In our previous article, we mentioned that to calculate the working time, you have to use the formula below:
Time(hrs)=PPS's capacity(Wh)*0.85/powering devices' operating power(W).
Some may ask why I have to multiply the Watt-hour by 0.85. In this article, we will give a brief explanation of the conversion rate for portable power stations.
Definition Of Conversion Rate
First, it is very important to know there is no fixed conversion rate for portable power stations because it depends on factors like the capacity of the power station, the power consumption of the devices being used, and the efficiency of the power station.
However, one common conversion factor used when estimating the working time is 0.85. This factor is used to account for the conversion losses that occur when the power is being transferred from the battery to the device. In other words, when a battery discharges to power a device, some of the energy is lost as heat due to resistance in the wiring and electronic components of the power station. The efficiency of the power station can also vary based on its design and the quality of its components.
When figuring out how long a portable power station will last, it's important to consider that the inverter, which changes the power from 12V DC to 120V AC, isn't 100% efficient. It's usually around 85% efficient, the best conversion rate you can get. Some brands or models might have an even lower conversion rate, making it seem like the battery drains faster than expected. So, to estimate the actual power available for your device, just multiply the power station's watt-hours by 0.85, considering these conversion losses.
All POWEREPUBLIC Portable Power Station has a conversion rate of 85%.
Let’s take POWEREPUBLIC T2200 as an example, which has a rated wattage of 2200W and a battery capacity of 2240Wh. If you want to power a 60W TV, then the working time will be:
-
2240Wh*0.85/60W=32 hours
Usually, the brand will state on its website about which devices your PPS can supply power for, and for how long it can supply power for each model.
Conclusion
Simply put, most portable power stations have a common and best conversion rate of around 85%. However, this rate can vary among brands because it depends on factors like the power station's capacity, the devices you're using, and the station's efficiency. Knowing this conversion rate helps you estimate working time more accurately.