Rated power
Power that a device can consistently produce for an indefinitely long time without any unpleasant consequences. For normal operation of the charging station, the rated power must be at least 15 - 20% higher than the total power of all devices simultaneously connected to it.
Peak power
Some electrical appliances (in particular, units with electric motors - refrigerators, air conditioners, etc.) consume significantly more energy at startup than after reaching the operating mode. For such a load, the peak power of the charging station must be taken into account - its indicator must be higher than the starting power of the load.
USB A
Full-size USB A connectors are popular in computer technology, they are standardly used in adapter chargers for 230 V household networks and 12 V auto sockets. In charging stations, such outlets are widely used for charging gadgets.
- The total number of such ports can be very diverse (
1 USB,
2 connectors,
3 ports and even
4), since it allows you to connect for charging, and in some cases for power, various low-power devices -
smartphones,
tablets,
power banks,
lamps, etc. .
- The strength of the power. The maximum power output through the USB A connector to the device being charged. 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
output power in watts (W) that the charging station is capable of delivering through the USB A connector to one charging device.
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.
DC input
DC connector for a distinctive round plug (like those used in many laptops) used to recharge the battery of the device. Note that
DC- in plugs may have different sizes, and chargers with such plugs may have different operating voltages. In practice, this leads to the fact that finding a suitable charger for a portable station is not easy, you need to be especially careful when searching.
Anderson port
A large two-pole connector for connecting batteries, chargers and all kinds of equipment where reliable contact is required for the sake of ensuring stable operation of the equipment.
Anderson Port is resistant to moisture changes, can be used both for indoor and outdoor mechanisms. Thanks to identical mating parts, a pair is formed by two identical connectors, which are rotated 180 ° relative to each other. Most often, Anderson port is used in mobile homes on wheels.
Battery capacity
Nominal
battery capacity, in fact - the amount of energy that is supposed to be stored. The larger it is, the longer the battery life of the charging station will be, all other things being equal. On the other hand, this parameter also affects the dimensions, weight and price of the battery, despite the fact that an energy-intensive battery is not always required. By the indicator of capacity in watt-hours, you can compare batteries with each other.
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.