Hurricane season doesn’t have to be busy in the traditional sense to pack a punch. Look what happened in 2022, where major hurricane Ian was only the eighth named storm of the season but caused massive damage across western and central Florida. It’s little wonder that people in the hurricane zones are always on edge and wondering how they will cope in the event of a significant hit. They must think about post-event power and may now have a much better alternative to a predictable generator. How can PlugOut Power come to the rescue for owners of certain hybrid or plug-in cars?
Replacing the Generator
Everyone knows the drawbacks of a conventional generator. It can be thirsty and use up a lot of gas at a time when it may be difficult to find fuel. It must also be used in a vented area, which is not always easy to do, especially in a congested location. Perhaps worst of all, generators can be very noisy, and if you need to run them late into the night, they could certainly annoy the nearby neighbors.
Introducing the Inverter
PlugOut Power has come up with a much more palatable solution in the form of an innovative 4kw inverter that connects to a Toyota or Lexus hybrid or plug-in. When activated, the PO-4 model inverter can provide pure sine wave power by connecting directly to the car’s hybrid battery for high power output. It directly supports single-phase output 120 v from the vehicle and is a very compact product that fits into the trunk.
Focusing on the Benefits
Randy Bryan is the inventor of the PO-4 and is enthusiastic about its potential. “It’s quiet and produces less than 60 dB, so you can continue a normal conversation or even whisper nearby,” says Bryan from his New Castle, NH base. “It’s also maintenance-free as it is electronic, and it always starts. It can generate between 50 and 100% more electricity per gallon when connected to a Prius, maximizing efficiency.”
Producing Power
The PO-4 can produce enough power to supply a variety of different appliances. This means that people can use their refrigerators, electric cooker, ceiling fans, water pumps, TV, lighting, and more in the aftermath of any destructive storm.
Storing Energy
The system can also store plenty of energy from the car’s tank, with up to 3 days of 24- hour supply at an average of 1 kW used. The system can store energy for even longer if the average usage is lower.
Supplementing Solar
The PO-4 can also supplement or recharge some 48V solar batteries. This can be very advantageous if the storm has damaged any solar panels or if the battery may tend to run low from an extended period of cloudy weather.
Extending Use
Of course, hurricanes are seasonal events and are still relatively rare in any given location. However, the PO-4 can be pressed into action at other times, so it will always be a good investment.
For example, it can provide robust power should there be a power cut in the area for any reason. As it is compact and can fit in the vehicle’s trunk, it can also be taken to leisure events such as tailgating parties and camping adventures or used on a work site where auxiliary power is needed.
Home & Garden: OPEI Offers Tips for Safe Generator Use(Opens in a new browser tab)
Getting More Information
Get more information about the PO-4 inverter fromPlugOut Power. Alternatively, email Randy Bryan at info@plugoutpower.com. The system will require some professional installation during the first set-up, but the manufacturer provides full details.
