How to Choose the Right Power Bank: Capacity, Power, and Usage Duration
1. Understanding the Basics of Power Banks
Power Bank Capacity (mAh vs. Wh)
- mAh (Milliampere-Hour): Indicates the charge a battery can store, representing electrical quantity.
- Wh (Watt-Hour): Represents the energy a battery can release over time. Wh is the product of voltage (V) and electrical charge (mAh).
- Calculation Formula:
Capacity (Wh) = (mAh ÷ 1000) × V
Example: A 5000mAh battery with a voltage of 3.7V has:
Capacity (Wh) = (5000 ÷ 1000) × 3.7 = 18.5Wh
The Difference Between mAh and Wh
- mAh: Measures charge capacity, disregarding voltage.
- Wh: Measures energy, accounting for voltage.
2. Calculating Device Power and Power Bank Runtime
How to Calculate Device Power
- Device power depends on its voltage and current:
Power (W) = Voltage (V) × Current (A)
How to Calculate Power Bank Runtime
- Use the following formula:
Runtime (hours) = Battery Capacity (Wh) ÷ Device Power (W)
Example: A power bank with 50Wh capacity powering a 10W device:
Runtime = 50 ÷ 10 = 5 hours
3. How to Choose a Power Bank Based on Your Use Case
Examples of Power Banks for Different Devices
- Smartphone (e.g., iPhone 14 Pro): Battery capacity ~3200mAh, charging power up to 20W.
- Laptop (e.g., MacBook Pro 13-inch): Battery capacity 58.2Wh, charging power 61W.
- CPAP Device (e.g., ResMed AirSense™ 11): Power requirement ~40W.
- Car Refrigerator (e.g., Dometic CFX3 35): Power requirement ~45W.
- Camera (e.g., Canon EOS 5D Mark IV): Battery capacity ~1865mAh at 7.2V.
- Drone (e.g., DJI Mavic Air 2): Battery capacity ~3500mAh at 11.55V.
4. Common Device Power Requirements and Recommended Power Bank Capacities
| Device | Usage Scenario | Power Bank Capacity (Wh) | Recommended Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smartphone (iPhone 14 Pro) | 3 full charges | 39.47 | 40Wh or higher |
| Laptop (MacBook Pro 13) | 1 full charge | 64.67 | 65Wh or higher |
| CPAP Device (ResMed AirSense™ 11) | 8 hours of use | 355.56 | 360Wh or higher |
| Car Refrigerator (Dometic CFX3 35) | 8 hours of use | 400 | 400Wh or higher |
| Camera (Canon EOS 5D Mark IV) | 2 full charges | 29.84 | 30Wh or higher |
| Drone (DJI Mavic Air 2) | 2 full charges | 89.85 | 90Wh or higher |
5. Key Considerations for Choosing the Right Power Bank
- Understand Your Device’s Needs: Identify your device’s power requirements and expected runtime.
- Account for Efficiency Losses: Most power banks operate at 85%-90% efficiency. Choose a slightly higher capacity to compensate.
- Consider the Use Case: Select a power bank that suits your scenarios, such as outdoor travel or continuous device operation.
By using the table and calculation methods provided in this guide, you can confidently choose a power bank that meets your specific needs.
6. Introducing Merpower’s GP50 PRO Battery Pack
The GP50 PRO Battery Pack is a versatile and powerful energy solution designed for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you are camping, fishing, traveling, or emergency, this power bank delivers reliable performance.
Massive Capacity: Equipped with a 96000mAh/307.2Wh LiFePO4 battery, ensuring reliable energy for extended outdoor adventures.
Fast USB-C Charging: Supports USB-C PD input/output up to 100W, providing rapid charging for laptops, phones, and fishing gadgets.
High-Power 12V Outputs: Features a 12V/15A Cigar Lighter Socket and DC12V-24V ports, ideal for powering car refrigerators, fishing tools, and other outdoor devices.
Upgraded Wireless Charging: 15W wireless charging capability for phones and Bluetooth devices.
Solar Charging with MPPT: Supports up to 80W solar panel input, enabling eco-friendly charging in remote locations.
Emergency Lighting: Integrated high-powered LED lights for night fishing or emergency illumination.
Durable and Portable Design: Built with a robust structure and a convenient handle for easy carryin.
Whether you’re on the lake or at a campsite, the GP50 PRO Battery Pack ensures your devices stay powered and your trip remains hassle-free. It is the ultimate companion for outdoor adventures.
