As a leading technology provider with over 10 million customers, Anker has developed a portable power supply that features triple output modes, fast-charging USB ports, and a high-density lithium-ion battery for a more compact build.
I was quite impressed with the construction of the Anker PowerHouse. However, it is important to note that the device is not designed with serviceability in mind. Disassembling the device is quite tough and requires removing multiple screws and clips. Once I was able to access the internal components, I was impressed with the optically-isolated electronics for the pure-Sine Wave AC inverter and the 12V socket current limiter. However, the electrolytics used inside the PowerHouse could have a lifespan of only 5 to 6 years before they dry out and fall out of spec.
Portable Power for All Your Needs
For all your outdoor and emergency backup needs, the Anker PowerHouse is an excellent off-grid power supply solution. With triple output modes, a 12V car socket, an 110V AC outlet for devices up to 120W, and four fast-charging USB ports, PowerHouse is capable of powering lamps, phones, laptops, TVs, and even mini-fridges. Its remarkable compact design makes it possibly the smallest and lightest 400Wh power supply on the market. This is due to the high-density lithium-ion battery that allows for a more compact build than that of lead-acid power packs.The Anker PowerHouse is an alternative solution to the traditional generator. It requires no fuel, emits no fumes, and produces no noise. It’s perfect for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and fishing. It’s also an excellent emergency backup power source for power outages, natural disasters, and medical equipment like CPAP machines. PowerHouse is safe to use, protected by the Battery Management System (BMS), which undertakes voltage control, temperature control, and more advanced safety operations to ensure complete protection for you and your devices.
Anker PowerHouse: Internal Construction Details
Although it serves as an excellent off-grid power supply solution, the Anker PowerHouse is not designed with any serviceability in mind. Just getting inside the box is quite tough, especially if you intend to do so without marring or scratching the aluminum body or plastic. There are four screws on each side of the PowerHouse that do not allow access to the internals. The handle does NOT need to be removed or modified in any way to complete the disassembly, and in fact, trying to remove the handle from the exterior could damage it.Once the inner chassis is removed, you can access most of the electronics. The unit has good soldering, but not great, and decent internal supports for the electronics. There are some solder flow-through issues worth noting, especially on the through-hole electrolytics. The battery compartment cover is held on with six screws and holds 36 18650 batteries dressed in red wrappers. It would be extremely tedious and time-consuming to try and remove or service any of the cells due to the design of this battery compartment. The construction of the unit overall is quite impressive, but there are some problems, one of which could be classified as severe. The batteries are virtually impossible to service, making the PowerHouse a throw-away product.
Pros:
- The Anker PowerHouse is a portable power supply that is perfect for camping or emergency backup, as it can power lamps, phones, laptops, TVs, and even mini fridges.
- The PowerHouse is compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport and store. It boasts triple output modes: a 12V car socket, an 110V AC outlet (for devices up to 120W), and 4 fast-charging USB ports.
- The PowerHouse has a Battery Management System (BMS) that provides voltage control, temperature control, and other advanced safety operations, ensuring complete protection for you and your devices.
Cons:
- The PowerHouse is not designed with serviceability in mind, and it can be difficult to access the internals. The internal construction is not user-serviceable, and attempting to disassemble the unit can lead to damage.
- The batteries in the PowerHouse are not user-serviceable, and it can be challenging to remove or service them due to the design of the battery compartment. This can result in the need to replace the entire unit if the batteries fail.
- The electrolytics used inside the PowerHouse are not of the highest quality and may need to be replaced after 5 to 6 years of use. Additionally, the fuses inside the unit are soldered to the PCB and cannot be easily replaced, which can be a problem if they pop.
Conclusion
Overall, the Anker PowerHouse is a reliable and compact power source for camping or emergency backup. It is important to note that the device is not designed with serviceability in mind, and disassembling the device requires removing multiple screws and clips. However, the device features triple output modes, fast-charging USB ports, and a high-density lithium-ion battery for a more compact build.
Questions & Answers:
Question: Is the Anker PowerHouse easy to transport?
Answer: Yes, the PowerHouse is compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport and store.
Question: What is the Battery Management System (BMS)?
Answer: The BMS is a system that provides voltage control, temperature control, and other advanced safety operations, ensuring complete protection for you and your devices.
Question: Can the batteries in the PowerHouse be replaced?
Answer: The batteries in the PowerHouse are not user-serviceable and can be challenging to remove or service due to the design of the battery compartment. This can result in the need to replace the entire unit if the batteries fail.