What are the types of common outdoor power supplies? This is a very practical topic and a concern for many outdoor enthusiasts and electrical engineers. Outdoor power supplies are portable energy storage devices that can provide AC or DC power output for various electronic products. They are suitable for camping, travel, emergency and other scenarios. So, what are the types of common outdoor power supplies?

1. Classification by battery type

Common outdoor power supplies on the market generally use three types of lithium iron phosphate batteries, lithium polymer batteries, and lithium ion batteries. These three batteries have their own advantages and disadvantages. The main differences are as follows:

Lithium iron phosphate battery: high safety, long cycle life, relatively low price, but low energy density, large weight, low charging and discharging efficiency.

Lithium polymer battery: high energy density, light weight, variable shape, but low safety, short cycle life, and high price.

Lithium ion battery: high energy density, high charging and discharging efficiency, moderate price, but low safety, short cycle life, and fixed shape.

Comprehensive consideration, lithium iron phosphate battery is the current mainstream choice for outdoor power supplies because its safety and durability are more suitable for outdoor environments and the cost is also low. Lithium polymer batteries and lithium ion batteries are more suitable for small mobile power supplies because they are light and have large capacity, but they need to be fireproof and explosion-proof.

2. Classification by output power

Output power refers to the maximum power that an outdoor power supply can provide, generally expressed in watts (W). The greater the output power, the more types and quantities of electrical appliances that can be powered, but it will also increase the weight and price of the power supply. According to the size of the output power, outdoor power supplies can be divided into the following categories:

Low-power outdoor power supply: The output power is below 100W, and it can generally only charge small electronic products such as mobile phones, tablets, and cameras. It is suitable for personal use, with good portability and low price.

Medium-power outdoor power supply: The output power is between 100W-500W, and it can generally power medium-sized appliances such as laptops, TVs, fans, and lamps. It is suitable for family or small team use, with general portability and moderate price.

High-power outdoor power supply: The output power is above 500W, and it can generally power large appliances such as refrigerators, microwave ovens, air conditioners, and electric cookers. It is suitable for commercial or large team use, with poor portability and high price.

Taking all factors into consideration, medium-power outdoor power supply is the mainstream choice of outdoor power supply at present, because its output power can meet the needs of most outdoor activities, and the price is also relatively reasonable. Low-power outdoor power supply is more suitable for light travel, and high-power outdoor power supply is more suitable for special occasions.

3. Classification by output interface

Output interface refers to the different types of power output that outdoor power supply can provide, generally including alternating current (AC), direct current (DC), USB, Type-C, etc. The more types and numbers of output interfaces, the more types and numbers of compatible electrical appliances, but it will also increase the complexity and cost of the power supply. According to the types and numbers of output interfaces, outdoor power supplies can be divided into the following types:

Single output interface outdoor power supply: only one type of output interface is provided, generally AC or DC, and can only power one type of electrical appliance, suitable for specific purposes, simple and cheap.

Multiple output interface outdoor power supply: provides multiple types of output interfaces, generally AC, DC, USB, Type-C, etc., can power multiple types of electrical appliances, suitable for general use, rich functions, and higher prices.

Outdoor power supply with expandable output interface: provides one or more types of output interfaces, but other types of output interfaces can be added through external modules or converters, which can power more types of electrical appliances, suitable for customized purposes, flexible and convenient, and with different prices.

Taking all factors into consideration, outdoor power supply with multiple output interfaces is the mainstream choice of outdoor power supply at present, because its output interface can meet the compatibility of most electrical appliances, and it is rich in functions and reasonably priced. Outdoor power supply with single output interface is more suitable for specific purposes, while outdoor power supply with expandable output interface is more suitable for customized purposes.