Capacité Wh : comment choisir sa station d’énergie (guide 2025)

Wh capacity: how to choose your energy station (2025 guide)

Wh capacity: how to choose your energy station (2025 guide)

Before purchasing a power station , correctly sizing the capacity (Wh) and power (W) is essential. This guide shows you a simple method to estimate the actual autonomy , understand the efficiency (AC/DC losses), the peak power of the inverter, and choose a model adapted to your uses (camping, vanlife, home, construction site, emergency).

Step-by-step sizing method

  1. List your devices (W): laptop, screen, box, TV, fridge, CPAP, tools, LED lighting.
  2. Estimate the duration of use (hours/day) for each.
  3. Calculate the daily energy: Wh = W × h for each appliance.
  4. Add up all Wh and add 20–30% margin.
  5. Apply a realistic efficiency : often ~ 0.85 (conversion, inverter, heat).

Autonomy (hours) ≈ (Station capacity (Wh) × 0.85) ÷ Average power consumed (W).

Table of uses: 200 Wh → 3000 Wh+

Ability Profile Examples
200–300 Wh Day trip Smartphones, drones, LEDs, small PCs
500–700 Wh Weekend / light van USB-C PD laptop, projector, one-time mini fridge
900–1200 Wh Vanlife / short breaks TV, box, table-top fridge
1500–2000 Wh Rescued house Standard fridge, tools, short microwave
3000 Wh+ Heavy duty use Simultaneous multi-device power usage

Numerical examples

Nomadic teleworking setup (~120 W)

  • Laptop 60 W × 4 h = 240 Wh
  • Screen 30 W × 3 h = 90 Wh
  • Box 15 W × 4 h = 60 Wh
  • LED 15 W × 3 h = 45 Wh

Total ≈ 435 Wh/day → +25% margin ≈ 544 Wh → station 500–700 Wh .

TV evening + mini fridge

TV 100 W × 3 h = 300 Wh. Mini fridge 60–80 W with start-up peaks. Aim for 900–1200 Wh .

CPAP night (8 hours)

30–60 W depending on setting → 240–480 Wh. Recommended: 500–1000 Wh .

Yield & factor 0.85

DC→AC conversion, inverter, and heat all cause losses. Multiplying the capacity by ~0.85 gives a conservative estimate of the range. At low power over USB‑C (DC→DC), losses are often lower.

Purchasing Checklist

  • Calculated capacity (Wh) + 20–30% margin.
  • Sufficient continuous inverter power (W).
  • Ridge suitable for starting (fridge/tools).
  • Useful outputs: AC 230 V, USB‑C PD , cigarette lighter.
  • MPPT solar input compatible (W & voltage).
  • Chemistry LiFePO₄ if intensive use.

FAQ

Wh vs W: difference?

Wh = energy (autonomy). W = instantaneous power consumed or delivered.

How many Wh for 4–6 hours of teleworking?

Typically 500–700 Wh is sufficient, depending on the display and peripherals.

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Real-life case studies: detailed autonomy calculations

Case A - Intensive teleworking over one day

Profile : 65W USB-C laptop (6h), 40W 27” screen (5h), 15W box (8h), 10W LED lighting (5h), 10W smartphone charging (2h). Average power ~ 95-120W depending on peaks.

  • Laptop: 65×6 = 390 Wh
  • Screen: 40×5 = 200 Wh
  • Box: 15×8 = 120 Wh
  • LED: 10×5 = 50 Wh
  • Smartphone: 10×2 = 20 Wh

Theoretical total = 780 Wh. With an overall efficiency of ~0.85 → useful requirement ≈ 918 Wh . Recommendation: 1000–1200 Wh station to keep some margin and connect a surprise peripheral (printer, camera).

Case B - Family evening with TV + mini-fridge

TV 120 W × 4 h = 480 Wh; mini-fridge 70 W (duty cycle ~40%) over 6 h ≈ 168 Wh effective; LED 15 W × 5 h = 75 Wh → total ≈ 723 Wh; with 0.85 → ~ 850 Wh . Choice: station 900–1200 Wh with sufficient peak for the compressor.

Case C - Home emergency (fridge + box + lights)

Fridge 120 W (duty 35%) over 10 h ≈ 420 Wh; box 15 W × 10 h = 150 Wh; LED 20 W × 6 h = 120 Wh → total 690 Wh; with 0.85 → ~ 812 Wh . Reco: 1000–1500 Wh depending on the target duration.

Quick Decision Tree (Step by Step)

  1. Do your appliances include motors/compressors (fridge, pump)? → Yes: check peak power > 2–3× nominal; No: go to step 2.
  2. Occasional use (<2 h/day) or prolonged use (>4 h/day)? → Prolonged: increase the capacity by one notch.
  3. Are you charging with solar ? → Yes: Size 200–400 W and check compatible input voltage .
  4. Weight/portability priority? → Choose a 500–700 Wh station well-equipped with USB-C.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Do not count the duty cycle (fridge does not consume 100% of the time).
  • Forgetting the inverter peak → shutdown at startup.
  • Underestimate AC losses and heat → use USB-C when possible.
  • Handle/slug not optimized for SEO (think clean URLs).

Useful accessories (energy stations)

  • 100/200/400W foldable solar panels with MPPT compatibility.
  • MC4 cables, XT60/DC adapters with identified polarity.
  • Carrying case/house to protect vents and ports.
  • Certified extension cords and power strips with protection.

Sustainability & end of life

Follow battery recycling guidelines and return end-of-life equipment to approved facilities. Proper maintenance (temperature, storage ~50–60%) significantly extends the useful life.

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