How Do Power Banks Work?

Very little is worse than a phone showing only 1% battery and no outlet nearby. Now you know how vital it is to have a power bank around to keep you connected. Power banks simply provide a more convenient way to charge your device, and there are a wide array of models to choose from. 

What’s a power bank? It’s a portable electronic device that can be used to store energy provided by a rechargeable battery. It is designed to allow continuous power to be supplied to a portable electronic device.

How do power banks work? Some use microchips, others have magnets, while others use different means of delivering power. 

In this article we’ll take a closer look at how power banks work. We’ll discuss everything about them such as how they operate, the different types and much more. 

Power Bank Operation Basics

In its simplest form a power bank is nothing more than a storage battery. The battery is normally charged through an electrical outlet plugged into a wall. These days, the devices can be charged and powered through USB connections from a computer. 

Connecting the power bank to your device creates a circuit to send electricity from the powerbank to whatever is connected to it. 

Power bank battery technology

1. Lithium-ion

These are rechargeable batteries that are extremely reliable. They are so popular because lithium-ion can be used to produce very dense batteries. The more dense the battery, the more power it can store and use. 

2. Lithium polymer

Lithium polymer batteries are a type of rechargeable battery which have the consistency of a jelly, and come in different shapes and sizes. There are two types of lithium polymer battery, lithium-ion and lithium-polymer. These two have different energy densities and are often used interchangeably.

Also Read: AGM Vs. Lithium Batteries

Different types of Power Bank

1. Universal or Standard Power Bank

These are probably the most common types of charging banks. They can be used with multiple devices depending on your needs.

2. Solar Power Bank

If you have ever been caught out of town, you know how annoying it can be to find yourself without a working phone charger. But if you bring along a solar power bank, you can recharge your phone anywhere you are. Primarily utilizing sunlight, running out of juice will be a thing of the past. 

Also Read: Exploring the Design and Benefits of Solar Batteries

3. Wireless Power Bank

Using the Qi standard, the wireless power bank can charge any compatible wireless product such as ear buds, phones and much more. The power bank itself is charged either through a power cord or USB.

How Long Does a Power Bank Last?

The longevity of a power bank depends on a couple of factors like how large the battery is and how ruggedly it is protected. A good power bank could possibly hold its charge for months without needing to recharge. 

Ultimately, it depends on how many times the power bank has been used and then charged up again. 

1/3 capacity loss – Power banks only really hold around 66% of their capacity.

Smartphones: a power bank with 10,000mAh – will only have around 6,666mAh. That means the power bank will totally charge your device around 1.5 – 2 times.

Tablets and laptops: A 20,000mAh device – will only have 13,300mAh capacity. This should be good for totally charging your device around 1.5 – 2 times.

Converting voltage = 25% capacity loss – Because the power bank needs to convert the voltage to charge your device.

Power lost during charging = 10% energy loss – This is inherent with electronic devices being charged. You would notice this energy loss as heat coming off your phone when charging.

Power Bank Care: Usage Tips & Guidelines

• Room Temperature is best: Power banks are more efficient when kept between 60-80 degrees. 

• Do a full charge first: This helps the battery  learn its capacity so it can manage itself.

• Keep your power bank topped off: Lithium batteries cannot overload due to built in safety features.

• Plug it in and charge it if it’s been a while: This will keep the power cells active.

• Use the power bank properly: Don’t try to charge something that is not meant for the power bank to service. Some can start a car, but others can only charge phones.

• Keep it in a dry place: Electronic devices are not fans of water.

• Don’t just stick your power bank in your pocket with sharp objects : power banks are not something you would want to pierce. Burns and rashes could occur.

• Treat it right: Treat your power bank the same as you would your nice expensive phone.

Conclusion

Now you know exactly how power banks work and hopefully have a better understanding of them. We hope you enjoyed this article. Power banks are truly wonderful tools to have around whether you need them only occasionally or not. But the fact is you’ll definitely be better off owning one.