Portable Power Stations

[GeraldTheBonzai]

Anyone got any hands on experience of portable power stations, like Jackery Explorer or EcoFlow?

Toying with getting an inverter generator (need TSW). Use case is as backup for keeping the freezer going, plus charging and running electronics. Ideally need about 3A. Could get a petrol / LPG genny like a Champion Mighty Atom but... even with the quiet ones, start the genny, everyone knows you've got a genny.

Like the idea of a power station as a) can charge it from panels b) can lob it in the back of the car c) not dependant on fuel/storage.

But.. can fix a genny, simpler..

Any opinions / views?

[Yorkshire Andy]

Just be aware of the inrush current needed to kick a fridge compressor into life. They might draw 3a running but start up is where the problems lie.. if you can't kick the induction motor over it won't run

[Yorkshire Andy]

I've got a 3 way camping fridge which is / was for camping. Bonus is you can run it on bottled gas a 7 kg bottle theoretically should last 2 weeks


Might also be worth looking into a DIY root cellar

[pseudonym]

I have a jackery E240 power station and a 100w solar panel. It suits my needs.

If money wasn't an issue I would get the E1000 and two panels.

For your usage I would get the biggest you can afford. Plenty of videos online at the different models being used mainly in campervans

[bobble]

I've just got a PPT Power pack 100 mainly as a back up charger for mobiles and as a "portable plug socket". Not had a chance to try it yet as only just put it on charge!

[Medusa]

We have the AllPowers 288 Wh emergency power supply which we use for camping to run lights, charge phones and the laptop. It works well and we know that we don't need to rely on electric hook up should it go down and yes I do like my home comforts when camping in the bell tent. I have been looking at a Jackery too and it is on my wishlist.

[Yorkshire Andy]

Why don't they quote amp hours anymore it's been used for years where did watt hours come from


Know these lithium units are lightweight but what's the life expectancy of the lithium pack of them like?

For the cost some might find a caravan battery better vfm

Taking my fellow moderators model done some googling

The Jackery Explorer 240 has a 240 watt-hour (16.8Ah, 14.4V)

16ah isn't much running the 400w inverter they are usually very inefficient

My sip jump pack is 22ah and cost me £85ish but it's not lightweight

Nor is my home made version which is still running my shed 4+ years on I replaced the ancient battery 2 years ago

110ah if the calculation is right 1320 wh



viewtopic.php?f=38&t=11070

Most will know I like tinkering

Added bonus is most of my kit I can swap between battery box and car ...

Lidl have inverters in this week btw

[jennyjj01]

viewtopic.php?f=38&t=11070

Most will know I like tinkering

Added bonus is most of my kit I can swap between battery box and car ...

Lidl have inverters in this week btw

Whooooo. Only just seen your portable power station project from 2014. Brilliant! and worth a thread bump.

Have you used it in anger? Would you build bigger if you did it now?

Can you advise on what to look for in an inverter and are the Lidl ones up to much? I see they are 300W at £25

I guess these things are not capable of powering much and would not run, say a domestic freezer at all.

[GeraldTheBonzai]

Any idea on the spec on those Lidl inverters? Had a look online but it doesn’t say much. Am assuming they are modified sine wave.

[hobo]

Is this the one? https://www.lidl.co.uk/p/car-care/ultim ... ter/p45975