Can a Portable Power Station Run a Refrigerator?

Over the years, individuals have started taking power generation into their own hands for emergency and recreational purposes. The creation of portable power stations has made it possible to generate our power without extra cost or dependence on government power.

These power stations are gaining popularity and many people want to know if they can be used to power larger appliances like refrigerators. Well, there are portable solar generators that can power refrigerators and other larger appliances. It all depends on the type and capacity of your generator, and we’ll show you all you need to know.

Understanding All About Portable Power Stations

A portable power station is a device capable of holding energy in the form of electricity. This power station is capable of releasing electric energy that has been stored up to power appliances, and things in the home.

These power stations are highly favored because they are portable, effective, and convenient. You can fit a portable power station into your vehicle when going camping or outing with the family and there’s a need for electricity.

The workings of a portable power station are based on the components which are the battery, inverter, and charge regulator.

Battery

The battery is the main part of the power station which is responsible for strong energy. The battery capacity of the device determines the electric capability and the types of appliances it can power. The energy capacity of the battery is measured in watts, and it is one of the things that must be checked when making a purchase.

Inverter

The battery stores energy in the form of direct current (DC) which is not ideal for home applications. Therefore, there is an inverter inside the power station that converts this unusable direct current (DC) into usable alternating current (AC).

The amount of alternating current available is what is usable in the home. Therefore, the inverter is an important part of the power station and it will determine the power output and appliance capacity.  

Charge Regulator

The power station is basically a battery and it requires energy from a source which could be the sun ( solar powered generator) or wind-powered. The charge regulator as the name suggests regulates the charging efficiency of the station.

The charging regulator controls the rate at which energy from the source enters the power station before storage, ensuring it charges at the right rate. The charging regulator goes a long way in maintaining the battery integrity of the unit.

The power station is also defined by its output capabilities. There are different types of generators based on the amount of energy they can produce, some produce low energy and are suitable for smaller appliances like phones, laptops, light bulbs, and lesser energy-consuming activities.

There are also high-powered generators for larger appliances, like the more popular solar generators, which can power air conditioners and refrigerators.

Some applications of portable power stations include:

Camping

You can use a portable power station during camping to charge your phones and fans, and to keep your living area lit to discourage unwanted visitors or animals from approaching in the dark.

Traveling

There are portable power stations that can fit nicely into your vehicle. You can use these generators to power your devices, video players, mini-fridges, and other appliances to facilitate your traveling experience.

Power Outage

Having an indoor generator will save you from unexpected or expected blackouts and power outages. You can easily power your home with the right portable generator for apartments or homes.

What Does it Take To Power a Refrigerator?

We have to understand the energy requirements of a refrigerator before knowing the type of generator we need.

There are two energy requirements to note in the refrigerator, the starting or surge capacity and the running capacity. The surge capacity is a burst of energy required for the fridge to start working. The fridge contains a compressor that powers its function, and there is a particular amount of wattage that must be reached before it can work; the surge wattage.

The surge wattage ranges from 600 to 800 watts depending on the type and size of the fridge. The surge wattage is higher than the running wattage, and it drops once the fridge has started working. The running wattage can range from 100 to 200 watts. A generator must be able to meet the surge wattage requirement of the fridge for it to work.

What Does a Power Station Need

If you want a power station that can power a fridge, some requirements must be met.

The Energy Capacity

You must consider the energy capacity of the generator in terms of the amount of power it can produce per hour (Wh). The energy capacity of a generator is measured in watts per hour, and it refers to how much energy is released and stored within an hour.

For a generator to effectively power a refrigerator, it must have a power rating of at least 500Wh because the average running watts of a fridge is 100 to 200 watts. Anything less than this won’t be able to sustain the energy needs of a fridge for a reasonable duration.

Output Wattage

We already mentioned starting or surge wattage earlier, as the initial power required to start the compressor of the fridge. Remember that the average starting wattage ranges from 600 to 800 watts.

Therefore, your generator of choice must be able to produce at least 600 watts of power for your fridge to work.

Inverter Type

The inverter type is another key consideration that affects the power output. Recall that the inverter is what converts the stored DC (direct current) in the battery to usable alternating current (AC).

The amount of alternating current available to be released is determined by the type of inverter inside the generator. To power your fridge, you need an inverter that can convert stored power into usable power of about 500 watts to 1000 watts.

The usable power is also grouped into surge power and continuous power. Your generator of choice should have an inverter that can produce surge power of up to 1000 watts to match the surge requirement of the compressor.

You must research the type of inverter and the capability because it will determine if your power station can handle the load of a refrigerator.

Fridge Size

The size of your fridge will also determine the type of battery and inverter capacity you need. The energy requirements of refrigerators vary with size. For a mini fridge, you will need a battery capacity that falls within 150 to 300 Wh, and your inverter should be able to supply 100 to 200 watts of continuous power and 400 watts of surge power.

For compact fridges, you need a power station with a battery capacity of 300 to 500Wh. The inverter should have a power output of 200 to 300 watts of continuous power, and 400 watts of surge power.

For standard-sized fridges, you need a power station with a battery capacity of 500 to 1000Wh. The inverter should have a power output of 500 watts of continuous power, and 1000 watts of surge power.

OUKITEL Power Stations to Power Your Refrigerator

If you’re looking for reliable power stations for your fridge, you’re in the right place. Here are some top picks for you.

OUKITEL P5000 Power Station

The OUKITEL P5000 power station is a high-output power station capable of powering your fridge and other home appliances.

This power station has a continuous power output of up to 2200W and a surge output of 4000W. You can easily power large refrigerators. This unit also has a quick charging time and multiple charging options. It also has a battery capacity of up to 5120Wh which can last for a long time.

OUKITEL BP2000

The OUKITEL BP2000 is another suitable option for power stations to power small to mid-sized refrigerators.

This generator has a power output of 2200W. It also offers fast charging with multiple charging options like solar, generator, AC, and more. It also has a strong battery with high capacity, and it can last several hours of continuous use.

Tips for Using a Portable Power Station with a Refrigerator

Here are some tips to help you get the best out of your power station and fridge.

Watch How You Open the Fridge Door

When using a power station, you can’t afford to waste energy. Avoid opening the fridge door frequently because power is lost each time you do no matter how small.

Keep Your Fridge Somewhere Cool

Leaving your fridge in a cool place will reduce the energy consumption from your power station, leaving you with more power over time. If your fridge is in a cramped space, it is likely to require more time to cool, using more stored energy.

Maintenance

You must perform regular maintenance on your fridge and power station to maintain their integrity for a long time.

Wrap Up

You can easily power your home appliances with the right portable power stations. And we’ve shown you that there are generators that can power your refrigerator as well. We’ve also looked at things to consider such as the surge wattage and running wattage, the workings of the power station, and some suitable products for you. Visit OUKITEL to learn more about your power needs, and find the right solution.