I came across the Anker PowerHouse, a rather large battery pack power supply.
It’s kind of like the huge mobile Bosch mobile battery bank that we posted about back in September, but smaller, less expensive, and designed with consumers in mind.
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Even so, I can’t help but wonder if it has potential jobsite applications.
The Anker PowerHouse is said to be a 400 Wh portable generator alternative, and it features an AC plug, 4 USB charging ports, and a 12V auto charging port. It can be recharged via AC or solar power.
Anker says that their PowerHouse can be used for camping or as an emergency backup, and is capable of powering all kinds of devices, such as lamps, phones, laptops, TVs, and even mini fridges.
Specs and Features
- 434Wh energy capacity
- Comes with a 10 ft AC adapter and a 2ft micro USB charging cable
- Recharges in 10 hours (AC), or 16 hours via solar
Anker mentions that the PowerHouse should be used and recycled at least once every 4 months in order to preserve the lifespan of its Li-ion battery packs.
I couldn’t find any information about how much power can be delivered via the AC outlet, and all they say is that USB ports are “fast0charging.”
A single 18V-sized battery pack with 4.0Ah capacity has a Wh rating of about 72Wh. So this Anker PowerHouse battery bank is equivalent to around (6) 4.0Ah battery packs. Many power tool brands now offer slide-on adapters that provide a USB charging port or two.
I wonder if the PowerHouse is durable enough for jobsite use. I imagine that it must be somewhat durable, if it’s marketed for camping needs, but that’s probably not going to be enough for rough and tough jobsite abuse.
I also seriously doubt whether this is up to the task of running any kind of power tools. I wish that Anker specified the max amperage of the AC outlet, but I’m almost certain it’s not going to be up to powering most corded power tools that you’d want to try.
USB-chargeable devices are on the rise, but something like this seems a little excessive. But it still looks like a “good to know” product. It’s enticing, but for my own needs a smaller and lower capacity battery charger is more than I need. Or a couple of pro-brand batteries with a USB adapter or two.
What do you think, could you use something like this?
Price: $499, $399 after coupon
Buy Now(via Amazon)
I searched Anker’s website to see if they had more detailed specs, and all I found was a taken-down page that was luckily saved via Google cache. There, they have a coupon code, ANKPower, that takes the price down from $499 to $399. I just checked, and it still works, although there’s no indication as to if or when it might expire.
Nathan says
nice.
I just wish one of the big guys would rig some dual 18V pack rig that would work as a tire inflator and car battery jump starter. not sure what the current capacity of a tool battery back would be but I’d think it could come up with 50 amps.
double down to 36V, cut in 3 to 12 v – might come up with 120+amps. should be enough.
Curt says
Who is this other site? Torches and pitchforks, tars and feathers…
William Nicholls says
When I’m heading out on a river trip or paleontology dig for several days, having a high capacity charging option is great. I have a Goal Zero Yeti that uses a lead acid battery but I’d like a lighter weight Li-ion solution. Anker needs to provide more information on its inverter and output limitations.
Adam says
Say it does power a mini-fridge for a decent amount of time (who is bring a mini-fridge camping anyway?), my real question is can it power my personal chef, also called a microwave?
Mike says
Not a definitive answer, but one of the reviewers on Amazon states that it’s a 1.29 amp/160 watt limit on the AC outlet.
http://www.amazon.com/review/R1NF9SZKH8NAMQ/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B0196GQAKM&channel=detail-glance&nodeID=15684181&store=automotive
John says
I wish these power sources would give definitively information wether or not they’re providing a pure sine or modified sine wave power output on the AC.
Bruce says
I’m generally happy with other Anker stuff I own. I can see this as a handy item if you need to keep your cell phone charged on a camping trip. Having a tire inflator option that doesn’t require dangling cords out of the vehicle is nice. Much beyond that and you’re wasting your time. 2 amps ac, who cares if it’s pure sine wave, it’s not even enough power to run hair dryer.
Timi Laja says
For how long can it power a 100w TV?