UPS function
Charging stations with
UPS function switch consumers to backup power from their own battery, acting as an uninterruptible power supply. In comparison with full-fledged UPSs, switching does not occur instantly, but with a certain delay (about 10-30 ms). To use this function correctly, you must first study the instructions for the charging station, which often describes the correct procedure for connecting the intended consumer devices.
USB C
USB type C ports are smaller than classic USBs, and they also have a convenient reversible design that allows you to connect the plug in either direction.
USB type C was originally designed to be able to implement various advanced features: increased power supply, fast charging technologies, etc.
Since the port is relatively new and quite powerful (there are
USB type C with a power of 60 W and even
100 W), the total number of such connectors is often limited to
1 port, less often
two).
- The strength of the power. The maximum power output through the USB type C connector to a charging device. Note that different ports of the charging station can output different power (for example, 1.5 A and 2.1 A). In this case, the highest power strength is usually indicated.
— Power. The maximum power in watts (W) that the charging station is capable of delivering to one rechargeable gadget. The high output power of the USB type C port allows you to speed up the charging process. However, the appropriate power must be supported by the device being charged - otherwise the speed of the process will be limited by the characteristics of the gadget.
From solar panels
The ability to charge the device from solar panels ensures the energy independence of a portable power plant. Models with this function can work completely autonomously and do not depend on outlets.
Charging from the panels is implemented in the corresponding devices with portable solar panels and charging stations, which are structurally provided with specialized connectors for receiving power from stationary solar panels, and there is also a built-in MPPT charge controller (Maximum Power Point Tracking).
Via USB-C
The ability to replenish energy reserves in the battery cells of the charging station via
the USB type C connector. This port itself is small in size and has a convenient double-sided design, thanks to which the plug can be inserted in either direction. However, in charging stations it does not always work as an input interface.
Charging cycles
The number of charge-discharge cycles that the battery can withstand without significant loss of performance.
In the process of operation, the batteries wear out, which causes their performance to suffer (in the first place, the capacity decreases). Battery life is usually measured in charge-discharge cycles. However, models with the same declared resource are not always equally durable in practice. Different manufacturers may interpret “significant loss of performance” in different ways: for example, one brand indicates the resource up to a 20% decrease in capacity (DOD > 80%), another - up to a 60% decrease (DOD > 40%) Behind the abbreviation DOD worth decoding Depth of Discharge, i.e. discharge depth. Therefore, when choosing, it makes sense to focus not only on pure numbers, but also on other sources - test results, reviews, etc. Also note that battery life can be noticeably reduced if the operating conditions are violated (for example, in case of overheating or hypothermia).
Charging time (socket) ≈
Time to charge the portable power station from a fully discharged state to 100% charge when using the power adapter from a household outlet. This refers to the original battery and standard charger.
Charging time (solar panel) ≈
Time spent on a full charge when using the original panel in bright sunlight. In cloudy weather, the charging time of the device from the solar panel can be strikingly different downwards.
Charging time (cigarette lighter) ≈
The time required to fully (from zero to 100%) charge the battery, provided that power is supplied to the charging station from the car's cigarette lighter socket (12 V).
Smartphone synchronization
Synchronization with a smartphone allows you to control the operation of the charging station remotely. Pairing the device with mobile gadgets is carried out via a Wi-Fi network or a Bluetooth connection. Some charging stations provide both of the above wireless modules. Additionally
, synchronization with a smartphone allows you to monitor battery charge, energy consumption, voltage and current parameters remotely in real time. This will require a permanent connection to the Internet and specialized software that must be installed on your smartphone.