Bought a new 1500WH Power Station
  • Steve S
    55
    Hi,

    my RV runs just about everything using 12VDC power from fans to electric blankets. Solar generators/power stations always intrigued me ... except for the slow charging speeds. Recently, I saw a VTOMAN 1500 Flash Charge station with a $300 coupon days before Prime Day. It arrives today.

    VTOMan 1500 Flash Speed Power Station

    Note this is an Amazon Canada link.

    Why did I buy one? It has 1500WHs of power, can charge multiple ways and can charge in 1 hour. I decided it wouldn't be a wise idea to use a 300W inverter to charge my new ebike. My old ebike was the original Lectric XP and charged fine when using the 300W inverter. The charging brick for my new ebike is the same amperage but uses a cooling fan too - probably just enough to push the 300W inverter to its limit.

    Also, being able to power my frig, during a power outage, is a bonus (although, my EV can do the same but less convenient). The EV itself can actually recharge the power station during an extended outage. This way, I don't need to temporarily run power cables, during inclement weather, from the outside to inside.

    I will test it with a 1500W oil filled electric heater to see how much it draws overnight. If not too much, I will use it for additional heating along with my Truma furnace in my RV. Hopefully, I'll be able to stay out boondocking a touch longer before needing to refill my propane tank (hard-mounted RV tank). I have a grand total of 400Ws of solar which should allow the power station during the course of the day.

    Cheers, Steve
    Steve S Options
  • Ray
    1.3k
    ↪Steve S
    Fast charging is a great feature! One of the main reasons I've been using the Eco Flow Delta Max since it can charge as high as 1800W input.
    Ray Options
  • Steve S
    55
    The two 1500W heaters have just use too much electricity. The lowest the oil filled electric radiator goes is 500Ws and it causes the unit to run its fan full tilt. Would maybe last 3 hours - that's it. Looks like the RV furnace and electric blanket will remain my main source of heating.
    Steve S Options
  • Ray
    1.3k
    ↪Steve S
    Yes, anything with a heating element usually takes a ton of amps. It is hard to power for long periods without a huge battery bank and lots and lots of solar in very sunny locations. We use a Big Buddy propane heater in the desert during the winter for the awake time in the evenings and Anne has an electric throw blanket for overnight if she gets cold; it only draws around 50-100W when it cycles on. Rather than heat the whole room, I just heat her. :)
    Ray Options
  • Steve S
    55
    Hi Ray,

    yes, my testing to date shows that with the on/off cycling of the heater, I use up the entire capacity within 8 hours; doing that on a consist basis won't be good for the long tern longevity of the power station. I do have the equivalent of a Big Buddy but strictly used my furnace the past few winters. I'll bring it this year but don't see a huge advantage because it still uses propane, propane I'll need a refill on. In addition to my electric blanket, I wear a heated vest which makes a difference when I am outside hiking or biking on those colder mornings. Cheers, Steve
    Steve S Options
  • Ray
    1.3k
    ↪Steve S
    The good thing about the Buddy type heaters is they turn pretty well all the propane used into indoor heat, though you do need to have some ventilation so some heat escapes, whereas the RV furnace is only around 50 - 70% efficient, the rest is out the exhaust heating the outside. Plus, power is used to run the fan 6-8 amps and it's noisy.
    The Buddy isn't good in moist climates, though, as it produces a lot of moisture but great for the desert.
    Ray Options
  • Steve S
    55
    ↪"Ray
    Unfortunately this was the first day I could test the unit at my RV storage area. DC charging via the supplied cable worked fine but when I connected my solar panels to it, neither of them succeeded in charging the power station (they supplied an Andersen cable). I bypassed the solar chargers for each panel since the unit has a built-in MPPT charge controller. Also checked for continuity and had that end-end.

    On their website, they do indeed sell overpriced foldable panels but there is an aspect I don't trust; the manual specifically states to use panels that supply 30-60 volts (mine are 21.7 volts) but the ones they sell are either 18 or 19 volt panels. Too bad, because I like the unit. Maybe they'll send me a replacement but time is running short for my trip south. I am bringing my propane heater this year which I've done in my past trips.

    Edit: I chose to go for the refund due to the time constraints but out of pocket for the return shipping cost.

    Cheers, Steve
    Steve S Options
  • Ray
    1.3k
    ↪Steve S
    You could series wire two or more low-voltage panels to increase the voltage to get into the voltage range.
    For example, two 18V panels wired in series would produce 36V
    Ray Options
  • Steve S
    55
    ↪Ray
    That's a good suggestion but interesting that this power generator company never made such a suggestion. They offered $100 dollars off their overpriced panels making them less overpriced ... no thanks.
    Steve S Options
  • Steve S
    55
    As a final update, placing the panels in series worked. I measured 41V and was able to get 300W of charging going into the power station (it was a sunny day today). I'll see how this winter goes to determine how often I need to charge the unit and how much a pain modifying the cabling is vs buying an additional solar panel (minimum 200Ws at at least 30V). Thanks for the suggestion Ray.
    Steve S Options
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