DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF 150 WATTS PORTABLE POWER STATION
Abstract
The persistent challenge of unreliable electricity supply in many developing regions, including Nigeria, has created an urgent need for portable, efficient, and cost-effective alternative energy solutions. Against this backdrop, the design and construction of a 150-watt portable power station becomes a practical and innovative response, capable of addressing small-scale energy demands for households, small businesses, and individuals in off-grid or emergency contexts. A portable power station integrates energy storage, energy conversion, and power management into a compact, mobile unit that can reliably deliver electricity to charge devices, operate low-power appliances, and support critical loads when grid power is unavailable. This project is motivated by the rising dependence on digital and electronic devices, combined with the limitations of the national grid and the environmental concerns posed by petrol/diesel backup generators. Unlike fuel-powered options, a portable power station is noiseless, environmentally friendly, and rechargeable through multiple sources including solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, AC mains, or even vehicle charging. Its portability makes it suitable for outdoor activities, rural communities, and disaster relief situations. The project’s central objective is to design and construct a reliable 150-watt system that balances efficiency, durability, affordability, and ease of use. The design approach is based on a modular system architecture. The key subsystems include: (1) an energy source, primarily a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack sized to store sufficient energy for multiple hours of operation at 150 W continuous load; (2) a power conversion stage, consisting of a pure sine wave inverter for AC output and DC-DC converters to provide regulated DC outputs (3) a charge controller, designed for safe, efficient charging from both solar PV input and grid AC input; and (4) a power management and monitoring system, which includes safety protections (overcharge, deep discharge, short circuit, and thermal protection) as well as digital indicators for voltage, current, and battery state of charge. Keywords: Power station, battery, electricity, Solar PV, Lithium-ion, AC & DC output, Load.
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