These days, we have more and more need to have access to power sources, even on the go. Portable power solutions are all over the market now, and tend to not be terribly expensive, so it’s something I had been looking at for awhile, and when Aaoyun reached out offering to let me check out their new AOY-320 portable power station, I was happy to do so.
What is the Aaoyun AOY-320 Portable Power Station
The Aaoyun AOY-320 portable power station is fast charging & versatile power solution that is small enough and light enough to be convenient for most times when you will be away from reliable power for an extended period but still need to keep things charged.
The AOY-320 features a 296Wh battery and six charging ports:
- One standard AC outlet capable of delivering 300W of power
- Three USB-A outlets that support the Fast Charging protocol and can deliver 22.5W each
- A car port-style DC outlet with 12W, 10A
- One USB-C outlet
Each set of ports can be turned on and off individually, so if you need to power multiple devices at once but start running low on charge, you can disable the less important ones.
Other Features
In addition to the charging ports, the device includes two lighting features. There is a powerful flashlight that, at full intensity, provies 2000 lumens of light and, at least according to the specs, is capable of casting a beam 2000 meters. (I didn’t have any realistic way to test this.) At full charge, this beam is rated to last at least 10 hours, longer at lower intensity settings. It can also be set to an “SOS” flashing light.
On top of the device is a nightlight/lantern, and is enclosed in a flexible casing that diffuses the light. It includes both warm an white settings, and can be expanded or collapsed to provide different amounts of ambient light. It is rated to last 100 hours at its brightest setting, so it’s more than enough to provide light over, say, a weekend camping trip.
There is a rubbery mess on the back of the unit to stash cables in.
A slightly hidden feature–I didn’t even notice until I looked at the device online and saw this–is a slightly raised ridge along the top that, when combined with the handle, provides a place for a phone to be propped up, so that it can remain in place while charging or used to watch videos and the like on the phone while charging.
The unit also includes a shoulder strap so that you can take it with you.
Charging the Station
The AOY-320 can be charged in several ways:
- USB-C plugged into a normal wall socket, a car port, or a USB-socket on another device
- Solar panels (not included) plugged into the DC port
The device takes several hours to charge itself, depending of course on the power input: USB-C plugged into a wall socket at home will of course charge faster than solar panels. However, one feature that I was impressed with is how long it holds a charge. Another, similar device that I had purchased a few years ago would be dead within a week or so of non-use. but I’ve had this device sitting on a table for almost a month, and it’s still 2/3 charged.
How I’ll be Using the Station
Camping is perhaps the first, most obvious use for this. I don’t camp all that often anymore, but in the next several months I will be participating in a Scouting America adult training program and I look forward to taking this with me. It will provide for a true test of the system: while I’m comfident that I won’t have to worry about keeping my phone charged, it’ll be nice to be able to keep some other devices charged as well. And, the nightlight feature will provide a tent-safe lighting solution for evenings as well.
I am also a Little League umpire, and while our games are never long enough to have to worry about my phone dying while I’m on the field, I do plan to keep the power station in my trunk so that I can power a fan to use to cool off after doing a game in 100+ degree weather. The lighting feature will also be great for those late games when I have to change out of my gear in a dark parking lot.
And of course in these uncertain times, it’s nice to know that I can have this available should the need arise. In fact, I’m considering looking into purchasing some solar panels for it as well.
Other Potential Uses
There are a lot of other uses for this that I can see. If you use a CPAP, this could be a literal life-saver if you are camping or simply want a reliable power source through the night in case there’s a power failure. It could also be used to power a small refrigerator, which could be very helpful for young mothers who may need to keep formula, breast milk, or baby food cold over a camping or road trip, or for anyone who might need to do the same for medication.
How Portable Is It?
I keep referring to this as a “portable” power station, but how portable is it? Well, it is realtively small: 12.5″ long by 4.1″ wide by 5.9″ high, so it’ll fit nicely in a backseat or trunk, and won’t be a hassle in a tent or other place you might need it. It is on the heavier side–7..1 pounds–but that’s to be expected for a device like this, and doesn’t seem out-of-line given all of its features.
It should be mentioned, however, that because of the type of battery it uses, it is not approved to be taken on planes, in either carry-ons or checked bags.
Final Verdict
As I mentioned above, I look forward to taking this with me on my upcoming camping trip and for those Little League games in late spring and through the summer. It seems a very good product overall, and is much better than the older one I had previously purchased. It is reasonably priced at just under $200. There are just so many applications for portable power these days that devices like this are going to become more and more useful, and the Aaoyun AOY-320 portable power station is a great option for those looking to invest in one.
