More than 300,000 properties had their power cut by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred over the weekend. The mass outage was the largest caused by a natural disaster in Queensland history. Thousands were also affected in northern New South Wales.
As heavy rain and devastating winds battered the region, many of my friends and family reported losing power for long periods and some for just a few hours. It was good to see at least some of them took my advice about buying a Portable Power Station, so when the lights went out, they could keep essential electrical appliances running.
As I said on Sky News Weekend Edition with Tim Gilbert in the video above, I’m a bit shocked by the number of Australians who don’t have a Portable Power Station or generator at home. This became clear during the media coverage of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
For most people I think a generator is not necessary, especially if used incorrectly. It can be deadly. Used properly, generators are valuable tools in disasters but if they are used inside or near people for extended periods, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning increases dramatically. At the weekend, four people were hospitalised on the Gold Coast after apparently using a personal generator inside. Fortunately their condition was not serious.
It’s just one of many reasons why Portable Power Stations using Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries (LFP) are a far better option. LFP batteries are incredibly safe compared with regular lithium ion batteries. All the top Portable Power Station companies use this technology in their systems.
There are many reputable manufacturers but the devices I’m most familiar with come from EcoFlow. You start with basic models like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus. It’s a Portable Power Station that would also make a great UPS for your computer system. UPS or Uninterruptible Power Supply, requires a fast response when connected to devices like computers. You won’t even notice the power going out with a 10ms response time.
Equipped with a 286Wh capacity and 600W output, RIVER 3 Plus can power 600W computers for at least 21 minutes, allowing a safe shutdown. This is the entry level at A$499.
Larger capacity Portable Power Stations will run power hungry appliances but they also grow in size and price. The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station normal costs A$4,999 but it’s on special at the moment, reduced by A$400.
There are plenty of models between these battery systems, it’s up to you to work out how many devices you need to keep running and for how long. Even a lower capacity Portable Power Station will keep your fridge running for hours, possibly days. Fridges don’t draw full power constantly, they only use it to maintain a certain temperature. This is where keeping your seals and minimising the opening and closing of the door is important.
There are many other lights and appliances that can be run from Portable Power Stations with ease. Medical devices or health related machines would also stay running with a Portable Power Station. They can also keep you online with satellite Internet or other wireless options,
Portable Power Stations can be recharged by solar panels, a car alternator or a fuel generator. I always make sure they are topped up because I use them on road trips as well. You can leave them plugged in the wall, so they are ready to roll when disaster strikes.
There are plenty of other solid brands out there as I noted earlier. BLUETTI, Anker and Jackery are probably among the best.
So as the waters begin to recede from our latest natural disaster, please consider buying a Portable Power Station. Whatever you can afford. They’ll last ten years and keep the lights on when everything else is falling apart around you.
This is good tech.
