ANKER 26800 PowerCore+ ? Other recommendations?

Now that many of our newer torches have USB chargeability, I’ve been hoping to see more powerbank reviews,experiences and opinions as they relate specifically to flashlights and LiIon batteries therein.

The above Anker is far from a budget item, but seems to include the accessories and features for an ideal power outage backup for lights and smartphones.

Your thoughts?

I use this Anker Power Bank: https://www.amazon.com/Powerful-10000mAh-Anker-PowerCore-Technology/dp/B013HSQXZC/ref=sr_1_14?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1472245958&sr=1-14&keywords=anker+power+bank

It is not cheap as some, but it can quick charge and can charge devices up to 2.4 amps. I like the small portable size as compared to the larger 26800mAh version.

Edit: What I like too is that when charging a device the power bank will shut off remaining power when device being charged is finished.

I have one, bought it when it was at discount for $57.99 on amazon.

Peak efficiency of 91% is achieved at 5V 1A output, and 88% at 5V 2A. This is very good. The included QC adapter works great but a bit bulky for being a single port.

One thing I didn’t like is the charge rate, it only supports 9V 1.5A input, compared to the 12V 1.5A on the xiaomi 20,000. Not the quickest rate but not slow either by any means. I would recommend it for its high capacity, efficiency and solid construction, however, considering its current price of $80 I would go with the xiaomi instead, you can buy two xiaomi for the price of one anker.

Another excellent powerbank in this capacity range is the aukey 20,000 https://www.amazon.com/20000mAh-Lightning-AiPower-Portable-Charger/dp/B0176HQ1O8/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1472252641&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=aukey+20%2C000

Very similar to the xiaomi in performance, but lack QC input. It compensates by accepting apple’s lightning port for charging, handy if you are an idevice owner.

I also have the numbers for quite a few powerbank reviews but haven’t got the time to post them… :frowning:

Thank you and I look forward to your reports on power banks.

Glad to see the traction on this topic.

Thanks for all the comments!

Didn’t really think I was the only one with multiple USB devices, all cringing at the prospects of a prolonged power outage!

Back to powerbanks and charging into a torch’s LiIon cells: Any issues?

You can always charge your devices in your car during prolonged outages.

There shouldn’t be any, the integrated charging system in flashlights is a very simple circuity, it only takes the ( - ) and ( + ) ends ignoring the D+ and D- data lines, so as long as the USB output is 5V it will work fine, doesn’t matter which powerbank or device.

As for prolonged power shortages I recommend getting a <100W compact solar panel or a portable gas generator for about the same price, both can come very handy in any emergency situation. I have the renogy 100W foldable solar panel and I’m planning to build a 400WH 18650-based battery pack for it.

Yeah, the conversion losses from all the DC/DC converters and charging circuits really start to add up. The solar panel’s output has to get converted to 5V. You’ve got the charging efficiency of the powerbank. You’ve got the output efficiency of the powerbank. Lastly, you have the charging efficiency of the whatever you’re plugging into that. If you’re really lucky they’re all 90% and you can get about 65% of the solar energy into the final device. If your less fortunate and they’re all 80% it’s like 41%.

A 16V solar panel and real MPPT lead acid charge controller can do better than 90% efficiency from the panel into the battery. Depending on what you’re ultimately charging that could be a far better option from an energy efficiency perspective. You can use a much higher wattage solar panel depending on how portable you need to be too.

BTW, NiMH chargers tend to have horrible efficiency. Like 40% or less in terms of power in vs. power put in the cells.