Energy independence: how much does a charging station cost and how to choose one
8 September 22:31
INSTRUCTIONS
The latest attack on the Trypillia thermal power plant shows that Russia will try to cut off electricity to Ukraine. DTEK is already advising people to check the serviceability of charging stations and, if they are not already in the house, to buy them, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
For many consumers, the main issue is not only the cost, but also the correct selection of the device capacity that will ensure the autonomous operation of the necessary equipment.
How to calculate the required capacity
Experts advise focusing on a simple formula: device power (W) × number of hours of operation = required minimum capacity (W-h).
For example, if a laptop consumes 65 watts and needs to be used for 8 hours, the charging station should provide a minimum of 520 Wh. This allows you to choose the right model and avoid situations where the device does not have enough energy to work.
Types of charging stations: from small to large
There are three basic categories on the market:
- Small capacity – 500 Wh (cost ≈ 22.9 thousand UAH). Suitable for powering smartphones, a Wi-Fi router, or LED lighting.
- Medium capacity – 1,048 Wh (≈ 44 thousand UAH). Ensures the operation of a laptop or TV for several hours, and can support several low-power devices at the same time.
- Large capacity – 2,016 Wh (≈ 59 thousand UAH). Allows you to keep a refrigerator, washing machine, or even an air conditioner in operation in critical conditions.
Read also: Shelling of thermal power plants and blackouts: what awaits Ukrainians in the fall and winter
Battery life of various devices
According to publicly available data, the time of continuous operation from charging stations varies significantly depending on the power of the consumer:
- Wi-Fi router (10 W): up to 202 hours from a large station, 105 hours from a medium station, and 50 hours from a small station.
- Phone (18 W): 112 hours from a large station, 58 hours from a medium station, 28 hours from a small station.
- Laptop (65 W): 31 hours from the large, 16 hours from the medium, 8 hours from the small.
- Refrigerator (400 W): 5 hours from the large, 3 hours from the medium, 1 hour from the small.
- Washing machine (700 W): 3 hours on the large setting and only 1 hour on the medium setting.
- Hairdryer (1,200 W): only 2 hours from the most powerful station.
- TV (150 W): 13 hours from a large one, 7 hours from a medium one, and 3 hours from a small one.
This clearly demonstrates that the higher the power of the equipment, the faster the station’s charge is depleted.
According to energy companies, Ukrainians are increasingly choosing medium and large stations, as they allow them to support critical equipment such as refrigerators, modems, pumps, and basic office electronics.
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For small businesses, investing in charging stations becomes a tool to ensure business continuity even in the event of emergency outages. In households, such devices allow for food storage, communication, and basic comfort.
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Thus, the choice of charging station depends on the needs: a small capacity model is sufficient for short-term use of the phone and the Internet, while for autonomous operation of a refrigerator or several household appliances it is better to invest in a larger station.
