Portable power stations are becoming common nowadays, thanks to their usability and reliability. Imagine someone is camping or a car is stuck in the snow, and the power runs out!
Everyone has electronic devices to assist them in various aspects of life. A moment without them can be costly for many. If a consistent power supply is coming through a portable power station, you may run into several issues, some of which can be risky.
There were around 5 million campers in Canada in 2021, indicating the importance and popularity of portable power. Having an outdoor battery power station on board can be a game changer for outdoor life.
This article will discuss everything from their importance to types and applications. So, keep reading till the end to explore all the essential information on portable power stations.
Risks of Not Having a Portable Power Supply Outdoors
l Uncharged Devices
Modern life depends on devices to a great extent, from laptops to mobile phones, which cover various aspects of our lives. Therefore, that’s obvious that only when our devices have enough battery to assist us in whatever we do.
Imagine you’re at a remote location without a power supply, with devices running out of charge. It could be a nightmare if you encountered a serious issue and couldn’t inform anyone about it.
l Medical Emergencies
Outdoors can sometimes be tricky when you have to deal with medical emergencies. The situation becomes even trickier and potentially fatal if you don’t have portable power to use different life-saving devices.
These include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, such as oxygen concentrators, nebulizers, etc. If a power outage suspends a patient’s care equipment, their lives will likely be in danger because they cannot receive timely care. Modern medical equipment requires power, so it’s essential to have it with you regardless of the location.
Benefits of Portable Outdoor Power
l Incredible Convenience
Portable stations have come a long way and have become much more convenient and easier to handle today. Most power stations today are less than 15 kg, making them an excellent option for your outdoor activities. You can take them around at different locations and use them effectively.
Moreover, they can simultaneously power multiple devices, such as phones, laptops, and torch lights. Imagine camping in the wilderness and having all your usual electronic devices to enhance your experience because you don’t have to worry about running out of power.
l Essential Backup
Extreme weather conditions can adversely impact the power supply and cut you off the grid, like in 2022 on Christmas when tens of thousands of people were without a power supply. As a result, you might have to live in the dark unless there’s a backup power option. A portable power supply is necessary whether you need to operate medical devices or home appliances.
Outdoor Power Supply and Types
Outdoor power supply means any power source that can provide electrical energy in outdoor environments to charge or run your devices and equipment. Here are some prominent types of outdoor power supply:
1. Portable Power Stations
A portable station is an innovative and modern type of outdoor power supply. Being lightweight and compact, it can be carried around easily inside a bag and recharge multiple devices without breaking down. Portable power stations have gained popularity because of their eco-friendliness and quietness.
2. Traditional Generators
Traditional generators are perhaps the most common power source outdoors, and you must have seen many people using them. The traditional generator has an internal combustion engine that burns fuel to generate electricity.
Since it uses different fuel types, such as diesel, gasoline, natural gas, propane, etc., your choice depends totally on your preferences and requirements. The fuel-powered generator usually produces higher voltages, so you can use it to run heavy-duty equipment. However, it comes with the downside of noise and air pollution.
3. Solar Generators
Solar generators are an alternative to traditional generators and power your appliances through solar energy. Thanks to the global push towards renewable energy, investments in the sector have risen significantly. Canada has kept up the trend by installing 4.4 gigawatts of solar energy by 2022 and intends to expand the network.
A solar generator uses its photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electricity, which can also be stored for later use on a battery. It is perfect for people who want clean energy without compromising efficiency.
Moreover, they can simultaneously power multiple devices, such as phones, laptops, and torch lights. Imagine the convenience of charging your devices in any location, even if the nearest grid is miles away.
4. Battery Powered Inverters
Battery-powered inverters are another popular outdoor power supply type. They use batteries for converting their DC power into AC power, such as nickel-cadmium, lithium-ion, and lead acid, making them quite lightweight and portable.
However, battery-powered inverters without proper circuit protection can damage appliances and pose a safety hazard. Therefore, for safety purposes, battery powered inverters are not recommended.
Applications of a Portable Power Station
Despite the wide range of outdoor power stations, the portable power station is always the first choice for customers. This is because it combines the advantages of other outdoor charging stations and makes up for their drawbacks. Hence, this outdoor power station can be applied in many fields.
1. A Great Camping Companion
Camping is a great chance to unwind and escape your daily rut. You might be surprised to know that 33% of Canadians are seasoned campers, and the revenue in this sector is expected to reach $314.70 million in 2023. However, having modern equipment with you is always better, and an outdoor power station is a must.
Having reliable access to power during camping can come in really handy, as you can stay connected and charge your devices. Although you wouldn’t want to spend all your time on your tech gadgets, having access to them is essential during camping. You can charge them anytime with an outdoor power station and stay in touch with the world.
2. Reliable for RV Living
More than 50,000 RV shipments were recorded in 2022 in Canada, pointing towards their increased popularity. RV living can be tricky because you must figure out how to keep your appliances running.
Modern RVs have a robust electric system, but it still doesn’t guarantee an unlimited and uninterrupted power supply. Plugging multiple devices into the RV’s electrical system might carry the risk of blowing a fuse. However, you can prevent that by plugging your devices into an outdoor power station.
3. Backup Power
Most people are interested in a power station because it is an excellent backup power option during outages. A portable power station is a way to go if you’re residing in a region that experiences extreme weather events, has an unreliable grid, or wants a reliable backup during emergencies.
Blackouts can be a nuisance in Canada, with a recent one leaving 498,000 people without power. In such situations, you need backup power to charge essential equipment and devices to keep daily life on track.
4. Construction Sites
Although many ignore this aspect, construction sites also require a reliable power source. Usually, these sites are away from traditional power sources, necessitating an alternative, and an outdoor power station can fill in the gap.
Construction workers must use multiple tools, such as saws, drills, etc. With a portable station, they can easily power all these tools without wasting time. As a result, the construction work keeps going smoothly without any hindrances.
5. Musical Concerts & Events
Who doesn’t like to attend glittering festivals and concerts? After all, they take us away from our routine life and allow us to listen to our favorite singers and hang out with friends & family. Canada has an extensive music industry, with the music event market projected to reach US$0.90 billion in 2023.
Outdoor events during the night are possible only when you have an uninterrupted power supply. Thankfully, outdoor power stations can power your needs during these events and help you enjoy your day fully.
6. Film & Photography
Imagine you’re at a scenic location, trying to capture the perfect footage for a film or creating a memorable photo album, and your camera notifies you about its low charging. In such a situation, you’ll have to terminate your assignment for the time being and return to recharge your equipment before trying again, which is a loss of your time and energy.
However, a portable power station can easily resolve this problem by helping you recharge your photography equipment without worrying about battery drainage. Even if the battery goes, your battery power station is right in your hand, which can charge your device instantly.
7. Business Usage
Portable electric power stations can be an ideal choice for businesses of different types, especially those traveling and operating in different locations. No matter where you are, these stations provide a reliable and consistent power source. With these stations, you don’t have to hire an additional vehicle to carry your bulky generators.
As a result, your business will be saving time and money in the long run and spending them on something much more valuable. Moreover, they also bring the energy efficiency that companies dream of, even in remote locations.
8. Medical Applications
It should be a no-brainer that modern medical science is highly dependent upon an uninterrupted power supply. That’s because all equipment, including incubators, scanners, ventilators, etc., run on electricity, and their stoppage can pose severe risks for the patients.
Power failures can occur anytime due to various reasons, so it is crucial to have a backup in the form of a portable power station. Using it lets you keep the medical equipment running and guarantee patients the necessary care.
9. Fishing Adventures
A report in 2015 revealed that there were more than 3.2 million active anglers in Canada indulging in recreational fishing. Canada has incredible fishing destinations from Calgary & Sooke to St. Peters Bay & Dauphin Lake. Fishing adventurers and enthusiasts know how captivating the experience can be.
However, no power supply can dampen your experience and make it less enjoyable. Having a portable power station can come in really handy for any fishing enthusiast, as you can power an electric stove with it to make coffee or make seafood while waiting for the fish to bite the hook.
Moreover, an outdoor power station can also provide lighting when it gets dark or heating when it gets chilly. In short, a reliable power supply can take your fishing experience to the next level.
10. Farmland Connectivity
Modern farmlands are vastly different from their older counterparts. Today, their produce is sold all around Canada and fulfills the dietary needs of millions of citizens. With 189,874 farms in Canada, they must have an uninterrupted energy supply to satisfy different needs, such as internet connectivity, lighting, irrigation system control, etc.
It’s especially true for wild farms where building and running an automated farming system is challenging. So, it’s crucial to have portable power supplies, to smoothen the path of intelligent agriculture.
Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station
If you want a reliable portable power station that serves you in all situations, the Jackery Explorer 500 is the perfect choice. With 500W output and 1000W surge, it charges multiple devices while staying lightweight and compact. Let’s look at some prominent aspects of this power station:
l Efficient and Innovative Charging
With different ways to charge the station, you don’t have to find a wall outlet, as you can charge it using solar power, car outlets, or electric generators.
l Reliable Battery Life
The Explorer 500 has long and reliable battery life, so you can expect long working or adventurous sessions without worrying about the power supply. Moreover, its efficient power mechanisms allow you to complete 800 charge cycles while maintaining 80% of the original capacity.
l Works in Extreme Conditions
This power station uses an innovative and intelligent Battery Management System (BMS) ensures that your equipment and devices receive stable power. There are also smart temperature sensors inside the power station that help it work in extreme temperatures.
l Clean Energy
Jackery Explorer 500 uses no fossil fuels, so no fumes or smoke comes from it. Hence, it is a green energy solution for everything from medical emergencies & business needs to camping & RV living.
About Jackery
Jackery — an award-winning brand — offers various products, such as solar generators, battery power stations, and solar panels, to fulfill your needs in all situations and allow you to explore new horizons. With innovation and quality, Jackery aims to transform the energy sector. They launched the world’s first outdoor portable power station in 2016 and the first portable solar panel in 2018.
Explore the diverse range of Jackery’s products and worry no more about power outages or power supply for outdoor adventures!