In a simple answer, depends, but mostly yes!
Portable power stations are becoming popular for powering devices during camping trips, outdoor events, and even emergency situations. But one common question is whether a portable power station can run a refrigerator. The answer largely depends on the capacity of the power station and the refrigerator’s power requirements. Let’s dive into how to determine if a portable power station is up to the task, with examples from popular brands like Mango Power, Bluetti, OUPES, and Jackery.
Understanding Power Requirements
To determine if a power station can run a refrigerator, start by identifying the refrigerator's wattage. A typical mini-fridge consumes about 100–250 watts, while a standard full-sized refrigerator might use 500–750 watts when running, with a higher surge when the compressor starts. So, your power station should have both a high enough wattage output to handle the surge and enough battery capacity (measured in watt-hours, or Wh) to keep the fridge running for the desired amount of time.
Battery Capacity
A standard Energy Star-rated refrigerator in today's market typically uses between 2,000 and 3,000Wh of energy per day. This is due to the fact that modern refrigerators are designed to operate with the compressor starting and stopping at different intervals throughout the day, resulting in significant energy savings. Therefore, it is crucial to have sufficient battery capacity to support this energy-efficient operation.
For optimal operation of a refrigerator with a portable power station, it is advisable to opt for a battery capacity of at least 2,000Wh. Greater battery capacity is preferable as electronic devices typically experience power losses. Therefore, even with a 2,000Wh battery, some energy is always lost during conversions, resulting in a lesser usable capacity. This is normal with all batteries.
Output Power and Surge Capacity
Refrigerators have an internal compressor that, similar to any motor, requires a higher power consumption for the first second or less of being turned on. This is what is known as surge power. Modern refrigerators typically have a surge power requirement of around 2,000W, oftentimes less. It will depend on refrigerator size.
All portable power stations have a output power capacity (which is considered the continuous output capacity), and the surge capacity. The surge capacity is available for about a second or a couple of seconds, most of the times more than enough to power most 120V motors.
For safe operation of a refrigerator with a portable power station, it is typical to have a surge power capacity of over 2,000 Watts. We recommend a capacity of around 3,000W for most refrigerator models and sizes to err on the side of caution. The continuous output power capacity should be a minimum of 1,500W to ensure sufficient power for the refrigerator as well as other devices such as cellphones and tablets.
Power Station Examples
Final Verdict
Yes, a portable power station can run a refrigerator, but the size and duration depend on the power station’s capacity and the refrigerator’s power draw. High-capacity models from Mango Power, Bluetti, OUPES, and Jackery provide solid options for running mini-fridges and full-sized refrigerators for several hours. When choosing a power station, match its output and capacity to your specific refrigerator needs to ensure uninterrupted use.
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