battery runtime scenarios
Start from the device or outage load you need to run, then open a scenario with wattage range, duty cycle, source confidence, and calculator links.
Each card keeps the wattage range, planning default, duty cycle, source confidence, and calculator path visible.
Camping
12V coolers can be efficient on DC, but duty cycle depends on ambient temperature and insulation.
Camping
Small fridges vary widely by insulation, room temperature, and door openings. The 45% duty-cycle default is a conservative planning assumption for cycling behavior, not a measured guarantee; measure with a watt meter when possible.
Comfort
Electric blankets cycle by heat setting. Lower settings can reduce average draw.
Comfort
Fans are usually good power-station loads. Check the label because speed setting changes draw.
Emergency backup
Emergency radios are usually low draw, but charging mode and volume can change consumption.
Entertainment
Console draw changes between menu, streaming, and gameplay. Include the TV or monitor as a separate load.
Entertainment
Projector draw depends on brightness mode and speaker use. Add streaming sticks or speakers separately.
High draw
Heating water is power-hungry. A short brew may use little total energy but still needs enough continuous output.
High draw
Kettles are short but very high draw. Many small stations cannot run them even when total Wh looks sufficient.
High draw
Microwaves are high-draw short-duration loads. Check continuous output and do not size by battery capacity alone.
High draw
Resistive heaters drain batteries quickly. They are usually a poor fit for compact portable power stations.
High draw
Like kettles, toasters are short-use resistive loads that require high continuous output.
Home backup
Fridges cycle on and off. The calculator treats the entered wattage as compressor running wattage and applies a duty-cycle estimate.
Home backup
Screen size, brightness, and panel type matter. Check the label or use a plug-in watt meter.
Internet
For home internet backup, include modem or ONT, router, and any mesh nodes as separate loads.
Internet
Direct DC power can be more efficient than using an AC brick. USB-C PD requirements still need headroom.
Internet
Snow melt, boot, heat, router behavior, and network activity can change draw. This profile uses Starlink's published average range.
Internet
Mesh nodes are small steady loads, but multiple nodes add up during long outages.
Internet
Router wattage is usually steady, but modem, ONT, and mesh nodes should be counted as separate loads.
Lighting
LED lights are low-load essentials. Add each bulb or fixture if several will run during an outage.
Medical comfort
This is a comfort-focused estimate, not medical advice. Use the CPAP manufacturer's battery guidance for critical planning.
Medical comfort
Humidifiers and heated tubes can more than double power draw. Users should check their device label and prescription setup.
Medical comfort
Travel CPAP units can draw less than full-size machines, especially without heated humidification.
Small electronics
Camera chargers are small loads. USB-C chargers may avoid AC inverter losses.
Small electronics
Phone charging is usually a small load. Count multiple phones separately or increase quantity in Advanced mode.
Small electronics
USB-C charging efficiency is usually better than AC inverter charging, but charger and cable limits still matter.
Work
Monitor draw depends on size, brightness, refresh rate, and panel type.
Work
Desktop draw varies heavily with CPU/GPU load and monitor count. Gaming PCs can exceed this range.
Work
Laptop draw depends on charger rating, battery state, screen brightness, CPU/GPU load, and whether charging over USB-C DC.