Simply it is a rechargeable battery-powered electricity generator. It comes with an AC outlet, DC carports, and USB ports to charge small devices. Since it has an AC outlet it can run those devices which get power from AC ports such as mini fans, small cookers, TV as well as refrigerators depending on its power. DC carports and USB charging ports can be used to charge smartphones, laptops, tablets, and CPAP machines.
Generally, a portable power station gets charges from your regular home AC outlets, stores the charge in the battery, and powers your devices in outdoor power champing, indoor emergency use. Some power stations have features to collect the charge from your car as well as from the direct sunlight.
How does a portable power station work?
A common question arises, how does a power station work? The battery produces DC power where our maximum home appliances need AC power to operate. Well, the portable power station is a DC to AC inverter which changes the voltage and converts the current to Alternating currents to power our laptop, TVs, refrigerators, and so on.
It has three parts, input, storage, and output. The DC input port collects electricity, charge, or energy from an AC outlet or a solar panel. Store the energy in its internal battery and output through built-in ac outlets, USB ports, or card ports.
Benefits of a portable power station
Unlike gas power stations, Battery power portable power stations work without noise. It does not produce carbon in the environment. It can be charged from green energy such as solar. You can take it anywhere, anytime. It is economical and renewable.
Use of Portable power station
A portable power station is a Power supply made for the grid.
Portable power stations are safe and powerful. Advanced portable power stations come with lots of smart features such as voltage detection, short circuit protection, inverter technology, temperature control, and pure sine wave technology.
Before buying your power station be sure the products you are going to purchase have all features to protect you and your gears and gadgets.
Use as a Camping Gear
Whether you are seeking power while lakeside recreation, tailgating, or backyard party as well marine life a portable power station can be a perfect solution. It can power up all your necessary devices while enjoying an outdoor adventure, camping, or getting together in the jungle.
Emergency power backup
Stay ready for emergencies such as power outage in the hurricane season. Some emergency life saving medical devices need continuous power without any interruption such as a CPAP machine. A portable power station can be a good power source for all types of CPAP machines. If you are a user of CPAP machines we recommend you to collect a good quality portable power station all the time. You can use it indoors as well as outdoors too.
Storage for Solar power
If you want to use the solar energy while outdoors, a portable power station is a perfect solution for you. It can get charged by the solar panel from the sun.
Advantages of a Power Portable Power Station
No Noise
The portable power station collects energy from AC outlets or Sunlight and stores it in the battery. No need for an engine to produce power, As there is no engine there is no noise.
As well as in a portable power station there are no moving parts that are why it can produce your desired energy without any irritating noise.
Free Energy
If you charge it from your indoor AC outlet it may affect your electricity bill which is not so high, but if you completely charge it with the solar panel, you will get the free energy. Though you may need to buy the solar gear separately it is helpful if there is no source of electricity.
Multiple Power Inputs
You can charge it with AC output, the solar panel as well as Carports. While you are going camping, connect it with your carports, it will be charged, or in the daytime keep it outdoors connected to the solar panel.
Multiple Power Outputs
Like inputs, maximum portable power stations have three types of outputs, such as carport, USB charging port, and AC outputs. It is compatible with every type of device which gets a charge from any of those outputs.
Environment Friendly
As a power station does not use any fuel so those do not produce any carbon, which helps to reduce carbon footprint. It is economical as well as environmentally friendly.
Lightweight
A portable power station is lightweight, easy to carry, and easy to use. You can carry it in your car and can handle it with your hand.
Safety
Portable power stations have a lot of safety features to protect the electronic devices as well as protect you from fire. We recommend you to buy a power station which has all the safety features.
Disadvantages of a Portable Power Station
Slow Charging
It is a common problem with portable power stations. Depending on capacity the charging time with an AC outlet can be 2-6 hours, and with a solar panel, it can be 8 – 20 hours. Though charging time can be reduced with powerful solar gears, it is still a problem for portable power stations.
Big Size for Big Power
If you compare it with the gas power generators, those produce energy using fuel and produce energy continually if you can refuel it. But a battery-powered portable generator stores charge and for the longer backup, it needs a bigger battery.
Price
There are different categories and price depends on the features and battery size. If you want to buy a good one, you need to invest a considerable amount of bucks.
Pros And Cons of portable power station:
Pros:
- Green energy.
- Emergency use.
- Power for outdoor.
- Silent energy generator.
- User friendly.
Cons:
- Slow charging.
- High price.
5 Things to Know and True Facts About Portable Power Stations
- They can not produce as much power as gas generators.
- They take a long time to recharge.
- Chagrin with solar panels can be more lengthy.
- They are not always portable.
- They are not cheap at all.
Frequently Asked Questions (FaQs)
1. Can I use a portable power station for a CPAP machine?
Yes, Most of the CPAP machines need power from 30-60 watts. Watts = amps x volts. Maximum portable power stations generate enough power for a CPAP machine and they can produce 2-8 hours back up with the full charge. We recommend you to ask the seller about the CPAP machine.
2. How to store and charge portable power stations if not using them for a long time?
Yes, Most of the CPAP machines need power from 30-60 watts. Watts = amps x volts. Maximum portable power stations generate enough power for a CPAP machine and they can produce 2-8 hours back up with the full charge. We recommend you to ask the seller about the CPAP machine.
3.Can I take a portable power station on a flight?
Under the FAA regulations, passengers are not allowed to carry a battery above 100wh in a flight. So if your portable power station has below 100wh battery capacity you may fly with it but make sure from the flight company before booking your tickets.
4. What types of batteries are used in the portable power station?
Generally, the portable power station uses the premium lithium-ion battery cells inside.
5. How to determine, whereas my device will run or not with the portable power station?
We recommend you to check the detailed input data of your electronic devices. You will find currents (amps) and volts mentioned there. If you can find out the watts needed for the devices, you can easily determine where your devices will run or not.
Watts = amps x volts. If your drives required watts less than the power stations watts you will be able to use it.
The bottom line
A portable power station has a lot of features including some drawbacks. We suggest you buy a portable power station depending on your demand and usages.
