Due to the improved battery technology, portable power stations have become reliable household power sources and essential devices to power appliances, smartphones, equipment, etc., during an emergency. Interestingly, they aren’t dangerous because they don’t require gasoline, propane, kerosene, or diesel to run when compared to the traditional generator.
Portable power stations save money and time on engine maintenance, making it perfect for use at home and in offices. Therefore, this article will further enlighten you on what to consider when choosing the right portable power station for your equipment.
Battery Capacity
Battery capacity is one of the most important specifications you need to look out for when selecting a portable power station. The bigger its ability, the longer it takes to run your devices per charge. So, buying the highest battery you can afford is best.
However, considering cost, weight, and size, you should use a calculated approach to decide the battery capacity for your portable power station.
In addition, different power station manufacturers have different metrics by which they measure the battery capacity of their devices. For instance, Sunly power station use famous metrics like kWh (kilowatt-hour), mAh (milliamp hour), Wh (Watt hour), and Ah (Amp hour). And understanding these metrics helps you know how long your portable power station will power your electronics at home. But note that the battery capacity of your portable power station needs to be in Watt-hour.
Battery Type
Another specification to consider when selecting a portable power station is the type of battery it uses or its battery technology. The type of battery found in a portable power station goes a long way in determining its size, cost, weight, charging speed, and how long the station can produce AC power before shutting down.
Lithium-ion, lithium-polymer and lead-acid batteries are the most common types found in portable power stations. Lithium-ion batteries have a charge rate three times faster than lead-acid batteries and are more dense than all the battery types.
Likewise, lithium-polymer batteries are less dense than lithium-ion but have a faster charging capacity and are safer than lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries. At the same time, lead-acid batteries are the most available in terms of cost among the three types. Although they’re slow-charging and bulky, they’re the least dense.
So, depending on your preference and choice, you should decide which battery type is worth your investment and best suits your equipment at home.
Inverter Technology
Inverter technology is another parameter you want to consider in selecting the right portable power station. Inverters are electrical devices converting the battery’s direct current to alternating current. Direct current (DC) charges battery-powered devices like phones, tablets, etc., while alternating current (AC) powers more-power hungry devices like laptops, TV, computer, gaming consoles, etc.
However, considering the device you choose to power, it’s best to select the suitable inverter in your portable power station to save your devices from damage and help them work as effectively and efficiently as possible.
There are two main types of the inverter to look out for; pure sine wave inverters and the modified sine wave inverters. To power precise, delicate and super-sensitive equipment, you’ll need a portable power station with a pure sine wave inverter. But if you want to use the power station to power your monitor, computer, TV, console, etc., then select one with a modified sine wave inverter that works better while saving you some money.
Peak and Continuous Power Supply
Peak and continuous power supply is another specification you want to consider when choosing a portable power station. Although power stations are meant to power electronic devices, TVs, computers, etc., they can equally power things like refrigerators, electric fans, kitchen appliances, etc. However, these heavy-powered devices can only be possible with portable power stations with enough peak and continuous power supply.
Many heavy-powered devices need a certain surge or peak watts to jump-start and turn them on. And once turned on, they’ll need a continuous power supply known as rated watts or continuous watts.
Power Input and Output Ports
Portable power stations can only have a few ports for charging and powering devices, and this is precisely for DC-powered charging ports because you need an extension cord to have several AC outlets.
Therefore, it’s recommended to choose a portable power station with multiple USB and USB-C charging ports to power your hand devices, a 12-V charging port for the internet router, and at most 2 AC outlets. If you also wish to store the power station in your car, you also need an Anderson power pole.
After considering the charging ports and outlets of a power station, check out ports used to charge the station, including DC, AC, and solar charging ports, etc.
Conclusion
Since companies are beginning to add more appealing features to their portable power stations, it’s best to look for the one that satisfies your needs before buying. And following the above guide will help you secure a durable and reliable power station that serves your every need at home and in your workplace.
