Rechargeable power pack

[Doug B]

Has anyone any experience/ recommendations for a portable rechargeable power pack, I know Festool do theirs in a systainer but that’s out of my budget, a google search bought up this which looks a handy size https://uk.jackery.com/products/exp...tkh8QiopYAnwfbQJf51yUGg39KkoijoBoCGcAQAvD_BwE
As this is an unknown to me I though I ask for recommendations before jumping in, TIA

 

[robgul]

I know nothing about these things - but loads of YouTubers have promoted EcoFlow power units . . . . probably worth a look

 

[Dabop]

Jackery is very well known in Australia, them, Ecoflow, Bluetti and Anker are all well known and reliable units (cheaper to 'DIY' but if your tech skills aren't up to it, they are all good units

There are lesser known units out there as well- but you'll have to take your chances with those others...., those are the 'big names' in portable powerbanks...

One thing to watch out for- they all have 'lithiums' in them- BUT there are different 'lithiums' which are completely different chemistries- and performance- LFP (LiFePO4) is more expensive (and slightly bigger for the same capacity) but is also practically 'fireproof' and has 3000-5000 charge cycles- avoid the NMC or 'LiPO' ones- they are the 'catch fire easy and cant be put out' lithium cells- plus only good for 500-800 charge cycles (at best) unless you REALLY 'baby them'

 

[gmgmgm]

What are you trying to run, and where? Some of these devices are designed for use deep in the "backcountry", which is rather different to typical use in the UK where a power socket is often nearby, or a car/van (which will provide 240v with an inverter, and often rather better than a portable battery).

 

[Dabop]

Actually, they have become very common, very popular in the camping community, as well as with many tradies... they are available in a huge variety of sizes- ranging from little baby units not much bigger than a kids lunchbox (really only good for a few recharges of a laptop or other small wattage devices) up to larger ones capable of running a small welder for several hours about the size (and appearance) of one of those 'wheely' suitcases... many with multiple charge options (from vehicles, mains or even many incorporating their own MPPT solar charge controller...)

Sure they are more expensive than DIY versions (I made my own up several years ago using an old esky, 4 LFP lithium cells and an old 12v inverter I had lying around) but for those not sure of their electrical skills, they make a relatively inexpensive way of getting portable mains power without noise and needing to carry around tins of flammable liquids lol

Seriously, TSH used one with their minimig welder (a 5000w Jackery unit lol) and did a LOT of welding, and it still had plenty of power left afterwards...

Thats a lot bigger than most would buy however, but the 3000w and 5000w units are becoming very commonly seen here with tradies instead of generators...

 

[Doug B]

I’m looking into one just because I’m getting more work off grid, it’s mainly going to be just a fail safe not something used all the while, perhaps charging a drained battery or using a mains powered tool.

 

[ChaiLatte]

...perhaps charging a drained battery or using a mains powered tool.

It might be useful to do an economic analysis if you are to use it for those purposes.

The item above is £550. How many spare 18v batteries would that buy? Similarly, how much would it cost to replace the mains-powered tool with its cordless equivalent?

For charging cordless batteries, perhaps a charger that can be powered by your vehicle's battery might be an option. For a small (low power) mains tool, maybe a 12v to 230v inverter could work.