  • #10 21663427
    Cart McCormick
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  • #11 21663428
    Ian Brown
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  • #12 21663429
    Peter Evenhuis
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  • #14 21663431
    Sachin Sheth
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Topic summary

✨ Paralleling two 12V 15A power supplies to achieve a combined 30A output presents significant challenges primarily due to load sharing and control loop conflicts. Simple methods like adding low-value series resistors for current balancing are theoretically possible but impractical because of excessive heat dissipation at high currents. The Schottky diode method involves isolating each supply output with high-current Schottky diodes to prevent backfeeding and control system interference, but this also results in power loss and heat. Adjusting the supplies to closely matched voltages and using supplies with current limit (constant current, CC) and voltage adjust features can help; one supply can regulate voltage while the other operates in CC mode to share load. However, this requires supplies designed for parallel operation or CVCC (constant voltage, constant current) types. Without explicit parallel operation support, supplies may fight each other, causing instability and potential damage. Some manufacturers, like Excelsys, offer modular power supplies designed for safe parallel and series configurations. Additionally, paralleling multiple supplies can cause issues not only on the output side but also on the input side, such as power factor correction conflicts and voltage spikes. Overall, paralleling standard power supplies is complex and often not recommended unless the supplies are specifically designed for it.
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FAQ

TL;DR: For two 12 V/15 A supplies, use "rectifiers that can handle 20 A or more" and wire for sensing to avoid backfeed and imbalance. This method can work, but thermal behavior and control loops still matter. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21663420]

Quick Facts

Can I safely parallel two 12 V, 15 A supplies for 30 A?

Yes, but only if you manage isolation, sharing, and control loops. Diode ORing and matched voltages can work. However, vendors that specify paralleling are safer choices. "I would not advise paralleling power supplies unless they specifically state that you can do this." [Elektroda, Kevin Parmenter, post #21663424]

What is the Schottky diode method for paralleling PSUs?

Place a high‑current Schottky diode in series with each output, then tie the diode cathodes together. The diodes block reverse current between supplies and reduce control‑loop interaction. Expect some voltage drop and heat on each diode at load. [Elektroda, sudheep Rc, post #21663425]

How do I set voltages so both supplies share current?

Without load, adjust both outputs to the same target voltage. Connect through the rectifiers. Under load, measure voltage at each rectifier anode and fine‑tune so they match closely. Differences reflect diode characteristics and wiring. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21663421]

Do I need remote sense lines when using diodes?

Yes, if your supplies have +Sense, tie it after the diode so the supply compensates the diode drop. This improves regulation at the load and reduces imbalance from differing diode drops. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21663420]

What current rating should the diodes have?

Use rectifiers rated above your expected continuous current. A practical guideline here is 20 A or more per path for 15 A loads. Higher ratings improve thermal margin and reliability in continuous duty. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21663420]

Will two identical supplies share current equally?

Not perfectly. Small voltage differences and diode characteristics cause unequal sharing. Expect one unit to carry more current unless you add sharing features. "It will work but both the power supplies will not share equal current." [Elektroda, Sachin Sheth, post #21663430]

Can I use small series resistors to balance current?

You can add low‑value resistors (e.g., 0.1 Ω), but they waste significant power at high current and run hot. Thermal dissipation and efficiency loss make this impractical for 15 A rails. [Elektroda, Calinoaia Valentin, post #21663419]

What about using CV/CC mode to share current?

Set one supply slightly higher so it enters constant current; the other regulates voltage a bit lower. The CC unit supplies extra current while the CV unit holds voltage. This requires supplies with proper CC behavior. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21663422]

How do I prevent thermal runaway in the diodes?

Add a small series resistor with each rectifier, about 10 mΩ at 5 W, to add stabilizing impedance. It helps limit the heating spiral when one diode’s forward drop falls with temperature. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21663421]

Is running both supplies at their max current okay?

Avoid operating at zero headroom. If you need 30 A from two 15 A units, both run at limit, increasing stress and reducing reliability. Derate or choose higher‑current, paralleled‑ready models. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21663426]

Are there risks beyond the outputs when paralleling?

Yes. Inputs can also interact. Poorly coordinated front ends, such as PFC stages, may fight and create harmful voltage spikes, causing failures. Large multi‑supply systems have burned out this way. [Elektroda, Peter Evenhuis, post #21663429]

Will adding external current limiters solve sharing?

External limiters help only if the supplies’ internal control loops tolerate parallel operation. Without vendor support for paralleling, loops may interfere and cause instability or damage. Use modules designed for sharing. [Elektroda, Kevin Parmenter, post #21663424]

What are +Sense/-Sense lines on a power supply?

Sense lines measure voltage at the load point rather than at the supply terminals. When used after the series diode, the supply raises output slightly to overcome diode drop, improving regulation at the load. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21663420]

Quick 3‑step: how do I wire and verify two PSUs with diodes?

  1. Adjust both supplies to the same voltage with no load. 2. Wire each output through its own Schottky diode, tie cathodes, connect load and sense after diodes. 3. Under load, measure anode voltages and tweak for close matching. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21663421]

Do I need supplies explicitly rated for paralleling?

It is strongly recommended. Parallel‑ready units include current‑share features and avoid control‑loop conflicts. Simple diode ORing works, but it wastes power and can still mis‑share under dynamics. [Elektroda, Kevin Parmenter, post #21663424]

Should I worry about rectifier heating and sizing?

Yes. Sustained 15 A loads heat diodes; select ample current rating and heatsinking. As one expert put it, use rectifiers “that can handle 20 A or more.” [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21663420]
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