1).Introduction
Portable Power Stations are compact, battery-powered generators that can charge small items , such as cell phones and portable fans as well as common domestic appliances, for example refrigerators. So, assuming you fully charged the battery before a predicted weather event ; your portable power station could give you hours of electricity to run a refrigerator or any other essential appliance.
In an emergency, especially when we are in the hurricane and bad weather season, a portable electric machine, or as it is also popularly refered to as a portable power station, is the best option to have with you. If you need to power common personal electronic devices, and small appliances, while spending long hours without electricity wherever you are, these machines will help you spend that time with more comfort.
If you need to keep your electronic equipment running for hours during an emergency or whilst you’re on the go, these devices will be ideal for those requirements.
These devices are basically large batteries in protective cases, with built-in outlets and other ports . In an emergency, they offer some important advantages over portable gas generators, despite not being as powerful. The portable power plants that these machines have are quiet and emission-free; which means you can safely use them inside a home during a power outage. ALSO, since they don’t have an engine, there’s no need to have…….
- gasoline on hand or
- the oil changes or consider
- other minor maintenance procedures that combustion engines require such as checking overheating issues.
To summarize, a portable power station is :
- A mobile self-sufficient power supply as an alternative to the power generator for festivals, outdoor events, mobile work, etc…
- A portable high-performance battery with charging electronics and inverter for outdoor, self-sufficient camping for caravans / mobile homes.
- Ideal as an on-board power system for cars, mini campers, mobile homes or as a self-sufficient island system and solar generator for garden houses, construction vehicles, tiny houses and emergency power supply.
2).Diesel-Powered Generators vs. Solar-Powered Generators vs. Portable Power Stations.
Today, the most popular choice of generator is the solar-powered version. The reason for this is that when compared to the diesel and petrol powered generators, the solar-powered option can use the natural green energy from the sun and save the battery for powering up other devices also using an environmentally-safe power source. The portable power station can then be used on RV solar generators by connection to solar panels.
It’s important to bear in mind that both diesel and petrol-powered generators DO NOT create energy. They only store energy which is available at any time. The term ‘solar’ implies that energy is available when the generator is connected to a solar panel.
The Solar Generator offers many other advantages:
| Solar Generator | Traditional Generator |
| Climate neutral: No CO2 emissions | Air pollution from internal combustion engine |
| Quiet operation : approx. 7 dB at a distance of 7 meters | Loud: approx. 57 dB at a distance of 7 meters |
| Easy to use. | Technical know-how required |
| One-time cost only | Running costs |
3).Portable Power Station for Solar Charger Sets.
A typical Portable Power Station is a super large power bank with a built-in 220V socket, USB, USB-C, 12V output and with a DC input for solar panels. Often there is also an advanced MPPT controller. Such a power station is super handy for solar charger sets, because then you only need a solar panel. Insert and it’s ready to use.A portable power station of this type is also much smaller and lighter.
Features To Look Out For :
Being a super large power bank , it is supplied with a built-in 220V socket, USB, USB-C, 12V output and a DC input for solar panels connections.
With the older models, you needed a large heavy lead battery and a separate solar controller. With that controller you had to pay attention to all kinds of connections (USB, USB-C, 12V in and out), and whether it was real MPPT. Also, for 220V you also needed a separate AC-DC converter. Hence you had to pay attention to the sinus: that had to be pure sinus, otherwise you could damage devices beyond repair.
Today’s portable power station solves all those problems, and is also much smaller and lighter in comparison to a power bank.
(i) An MPPT ( Maximum Power Point Tracker )
This is an electronic DC to DC converter that optimizes the match between the solar array (PV panels), and the battery bank or utility grid. To put it simply, they convert a higher voltage DC output from solar panels (and a few wind generators) down to the lower voltage needed to charge batteries.
The function of an MPPT charge controller is analogous to the transmission in a car. When the transmission is in the wrong gear, the wheels do not receive maximum power.
So, it’s very useful for a portable power station if it has an MPPT controller. Then a solar panel delivers more yield. But MPPT can be done in different ways, including digitally. It’s really just an algorithm.
(ii) Portable power station capacity expressed as Wh
The capacity is usually stated in Wh: that is Watt per hour. That is much better than Ah, because Ah depends on the Voltage. With Ah you don’t know whether it is at 5V, or at 12V or at 18V. Or at 3.7V? Makes a difference!
For example: 50Wh means that you can run a 50W device for an hour. Easy !
Or that you can charge phones for 10 hours with 5 Watts. Or that you can use a 100W device for half an hour. Or even a 1000 Watt appliance for 6 minutes (such as a microwave, kettle or hair dryer) – if the power station can deliver that much power.
A capacity of 50Wh is enough for a mobile household of four telephones, lighting, radio, speakers, iPad and laptop.
4). How Do Portable Power Stations Work ?
5).How to Recharge a Portable Power Station.
6). What Are the Benefits of Portable Power Stations?
7). How to Choose the Best Portable Power Station.
PORTABLE POWER STATIONS : Buying Guide & Recommendations
In this section of the Portable Power Stations module we are going to discuss the following :
- 3 JACKERY EXPLORER portable power station models, namely the 240, 500 & 1000 devices
- 1 Recommended solar panel
- 3 Jackery EVA carrying cases for the Explorer models previously reviewed.
General Introduction
The Jackery Power Station models have been successfully established on the US market for several years. The American company has now also introduced onto EU markets versions of its 3 most successful models for mobile power i.e. Explorer models #240, #500 and #1000.
- Battery sizes (240Wh, 500Wh and 1000Wh) and the inverter power are the main features which differ between the individual models.
- The 12V output via the cigarette lighter socket has a power of 120W and delivers a very stable voltage of 12V-13V at any charge level and even under high loads
- Compressor coolers from other manufacturers and other standard 12V car devices should work with these models without any problems.
- USB ports with 2.4A are available on all devices
- The Jackery power stations can all be charged in a few hours. Either with the included power pack, via the included car charging cable to the cigarette lighter in the car or with a solar panel (voltage range 12-30V).
- All models deliver a clean, real sinusoidal AC voltage of 230V 50Hz
- Top features & advantages over other devices: (1) According to many experts and tests, these models have the best battery capacity performance for this class of portable power devices ; (2) Charging possible via 12V cigarette lighter ; (3) Stable outputs (also 12V) and very good performance until the end of the battery charge.
| Name of Model | Jackery Explorer 240 | Jackery Explorer 500 | Jackery Explorer 1000 |
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| Introduction / Review. | The Jackery Explorer 240 is the smallest power station that Jackery offers. It takes up very little space and can be taken anywhere thanks to the carrying handle and low weight. Although you have portable power at your disposal, this will not be enough to operate a small refrigerator, for example. The Jackery Explorer 240 is more suitable for charging smartphones or notebooks. | The Explorer 500 is Jackery's mid-range powerhouse station. It has an output of 500 watts and can also operate small camping refrigerators at least for a certain time. TV, beamer or similar can also be used for up to 8 hours. Naturally, charging the Jackery Explorer 500 takes significantly longer than the Explorer 240. It takes around 9.5 hours per solar module. The power station can be fully charged in around 8 hours using a cigarette lighter or socket in the house. | The Jackery Explorer 1000 is the second largest and most powerful power station sold by Jackery. It is suitable for all campers and outdoor friends. At 10 kg, it is significantly heavier than its smaller "siblings", but the dimensions are extremely compact at 33.3 x 23.3 x 28.3 cm. The power station can therefore also be accommodated in the car. Thanks to more than 1000 Wh, televisions, refrigerators or projectors can be operated for up to 17 hours. During use, the power station can be charged during the day via a solar module. |
| TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS : 1-Power (watts) 2-Capacity (watt hours) 3-Connectivity 4-Charging Time 5-Dimensions 6-Weight | 1= 240W 2= 240Wh Lithium Akku 3= 2 x USB output ; 1 x general socket ; 1 x 12 volt socket (cigarette lighter). 4= Charges in approx. 5 hours with 100 watt solar panel (80% of max) 5= 23 x 14.2 x 20 cm 6= 3kg. | 1= 500W 2= 518 Wh Lithium-Akku 3= 3 x USB output ; 1 x general socket ; 1 x 12 volt socket (cigarette lighter). 4= Charges in approx. 9.5 hours with 100 watt solar panel 5= 30 x 19.3 x 23.4 cm 6= 6kg | 1= 1000W 2= 1002 Wh 3= 12 V car connection, 2 x USB-A ports, 1x USB-C port, 1 x Quick Charge 3.0 port 4= Charges in 8 hours with 2 x100 watt solar panels 5= 33.3 x 23.3 x 28.3 cm 6= 10kg |
| Important Features & PROS | - The Inverter of the Jackery-Explorer 240 can supply a continuous output of 200W (peak 400W), - Light weight - Compact design - Economical price & Value for money. - Multiple charging options - Short loading time - Compatible with solar panel | - Good ratio between weight and performance - Versatile use - Compact design - OK price - Lots of connections - Solar-Compatible | - High capacity - Lots of connections - Suitable for continuous operation - Compact design - 2 sockets - you can combine the solar panels from this Jackery model and thus charge faster. - the ergonomics on this battery pack : Even with its mega capacity, it is still easy to carry one-handed around a camp site, or sling into your truck. |
| CONS | - Low Capacity - No USB-C charging socket on Explorer 240 - Explorer 240 without Quickcharge function. - It’s not suitable for use as an uninterruptible power source. If you’re trying to use it this way, you’ll have to manually power it on before bed every night. | - It's worth noting that Jackery also provides a proprietary car charger to juice up the Explorer 500 if you're traveling - it can take up to 16 hours to fully charge - More capacity required for some applications - No Quickcharge function. | - Heavy (10kg). - lack of water resistance on the Explorer 1000.- there are warnings on the packaging to keep this device away from water ! |
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Jackery Solarsaga 100W Solar Panel
The Jackery Explorer 1000 power station also has the option of combining 2 Jackery Solarsaga 100 panels, thereby charging the power station twice as fast.
The Solarsaga 100 folds in half and takes up minimal storage space when folded. Two feet can be folded out on the back. In this way, the solar panel can always be perfectly aligned with the sun.
Technical Specifications
- 100 watt solar panel
- 1x USB output
- 1x USB-C Ausgang
- Dimensions Unfolded: 122 x 53.5 x 0.5cm
- Dimensions Folded: 61 x 53.5 x 3.5 cm
- Weight 4,68 Kg
PROS :
- Direct USB outputs
- Good workmanship
- Combinable
- Foldable
- Compact design
CONS .
- Expensive.
Jackery EVA Carry Cases for the Explorer Models
The extended range includes suitable carrying bags for every power station. These protect the power stations from accidental damage and climatic events when in transit.
| Name of Carry Case Model | Jackery EVA Carrying Case for Explorer 240 Portable Power Station Solar Generator (Black). | Jackery EVA Carrying Case for Explorer 500 Portable Power Station Solar Generator (Black). | Jackery EVA Carrying Case for Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station Solar Generator (Black). |
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| Description. | PREMIUM EVA CASE - Fits Jackery Explorer 240 Portable Power Station; Hard shell design, effectively protect the power bank from being scratched, dropped or crushed; offers durability. Portable and Durable Design - Comes with a zipper. The best practical bag for your travel and outdoor activities with your Explorer 240 for phone, laptop, drone. - Inner dimension: 8.3 x 7 x 9 inch, Ideal for carrying your Jackery Explorer 240 power station. | Premium EVA Case - Fits the Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station. This robust bag effectively protects power stations from scratches, bruises and dirt. Provides durability. - The best practical bag for your travel and outdoor activities with your Explorer 500 for phone, laptop, drone, etc. - Inner dimensions: 13.4*9.1*10.3 inch (34*23*26 cm), More than adequate for the 500 model. | Premium EVA Case - Fits the Jackery Explorer 1000 portable power station. This robust bag effectively protects power stations from scratches, bruises and dirt. Provides durability. - inner dimension: 14.6 x 10.7 x 11.8 inch (37*27*30 cm), more convenient for carrying your Jackery Explorer 1000 option. |
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The penultimate device we are going to consider for the meantime are GENERATORS For Home Use. Home generators are in high demand particularly during severe weather situations – winter and summer seasons. Households appreciate the versatile use of portable generators.
A back-up tool in the event of a power failure, the generator is also increasingly becoming an emergency solution at home, used as a last resort in the event of a power outage.
What is it ? How does it work ? What are their advantages AND disadvantages ?
CLICK ON THIS LINK HERE TO ACCESS MORE INFORMATION.
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