I **despise** the use of the term "generator" to mean "battery + ports + electronics in a box". Makes me instantly skeptical, smells scammy. Maybe if solar panels are included, but then it's the **panels** that are "generating", not the storage / conversion unit. Words mean things, should not be co-opted by scamming marketeers looking to deceive.
It's a "portable powerpack". Some are large (watt-hours), some are small, their Amp rates vary, and they offer different features.
Have yet to come across one I think is good value compared to putting a custom system together from components selected for **that** use case's specific requirements.
Bare minimum should be an easily identified internal battery, so when it's worn out (often in a year or two) it can be replaced at a reasonable price, even if the maker has gone out of business.
Designing something costing hundreds to be quickly thrown away should be a crime; batteries are consumables, but their infrastructure should last for decades.
Usually just getting basic performance specs requires detective work. What chemistry? Don't quote Ah capacity at a 3.7V no one actually uses! What is the capacity in watt-hours (likely needs IRL testing) Max amps rate at what termination voltage? If the chemistry allows a full recharge in an hour, why does this product require a full overnight on shore power?
The target market is ignorant noobs with money to burn, who think they can plug and play without learning the basics.
I hope one day exceptions emerge, but not holding my breath.
Well John, then you should like the "drop in electrical systems" that we build for the conversion van market.
All components are end user replaceable, although it does assume that the person doing the work is familiar with electrical work. For a marine electrician or someone like you - piece of cake.
Detailed technical specs are on the web site.
End user can select from 2 different battery options and for some applications we offer a third, depending on the model.
Very rugged / vibration resistant design.
Price - well - high end components cost money. While it probably doesn't make sense for you, most people don't have your expertise / experience level.
I do agree completely that building a van electrical system with components from just one supplier will not result in an ideal build / performance situation.
At the risk of blasphemy, I am not actually all that impressed with Anderson connectors. We provide them as an option, but the typical ones don't win any awards for long term / wide temperature range operation.
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On that particular unit, the thing that makes me a bit nervous is the push toward using aggressive versions of Li chemistry (vs LiFe) in consumer applications.
The proposed system used a pack that has 2x the energy density of a battle born and they are running it at 1C+ charge / discharge rates with passive air cooling. IMHO that is very aggressive for a product sold to the average person for use in a closed space.
Sure - I have built hobby projects that ran specialized Li batteries at 4C, but for general consumer use?