All You Need to About Portable Power Stations

Portable power stations are good ideas for someone who needs power supplies on the go or backup energy for emergencies. With the development of technology, they are becoming more and more multi-talented and offer safer usage. which makes them a perfect off-grid power solution for camping trips, emergencies like home power outages or car power outages, or daily use. However, what is a portable power station? Today, we will be here to share all you need to know about it with you.  

What is a portable power station? 

Portable power stations are high-capacity battery packs in a compact and portable design. These devices come with a rechargeable high-capacity lithium-ion battery with multiple power output ports, including DC, AC, USB-A, USB-C, and an automobile outlet, which can cater to many kinds of scenarios, including camping trips, RV trips, home power outages, car power shortages, and more. 

Portable power stations have a higher capacity and higher power output. In terms of power capacity, they can provide a capacity of 0.5kwh to 5kwh and even more, which can support power supply for many hours, even several days from free to moderate use. For example, a 5100-watt-hour power station can provide power for a one- to two-day party or home use.

As for power output, outdoor power stations support a maximum output of 100W to 2200W, while combining with multiple outlets ranging from AC outlets to USB outlets, allowing the user to power a wide array of devices and appliances simultaneously, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, mini refrigerators, outdoor speakers, LED projectors, and more.

The Ways to Recharge the Portable Power Stations 

Generally speaking, high-end portable power stations are usually equipped with multiple recharging methods, including solar panels, AC outlets, Type-c outlets, and car cigarette lighters, which allows you to enjoy a flexible charging experience. 

● Solar Panels 

Pairing your portable power station with solar panels can charge the station with clean solar energy. Anywhere the sun shines, there is a chance to use photovoltaics to form a small solar power generation system that can charge the station with solar power to achieve continuous off-grid power generation. Besides, it can charge a portable power station in a proper setting. The larger the solar panel set is, the less time it will take to recharge a power station. For example, with a maximum of 700W solar power input, it can charge a 2000Wh power station in around 3 hours at peak sunlight. 

● AC input and USB-C input

AC input and USB-C input can only be used at home. Both of them need to connect to the wall outlet to charge the power station. But AC inputs usually work faster than USB-C inputs. 

● Car cigarette lighter socket 

Portable power stations usually offer a car cigarette lighter socket which allows you to connect it to your car to charge it when on outdoor camping. However, due to a maximum car socket input voltage of 12 volts, it can not charge the station quickly. 

Whichever way of recharging you use, it is worth noting that the larger the input, the less time it will take to recharge the power station. 

Types of portable power

In addition to the portable stations mentioned, which are also called electrical power stations, there are still another three types of power stations to choose from.

● Gas powered generator

Portable gas generators are powered by fossil fuels, usually gasoline, propane, natural gas or hybrid. They come with an inverter that can convert fuel into electric energy. And their capacity can go from 1000 to 20,000 watts, which is higher enough to light up an RV, all the home appliances of a house, and some larger appliances on camping trips. However, compared to electrical power stations, they are more bulky, and noisy, and they may even produce carbon monoxide and other harmful gases. Therefore, they may not be suitable to use in a house or tent. But they are very powerful to run AC appliances like home refrigerators, air conditioners, electric bumps, and more. 

● Solar powered generator

As its name shows, solar-powered generators use solar power to charge the batteries. It is very suitable for camping trips. These solar power stations usually come with a high-performance solar panel setting, which allows you to fast charge the station during the day. Many electrical power stations also support solar panel charges, but some of them may take a longer time to finish a charge. 

● Portable Battery Packs

Portable battery packs usually come with a higher capacity than a power bank. Without AC outlets, they only offer USB outlets, so they are usually used for charging consumer electronics like mobile phones, and digital cameras during hiking or camping. 

The Advantages of Portable Power Stations

Although there are many kinds of portable power stations to choose from, there is no denying that battery-powered power stations are still the most economical option if you are looking for a power station to satisfy multiple scenarios.  

● Excellent portability  

Unlike heavy and bulky gas-powered generators, an electric-powered portable power station comes with a very compact and lightweight design. For example, some electric power stations may weigh up to 70 pounds, which is lighter than a  generator that weighs hundreds.

● Eco-friendly 

As we know, gas generators will emit harmful fumes and carbon dioxide, which will have a great impact on the greenhouse effect. Fortunately, portable power stations can store and provide energy more cleanly, contributing to a reliable and eco-friendly source system. Besides, some charging stations like BWOO SW1000 also support solar charging. As long as there is sunshine, it is environmentally friendly and effortless to replenish energy for it anytime and anywhere.

● App Remote Control

Now high-end portable power stations will come with App remote control, which allows you to check the status of the station in real time and operate the station at any time.

● Multi-functionality and wide versatility 

Portable power stations can offer a lot of juice and come with multiple outlets, including AC outlets, DC outlets, USB-C, USB-A, car sockets, and more, which enables it to provide power for some portable electronics like laptops, speakers, mobile phones, and large appliances like coffee makers, mini fridge and more. With these advantages and the ones mentioned above, they are suitable for camping trips, home power outages, outdoor parties, RV trips, car jump starters, and more.  

● Little maintenance and worry-free safety

Portable power stations require very little maintenance and are safe to use, while gas generators require a series of complicated maintenance tasks, including replacing spark plugs, changing oil, changing filters, checking the coolant, and more. Unlike gas power stations that use combustible energy, which may cause a potential risk of fire hazard, portable power stations offer a reliable source system by using high-quality battery storage. And high-quality power stations from BWOO come with an upgraded smart battery management system that can provide comprehensive protection for the station, preventing them from potential risks like deep discharge and over-voltage. 

Tips for Maintaining a Portable Power Station 

Even durable portable power stations from BWOO also need proper maintenance and care to prolong their lifespan of the station. Although portable power stations require less maintenance than gas-powered generators, there is still a necessity to have some proper maintenance on them. Please read the following to get more detailed tips about how to protect a portable power well. 

● Proper setup and usage

Before setting and using the power supply, please make sure you have read the instruction and user manual so that you can end up making expensive mistakes like damaging the power station or affecting its performance and capacity.

● Store it in a dry and ventilated place 

It is necessary to store the power stations in a dry and ventilated place and try to keep them away from the drinks section to protect them from damage by moisture, liquid, and water. 

● Keep it from high-temperature damage 

Although portable power stations from reliable suppliers like BWOO are protected with a fire-proof shell, it is still necessary to keep them away from flammable materials and sources that can induce fire. For example, when using them on camping trips, try to avoid placing them under the fierce sunlight or beside the grill.

● Avoid overloading and overheating

When using them, you'd better monitor the status of the power station to check if there is a risk of overloading and overheating to prevent severe harm and disruption, such as fire, malfunction, and the power plant's premature shutdown. Power stations like BWOO SW1000 come with an LED display that allows you to monitor it in real-time to prevent the charging devices from being harmed.