Longevity is a key consideration when selecting an outdoor portable power station. When will this power plant be exhausted?
and how long does each phase last? In this article, we’ll discuss the power plant’s expected lifespan, as well as its several lifecycles, and the best ways to maintain and store it to extend its usefulness.
WHAT IS THE EXPECTED LIFE OF THE OUTDOOR POWER STATION?
The efficiency of the batteries in an outdoor power station is a crucial aspect in determining its overall longevity. Let’s begin with the lithium-ion batteries found in remote power plants.
CHARACTERISTICS OF POWER STATIONS THAT USE “LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES”
An integrated battery pack stores energy at the outside generator. These days, lithium-ion batteries are the standard.
The lithium-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery in which the positive electrode is made of a lithium-containing metal oxide, the negative electrode is made of a carbon substance like graphite, and the battery is filled with an organic electrolyte.
Many electronic devices, including mobile phones, computers, and even torches, rely on lithium-ion batteries. Its low production cost, long life, and high energy density mean that it may be used in small spaces while still providing sufficient power. Furthermore, it is a robust battery that can be frequently charged and drained, despite its small size, making it useful for a long time once it has been charged.
Lithium-ion batteries have a lengthy useful life, but they can degrade with time. This article goes on to offer advice on how to properly use and store batteries to extend their lifespan and reduce the likelihood of their deterioration.
Lithium-Ion Battery Constructions
These days, most renewable energy installations employ lithium-ion batteries to store energy for usage in the great outdoors. Strictly speaking, there are three distinct kinds of them.
Battery Powered by Lithium Ions
batteries that run on lithium polymer
Power source: lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4)
In addition to lithium-ion batteries, there are also lithium polymer batteries and lithium iron phosphate batteries. However, some materials and manufacturing are different from those used in lithium-ion batteries in order to increase specifications and safety.
Lithium polymer batteries, for instance, have a nonflammable, extremely stable gel-like polymer material as the electrolyte, are treated by wrapping it with a protective agent, the filled electrolyte is not easy to leak, and the yield is high.
Phosphoric acid is used as the positive electrode in lithium iron phosphate batteries. Thermal runaway is less likely to occur, making this an excellently stable and safe alternative to the lithium-containing metal oxides often used in lithium-ion batteries.
Depending on the kind of station, the number of cycles (or lifetime) can range from 500 to 2500 in an outdoor setting. A portable outdoor power station usually works for between 500 and 2500 cycles before it has to be replaced.
One cycle consists of one full charge and one full discharge, and is used to measure the durability of an outdoor power station. To clarify, if an outdoor power station can be recharged 800 times, then it can be recharged from empty to full to empty 800 times.
Given that the expected lifespan of a given model might change dramatically over a wide range of situations and settings, the traditional method of describing a portable power station’s lifespan is in terms of cycles.
Consider the OXTECO Sirius Series of Generating Sets.
Lithium iron phosphate batteries (LiFePO4), used in the OXTECO Sirius 1200W and 2500W power stations, have a lifespan of 2000+ recharges before losing 80% of their original capacity.
More than two thousand cycles can be used as a measure of longevity.
The average lifespan of a Sirius 1200W is 38 years when used once a week while camping. The fact that it may be used 2000 times for every 52 weeks of the year implies that it has a lengthy lifespan.
The estimated lifespan is only an estimate and will change from one set of circumstances to the next.
The lithium-polymer battery used in the OXTECO Sirius 500W and Sirius 600W power stations has an estimated 800+ lifecycles to 80% capacity.
If the outside power station fails, what should I do?
The lithium-ion battery within portable outdoor power stations has a finite lifespan, but that doesn’t imply it’s useless after it dies. However, once the life index has been cycled through its maximum number of times, the battery’s storage capacity begins to decline and a longer charging time is required. This means that as it reaches the end of its useful life, its performance declines and, in many situations, it becomes impossible to use.
LITHIUM-ION BATTERY DANGERS AND OPTING FOR A SAFE MOBILE OUTDOOR POWER STATION
When overcharged, overheated, over-discharged, or if the equipment itself malfunctions or is mistreated, the lithium-ion batteries used in portable power sources can explode.
That’s why it’s crucial to think about security first and foremost when picking an outdoor plug-in. If you’re looking for extra security, look for devices that offer several different layers of defense.
BMS is one among them (Battery Management System). A battery management system (BMS) is a device that keeps tabs on and regulates the energy stored in batteries to prevent dangerous conditions including overcharging, overheating, and other battery-related disasters.
Furthermore, overvoltage, overload, overheat, short circuit, low temperature, and overcurrent protection are also provided.
WARNINGS FOR CONTINUOUS USE OF MOBILE ENERGY SUPPLIES
Lifespan limitations of outdoor power plants are more a function of how they are utilized and stored than of any inherent flaws in the plants themselves.
IN THIS ARTICLE, WE WILL DISCUSS FIVE WAYS IN WHICH YOU CAN MAKE THE MOST OF OUTDOOR POWER FOR LONG TIMES.
Do not put in locations that are too hot, too humid, or too cold.
The first piece of advice is to keep in mind that extremes of both heat and cold should be avoided when using and storing the product. Outdoor power stations often employ lithium-ion batteries, which are vulnerable to extreme temperatures. Avoid using or storing lithium-ion batteries in direct sunlight or leaving them in a hot car during the summer; this speeds up the aging process by heating the electrodes. Corrosion is an issue that can be exacerbated by moisture. The product should not be used or stored in damp environments such as those caused by dew condensation on windows or in storage rooms. Additionally, in areas with low temperatures, lithium-ion batteries will have increased internal resistance and overvoltage, leading to diminished performance and a decreased battery life. Use the outdoor power station only in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area if you intend to keep it running for an extended period of time.
Make sure you don’t use it while it’s charging.
The term “charging while using” refers to the practice of recharging the outdoor power station at the same time as energy is being drawn from the station and used to power the device. The outdoor power station has a lithium-ion battery that may be charged and drained simultaneously. However, the Li-ion battery is stressed by simultaneous charging and draining, hastening the battery’s degeneration. The charging station will quickly get hot if used during the charging process.
If you’re going to store your battery, charge it to between 60 and 80 percent.
Battery life left over after storage is also crucial for long-term usage of outdoor power. The efficiency of the power plant drops and the Li-Ion battery degrades faster if you repeatedly charge it to 100% and then store it at 0%. Battery life can be severely reduced if it is discharged to zero and then left for an extended period of time without being charged. Since power is also naturally removed during storage, storing with 40% residual power may lead the battery to reach 0% and be unusable in an emergency; nevertheless, this is not the recommended threshold for preventing Li-ion battery aging, which is approximately 40%. An outdoor power plant loses roughly 20% of its stored energy to evaporation every six months. Therefore, between 60 and 80 percent battery life should be maintained during long-term storage. Also, after half a year, when the battery level is between 40% and 60%, double verify that it is adequate and that the operation is safe. Keep in mind that the aforementioned is only a suggestion for a standard outdoor power station; our items may be safely kept for an extended period of time with a battery charge of between 30 and 60 percent. To ensure it is always functional in case of an emergency, we suggest testing it once every three months.
Keep in a dry, cool area out of direct sunlight.
As said before, it’s best to keep your supplies in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. As a general rule, 25 degrees Celsius is the sweet spot for storing outdoor power plants. However, dust might damage the product, therefore it’s important to avoid storing it there. It’s the perfect cubby for the front hall, back porch, or living room. There may be seasonal variations in the ideal temperature and humidity, thus it is important to move the storage as necessary. One method is to keep it in its original packaging and out of low-temperature surroundings, especially during the winter months in colder countries. If you are utilizing an OXTECO outdoor power station, you should also remember to push and hold the front panel’s main power button to completely shut down the unit before putting it away.
Does charging have anything to do with keeping a generator running for longer?
It’s reasonable to question the wisdom of doing lengthy recharges using an outside power source. The lifespan of a battery is not diminished by charging. You should charge it when you can and when you need to, then use it without being too concerned with the charging process.
LONG-TERM USE RECOMMENDED OXTECO OUTDOOR POWER STATION
In this case, we suggest the OXTECO portable generator since it is well-suited to continuous operation. Refer to it if you are interested in purchasing a portable outdoor power station. Portable outdoor power stations like the OXTECO Sirius 1200W are a great example of what OXTECO is known for. There is a built-in BMS (Battery Management System) that regulates the battery’s voltage, current, and temperature to ensure a long service life (2000 cycles or more). It can supply electricity to a wide variety of devices thanks to its 14-kilogram weight, 1050-Wh capacity, and three AC power outlets totaling 1200-W. In addition, it is compatible with solar charging and has a rapid charging feature thanks to OXTECO’s unique V+ CHARGE technology, which allows for a full charge in just 2.5 hours.
SUMMARIZE
The outdoor power stations’ lithium-ion batteries have a finite lifespan due to their natural aging process. Different outdoor power stations have different expected lifetimes, but most last between 6 and 11 years, or 500 to 2500 cycles. However, there might be variations in its use and storage conditions. Check out OXTECO’s selection of outdoor power stations if you’re in the market for a reliable, long-lasting option.