What Is a Power Bank?

Power bank definition

Power banks, sometimes speed as powerbanks, can be defined as portable batteries that use circuitry to control any power in and power out. They can charged up using a USB charger when power is available, and then used to charge battery powered items like mobile phones and a host of other devices that would normally use a USB charger.

The name power bank can be likened to a financial bank where funds can be deposited, stored, and withdrawn when needed. These items are also often referred to as portable chargers, as they can charge items like mobile phones without the need to be connected to the mains during charging, although they will need to be charged, and this normally requires a mains charger.

What is the Purpose of a Power Bank?

The purpose of a power bank is to recharge battery-powered electronics when you’re on-the-go! A power bank can be small enough to fit in your pocket or they can be larger with a higher capacity.

Power banks are used to charge cell phones, tablets, speakers, and even laptops! If you can plug it in a wall to charge, chances are a power bank can charge it.

Power bank operation basics

When looking at how a power bank works, it is essentially a battery into which power is passed typically from a mains powered USB charger. This is stored and then passed out to the device under charge as required.

To facilitate this operation, the power bank not only consists of a battery itself, but some sophisticated electronics which manages all of these operations.

How does a power bank work?

Since power banks are basically regular batteries with some extra features, they work just like any other rechargeable battery. They first store energy up to their maximum capacity and then release it when connected to a different device that needs recharging. That’s the basic gist of it.

Of course, in terms of circuitry, they can be quite complex devices. Besides charging and recharging they also have other features such as safety features, power indicators, quick charging technologies, etc.

Power bank battery technology

All power banks use rechargeable batteries based around lithium technology. Lithium-Ion and Lithium-Polymer batteries are most commonly used for power banks but don’t be surprised if other types start to hit the market before long. Battery technology is key to many new developments: everything from mobile phones to electric vehicles, and as a result it is quite likely there will be some spin-offs into power banks.

The two technologies that are currently used have slightly different properties:

Lithium-ion: Lithium-Ion batteries have a higher energy density, i.e. they can store more electrical charge in a given size or volume, and are cheaper to manufacture, but they can have issues with ageing.

Lithium-polymer : Lithium-polymer power banks do not suffer from ageing to the same extent so are a better choice. However they are more costly to manufacture and as a result they may not suit all budgets. Sometimes it may be that it is best to spend less, especially if they are likely to be accidentally lost.

Partner with us for power bank supply

VANZONE TECHNOLOGY is a Hi-Tech Enterprise involving designing, production and marketing of power bank. If you are looking for a power bank supplier, please contact us immediately.