Portable Power Stations & Their Rise to Dominance - Part One
In the past, noisy petrol generators have been the primary means of charging or running devices when there is no mains power. In the last five years, lithium battery technology has advanced significantly, and portable power stations have taken over this space, quietly charging and running devices without fumes while you are on the go. This means having them in your tent or motorhome is not a problem and opens a world of possibilities for their use.
In Part One of this series, we will provide a general overview of what power stations are and their features, while in Part Two, we will delve a little deeper and begin comparing some models to help you decide which one is right for you.
What is a power station?
Very simply, it is a lithium battery and inverter that takes the power from the battery and converts it to 240V. Enclosed in a sturdy case, the display allows you to see the state of charge and power usage. There are many outlet plugs and ports to run any device, as well as inlet plugs to charge from 240V, 12V, and solar panels.
Are they safe?
Absolutely. LiFePO4 batteries are extremely safe. They possess a much lower power density than batteries found in electric scooters or remote-control cars, so they do not carry those inherent risks we have heard about. They also include a Battery Management System (BMS) that safeguards the battery from undercharging and overcharging, maintaining the battery in a manner that will preserve it's integrity.
A power station for everyone.
There is a range of sizes to choose from. Smaller ones are great for charging phones, laptops, electric toothbrushes, or running small appliances like a pump, light, or TV. Larger ones are excellent for running portable fridges at the campsite, coffee machines, or air fryers, so you can take the items with you that make life easier and more enjoyable.
The biggest ones can run power tools, making them great for tradies working out of the back of their ute or running a mobile business, like a coffee cart.
So why are they so Popular?
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Quiet and no fumes unlike petrol generators.
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Versatile range of outlet ports so you can charge off USB and USB-C, run 12V items off a cigarette socket or household appliances from mains power plugs.
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Make holidays easier and more enjoyable as you can run portable fridges, coffee machines, air fryers and the list goes on……
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Recharge super quick and when completely off grid recharge on solar panels or off your vehicles 12V system so you can be self-sufficient.
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Battery technology now lasts for more than 3500 cycles. That is roughly 10 years of using it every day!!
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Safety features like over-charge protection, over-discharge protection, overload protection, short circuit protection and over-temperature protection make them incredibly safe.
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Emergency backup power. Plug devices like Wi-Fi into it at home so if there is a power cut it acts like a UPS and will cut over the power to the power station so quick you won’t tell it happened.
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Great warranties from 3-5 years depending on brands.
At your local Burnsco store or online on our website, you’ll find an extensive range of power stations. We stock Rovin, Powertech, and EcoFlow - so we have a power station to suit your needs. Simply determine which devices and appliances you want to run, then come talk to our experienced staff so we can help you find the right one.
Do you have any questions?
Please, contact our friendly team on 0800 102041 or email: website@burnsco.co.nz
We provide general information on products, not personal advice. Always seek the help of a relevant tradesperson if you have a technical query.
