Power station vs. generator – which home power backup for blackouts?

In recent years, due to various events in Poland and around the world, the threat of a blackout has been increasing. Many people are therefore choosing to purchase generators and portable power stations. In this guide, you will learn the basic differences between these devices and where they will be most useful.

A blackout is a temporary lack of access to electricity. A blackout can be caused by a systemic failure covering a significant area. It is a sudden phenomenon that can deprive up to hundreds of thousands of people of electricity. It is caused by unpredictable events, such as adverse weather conditions or the failure of part of a country's power system.

Generator set and power station - basic differences

Both generators and portable power stations have their pros and cons. Both types of equipment can be helpful in emergency situations such as a blackout. Here are the main differences between generators and power stations.

Gensets use fuel to generate electricity, while stations are a type of powerbank that uses previously stored energy. The need to work with fuel makes the use of gensets more costly.

When choosing a power appliance, it is worth considering how to transport it. Smaller and lighter units are much easier to store and transport, for example when you want to take them camping.

How does a generator set work?

Generator set is a device that operates by means of an internal combustion engine. The energy created by burning fuel is converted into mechanical energy, which in turn, thanks to a generator, becomes electrical energy. In order to work, the genset needs fuel, such as petrol, natural gas or oil.

What can be connected to a generator?

Depending on the power of the genset and the number of phases, we can connect different appliances to it. Most of the electrical appliances that you use at home will be connected to a single-phase genset. It is equipped with standard 230 V sockets, to which you can connect, for example, a computer, television, oven, microwave or refrigerator. The single-phase genset is not only suitable for use at home as an emergency power source, but also in the allotment or garage, as its power is suitable for power tools.

Some domestic appliances require a three-phase connection, which you will find in a 400 V three-phase genset. These types of gensets will work well as a power source for larger appliances, for example heat pumps, induction hobs, boilers or water heaters.

What to consider when choosing a generator for your home?

Three factors should be considered when choosing a generator set: type of power supply, power and transportability.

• Type of power supply

For domestic appliances, a single-phase genset will be sufficient, while a three-phase unit will be necessary for appliances that consume more energy. A three-phase genset is a safer choice when it is uncertain whether more energy-consuming appliances will need to be connected, due to the fact that it has both a single-phase and three-phase output.

• Power of the aggregate

In order to determine which wattage to purchase a genset, it is first necessary to determine the total wattage of all the appliances that it is intended to operate. To determine this value, it is necessary to know the sum of the power consumption of all these devices. It is worth remembering that the power of the genset should be about 20% higher than the resulting total.

• Transport

Generators are divided into portable and stationary, so it is necessary to determine where the unit will be used. It is worth bearing in mind that a van may be needed to transport a large genset. The fuel tank must be emptied before transporting the genset.

Portable power stations - operating principle

A portable power station can be compared to a large powerbank that stores previously consumed electricity. Inside the station is an inverter, which converts the direct current into alternating current. The electricity consumed by the station is stored in lithium-ion or lithium-iron-phosphate batteries. The charge level of the power station is usually displayed on the device's screen.

What can be connected to the power station?

Like generators, power stations also come in different types. Depending on the capacity of the station, several to a dozen different pieces of equipment can be connected to it at the same time. A portable station will easily enable laptops, desktop computers and lighting to work. Larger, higher-capacity models allow the connection of domestic appliances such as televisions, refrigerators, ovens and washing machines.

What to consider when choosing a portable power station?

The process of choosing a portable power station should be preceded by determining your needs. When choosing a power station, it is worth considering the capacity of the battery, the mobility of the station, the number of available connectors, the ability to charge the station with solar energy and the fast charging function.

• Battery capacity

The capacity of the battery affects the length of the station's operation; the higher the capacity of the battery, the more energy can be stored in it. On the other hand, as the capacity of the station increases, its weight increases and its mobility decreases.

• Mobility

When looking for a device that will serve both at home and on trips, it is worth choosing a lightweight station with compact dimensions.

• Number of connectors

The number of devices that will be able to work simultaneously thanks to the power station depends on the number of connectors available in the power station.

• Solar charging

Most models feature solar charging, which is very useful during blackouts and trips out of town where you have no way of charging your station via a mains socket. Selected power stations are additionally equipped with solar panels, designed for them, for others these can be purchased - it is important to pay attention to the power and parameters of the panels.

• Fast charging

The fast charging function of the power station allows you to charge it in a very short time. This gives you faster access to the energy you need to power other devices. Selected Ecoflow power station models are equipped with the X-Stream system, which allows the power station to be fully charged in just one hour (when charging it from a mains socket).

Which device to choose as an emergency power supply for a blackout?

The choice between a genset and a portable power station as a source of emergency power during a blackout may depend on whether you live in a flat or a house. Generators, as we mentioned earlier, are not recommended for indoor use. Generators will work best if you have the opportunity to put the unit outside. Power stations can be used indoors without any problems because they do not generate poisonous fumes or make noise. They will therefore not be a nuisance to you, your family or your neighbours. The power stations are also simpler to use, and anyone can handle starting it up if necessary. Another advantage of the stations is their mobility; you can easily move them between rooms and transport them over longer distances.

From the above, it is clear that a portable power station will work better as an emergency power supply for times of blackout in the flat and home. It is lighter, simpler to use, makes no noise, requires no fuel and does not produce compounds that can be harmful to health. An additional advantage of the power station is that it is easy to monitor the state of charge of the device thanks to a screen and that it can be recharged by solar energy (if equipped with photovoltaic panels). On the other hand, when there is the possibility of exposing the device to the outdoors for power or there is a need to power more energy-intensive devices, a generator may be a good choice.

Power stations and generators on offer at Militaria.pl

In the Militaria.pl shop you will find both generators and power stations. The devices come from well-known and proven manufacturers such as XRG, EcoFlow, Goal Zero, Jackery, Xtorm or Kraft&Dele. Our range includes devices of various wattages and sizes. In our shop you can also choose accessories for your devices, e.g. solar panels for solar power, bags and covers and spare batteries.