All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier

About power station for tv

Types of power station for tv

Portable battery power stations are available in several types and are capable of supplying a television set with either back-up or off-grid power, depending on the source. These types are determined by the type of power used. Therefore, some types use alternating current (AC), while others use direct current (DC).

Also, some power stations are better suited for stationary use, while others are more portable.

Solar power station

As its name implies, a solar power station derives at least part of its power through solar panels. Indeed, in many cases, such a power station will be equipped with solar panels that are used to recharge the power station during the daytime, especially when deployed in remote areas with no mains electricity supply. The panels may be detached from the power station and installed as fixed structures or movable panels that can easily be relocated to a different part of the structure where the panels are installed.

Mains-powered backup battery

The primary power source of a mains-powered backup battery, sometimes referred to as a power station, is the electricity mains. Such power stations supply power during short outages or even power surges. Commonly, they are deployed in areas with regular electricity supply but where the TVs will not work during occasional mains electricity outages.

Rechargeable battery

As the name suggests, a rechargeable battery power station has a battery embedded in it that requires recharging at intervals. Often, these power stations are used to power portable televisions.

Inverter generator

While not strictly a power station, inverter generators are a common compact generator type that gives clean power for sensitive electronic devices, including televisions. These are small, portable, and possibly mains-powered.

In-verter generators are generally quieter and tend to produce power that has less fluctuation in voltage than conventional generators. They may also have battery backup.

Specifications and maintenance of a power station for tv

In as much as power stations were designed to supply televisions with power, the specifications and maintenance of the structure are closely related to the characteristics of the integrated battery and the technology used in building the power stations.

  • Capacity

    Only a few portable battery power stations have the capacity to power a television set. The measure of capacity is in watt-hours, Wh, or milliampere hours, mAh. The higher these values, the longer the power station can keep the TV on during a power outage or while off the grid.

  • Output power

    Another key specification is the output power of a power station. This is often expressed as watts or kilowatt hours. The output power should be great enough to power the television model that one has or intends to have. Higher output power means that more space will be available to connect the different electronic appliances to the power source.

  • Battery type

    There are generally three types of television batteries used in these power stations. These are lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and lithium polymer batteries. While lead-acid batteries are less expensive, this type of battery has a lower energy density and is heavier than the other batteries and may require more maintenance. Lithium-ion batteries are more compact, lighter, and have greater energy density. Also, they need very little maintenance and can be cycled many more times than lead-acid batteries. Lithium polymer batteries are very compact but much more expensive and not widely available.

  • Inverter

    A battery power station has both AC and DC power, achieved by using an inverter. DC power is generated and powered through the battery, while alternating current is powered through the inverter. Simply put, inverters convert DC into AC power. These inverters are typically classified into two types: pure sine wave inverters and modified sine wave inverters.

    Pure sine wave inverters produce current that is similar to what one gets from the mains power supply. This type of current is ideal for sensitive appliances such as televisions, computers, and medical equipment. Modified sine wave inverters are less expensive and easier to build, but they produce a lower quality current that may not be appropriate for all appliances, especially high-end TVs.

Maintenance considerations

  • Battery care

    It is important that the battery type used in the power station is well understood because each battery type will require a different kind of maintenance. If the battery is lithium-ion, then maintenance will be low because it is a lithium power station requiring minimal maintenance. Conversely, if it is lead-acid, more maintenance will be required to keep the battery topped up and monitor its condition.

  • Cooling system

    Apart from the battery, what really goes into a battery power station is the cooling system. Since these power stations have either lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries, the cooling system helps in dissipating the heat generated by these batteries. The cooling system can be through fans, air conditioners, or heat sinks. A power station with a fan as its cooling model will need regular cleaning of the fan blades and the vents to prevent overheating the battery and the power station.

  • Periodic checks

    For this, regular monitoring for signs of damage or wear and tear is needed. Sometimes, this might mean professional checks, while others may take a few minutes to check the fuel levels and clean filters.

Commercial use cases of a power station for tv

Power stations can be deployed for various commercial uses in television, from providing consistent power for on-site broadcasts to enabling emergency operations during power outages.

  • Television broadcasts

    Television stations may use power stations when electrical outages occur suddenly. These power stations ensure that there is still a signal that can be viewed despite the outage, hence no interruptions in the news or live programming. Power stations may also be used when broadcasting from remote locations that do not have easy access to electrical outlets. With the aid of portable power stations, local news channels can still report significant occurrences even when they happen far away from their primary bases of operations, in areas like storm-damaged neighborhoods.

  • Event broadcasting

    Television power stations are ideal for use in outdoor events where electricity is not readily available or where attendees can drain existing outlets. Event organizers can ensure that their viewers have great experiences by deploying these power stations to keep TV equipment powered throughout festivals, concerts, and sporting events.

  • Remote production

    As television shows such as reality shows and documentaries take viewers to various locations around the world, they often require extensive television equipment. These can include cameras, lighting, sound equipment, and many more. Not all production locations are blessed with regular access to mains electricity. What about portable and durable power stations? They are sufficient to keep all the production equipment running all the time, no matter where in the world the team is.

  • Emergency communication

    In several emergencies such as hurricanes, wildfires, or major disasters, power stations may enable television sets to keep operating to give crucial information. This may help affected communities know what is required while they wait for rescue teams or the situation to get better. These power stations can help mobile TV systems where reporters are in the field to give information without interruptions and with accuracy.

  • Advertising displays

    Battery power stations can be used with TVs in commercial advertising displays. Locations such as malls and airports where people gather and which do not have easy access to mains electricity are ideal candidates for these advertising displays. These power stations allow these screens to show vibrant advertising content in optimal locations all the time.

How to choose a power station for tv

Selecting the most appropriate power station to keep the television on requires weighing various factors to get the right balance between effectiveness, portability, and cost efficiency.

  • Power rating

    This is quite obvious, the higher the power station's output, the longer a television will run on power outage or off the grid.

  • Battery capacity

    Battery capacity is crucial as one factor determines how long a television will run after a power outage or while off the grid. Measured in watt-hours, the greater the watt-hours, the longer the duration. But remember, higher capacity makes the stations heavier.

  • Portability versus power

    Most of the time, the weight and dimensions of the power station will relate to the type of battery station used and its capacity. Generally speaking, lithium-ion power stations are more portable, while lead-acid stations are more powerful.

  • Output connections

    However, portable power stations eliminate the need for televisions to be connected using cables and may have multiple connection outputs. The most common are AC ports and USB ports for connecting devices like smartphones and tablets that power up. These outlets ensure versatility, allowing several devices to be powered simultaneously, hence making them ideal for situations requiring TV and other devices connected simultaneously.

  • Price and warranty

    The less advanced TV power stations are often more competitively priced, but they may not come with warranties or long manufacturer advice. In contrast, the more sophisticated ones may have a price implication and come with manufacturer guarantees and advice on their maintenance, which is often considered valuable.

Q&A

Can a power station run a tv for several hours?

Yes, as long as a battery power station has great output and battery capacity, it can run a television for several hours.

What size power station is needed for a 60-inch tv?

A 60-inch flat screen television requires about 200 watts max. Hence, a power station with a 500-watt output will be ideal.

Will a solar backpack power station run a tv?

Yes, as long as the solar power station has at least AC outputs of 300 watts.

How long can a portable power station keep a tv powered?

This will depend on the size of the battery of the power station. For instance, a station with 1000 watts can run 5 hours, while 200 watts means only 30 minutes.