how do portable power stations work

　　Portable power stations are the smaller, lesser-known cousins of generators. They keep your power tools, phone and other electronics charged and running smoothly. These versatile, lunch-box-size power banks can go with you to construction sites, on camping trips or wherever else you need electricity. They're also useful backup power sources during a power outage when you need to keep your phone on or an essential appliance running.

　　Portable power stations can be a lifesaver in many situations. Whether you find yourself in a blackout with no backups or need to charge up some electronics while camping, this is an essential item for camping and home. We look at how portable power stations work and how to pick the best one fit for purpose.

　　A portable power station’s main component is a rechargeable battery. This battery stores charge and release it in DC form or AC form via its outputs. The outputs can include AC, USB, or Cigarette lighter plugs. A power station can be charged with either an AC charger or using solar panels. They are also referred to as solar generators.

　　Components of a Power Station

　　A power station is made up of different components. The main component is the battery with all the other components supporting functions either to charge the battery or power devices from the battery.

　　Battery

　　As stated before the main component of the power station is the rechargeable battery. Modern power stations consist mainly of lithium-ion batteries which are more stable, lighter, and can be recharged quicker and easier.

　　Inverters

　　Power in the battery is stored in the form of DC power. In order to use power from to power AC appliances which is most of the appliances in our homes like TVs, laptops or blenders you need to convert the power to AC power.

　　A power station will need an Inverters to convert DC power from a battery to AC current for household use. Inverters come in many different sizes and shapes, as well as with different features to suit their specific use. So the type and size of inverter in the power station will determine what devices it can power.

　　Charge Controllers

　　Since most power stations can be charged using a solar panel a Charge controller is a must. A charge controller is a device that regulates the input power from the solar panels into the battery to prevent overcharging.

　　It does this by checking the voltage of the battery and disconnecting the solar panels once the battery is fully charged. It is a critical component of a stand-alone solar system.

　　Battery Management System

　　A Battery Management System is vital in Lithium batteries. It’s a system that monitors things such as battery voltage, regulating when power is coming from the battery and when to charge it.

　　Inputs and Outputs

　　The inputs allow you to charge the battery and the outputs to charge or power your device. The inputs can include DC and AC inputs that allow you to charge the power station from a wall socket or solar panel. The outputs can include AC, USB or Cigarette lighter plugs to charge your phone, laptops and power your appliances.