Field research, as an essential research method, plays a crucial role in multiple fields. These researchers often delve into remote areas such as deep mountains, deserts, and polar regions to obtain first-hand information and data.
In these areas, due to their remote geographical location and lack of infrastructure, power supply often faces many problems, such as insufficient power grid coverage and frequent power outages. This poses significant challenges to the equipment operation, data collection, and living support of researchers.
In such situations, a portable power station can be a real lifesaver for field researchers. They are especially beneficial for ensuring uninterrupted work in challenging remote environments. In this article, we’ll discuss the advantages of portable power stations and their applications in field research. Read on to learn more!
Power Demand for Field Research
Field researchers perform many tasks, such as collecting data, communicating with their team, analysing findings, and documenting observations. All these activities rely on a steady power source to keep things moving.
-
Challenges in Remote Areas
In remote areas, instability and insufficient power supply are common problems in field research. In addition, due to the remote location, the high cost of repairing and maintaining power facilities further exacerbates the difficulty of power supply.
-
Poor Connectivity and Communication Areas
Remote areas often have inconvenient transportation, resulting in poor connectivity. Many places lack stable communication networks, and mobile phone signals are weak or completely absent.
This issue makes it difficult for field researchers to stay connected with their team members or access essential data. The lack of reliable communication potentially slows down research progress and creates frustration and safety concerns for researchers working in these areas.
-
No Electricity Grid Access
Many UK households, especially in rural areas, are not connected to the electricity grid. For example, it is estimated that over 350 households in Northumberland do not have access to any electricity grid. [1]
However, having access to electricity is very important for field researchers. It powers their research equipment and keeps them charged. It is also crucial for safely documenting and storing their data. Without electricity, researchers face significant challenges in collecting and managing their work.
-
Limited Power for Food Preparation
Field researchers often spend days or even weeks outdoors, making it necessary to prepare and store food properly. Without access to electricity, using cooking appliances or keeping food fresh becomes a major challenge. This lack of power actually forces researchers to depend on non-perishable items, which may not provide enough energy for physically demanding tasks.
-
Power Shortages for Safety Devices
Researchers rely on safety devices like GPS trackers, radios, and emergency lights to stay prepared and connected. However, with power shortages in remote areas, keeping these devices charged and functional becomes a challenge.
-
Power Equipment Requirements
Given all these power and connectivity challenges, portable power stations are crucial as they can power:
- Laptops: Field researchers have to depend on laptops to store information and write reports. They also use them to access resources and stay in touch with their teams.
- GPS Devices: Field researchers also rely on GPS devices to stay safe and find their way in remote areas. These devices help them track their location and avoid getting lost, especially in places that are hard to reach.
- Electronic Data Loggers: Electronic data loggers are used to collect and store information like temperature, humidity or pressure over time. These devices help researchers gather data automatically without needing to be there constantly.
- Other Equipment: Apart from the equipment mentioned above, field researchers may also use digital cameras, mobile phones, weather stations, drones, and scientific instruments like digital spectrometers. These devices are a necessity for field researchers, whether it is for capturing images or conducting experiments in the field.
Benefits of Solar Portable Power Stations
Field researchers working in remote areas can benefit from portable power stations as they can solve the problem of finding power during research trips. Solar portable power stations are devices that store energy generated from solar panels and supply power for electronic devices. Here are reasons why solar portable power stations are recommended:
-
Sustainable Power Supply
Solar portable power stations can convert sunlight into electrical energy and store it. Even in low sunlight conditions, the stored electricity can ensure the continuous operation of equipment, provide a stable power supply, and ensure the normal operation of field research equipment and living facilities.
Compared with traditional fuel generators, solar portable power stations are not limited by fuel supply and can continuously generate electricity when there is sunlight. This is particularly important in remote areas, as fuel transportation and supply are often difficult and costly.
-
Environmental Protection
Using solar portable power stations also helps protect the environment. Solar power generation doesn’t produce pollutants and won’t have a negative impact on the environment. This is particularly important for field research conducted in nature reserves or ecologically sensitive areas, as it can reduce interference with the local ecological environment.
-
Low Operating Costs
Solar portable power stations are cost-effective to operate. Once you set up these stations, the energy they generate is free, which reduces the need for expensive fuel or constant recharging.
In addition, the maintenance of solar panels and power stations is relatively simple and does not require frequent replacement of components. This reduces maintenance workload and maintenance costs. It’s especially helpful for field researchers who need to depend on power for long periods when they stay in remote towns.
-
Flexibility
Another great benefit of a solar portable power station is its flexibility. Solar portable power stations are lightweight and easy to move, making them perfect for field researchers who work in different locations. Whether in a forest, a mountain, or a desert, researchers can take the mini generator with them and set it up wherever power is needed.
-
Safety and Durability
During the operation of solar portable power stations, there are no mechanical moving parts that generate sparks or high temperatures, thus ensuring high safety. This is particularly important in areas with flammable and explosive environments or special safety requirements.
In addition, solar panels and portable power stations offer a long service life and can operate normally within a wide range of temperatures and humidity, ensuring the long-term reliability of the equipment. This is all thanks to its built-in security measures and high IP ratings.
Application of Solar Portable Power Station
Portable power stations can be used in various types of research as they can withstand different environmental conditions. Moreover, field research involves tasks like data collection, equipment charging and communication with the team. Each field might have specific needs, but with a portable power station, field researchers can easily survive and complete their work.
-
Natural Science Research
Natural science research focuses on studying nature, including fields like biology, chemistry, physics, geology and environmental sciences. Researchers in this area often conduct field research to collect data on biodiversity, ecosystems, weather patterns, drug discovery, and soil or water quality.
Field researchers need to travel to remote locations to observe wildlife, take samples, or monitor environmental changes. This type of work requires a portable power station to run devices like GPS trackers, sensors and cameras during their studies.
In addition, researchers need electricity to support basic living needs, such as lighting, heating, cooking, etc., when living in the wild. Portable power stations can provide these basic power supports and improve the living conditions of researchers.
-
Social Science Research
Social science research is mostly about human behaviour, communities and social structures. Field researchers will need to interact directly with people in different areas to conduct interviews and understand local cultures.
These studies may involve extended visits to villages and remote towns that do not have electricity access. A portable power station can provide support by charging devices, powering cooking equipment and keeping food supplies safe.
When setting up a temporary office in the wilderness, it can also provide stable power for various office equipment such as laptops, printers, etc., supporting the normal operation of the temporary office.
-
Humanities Research
Humanities is the study of art, history, languages, and traditions. Field research involves visiting remote cultural sites, museums, and archaeological locations. In these areas, power may sometimes be unreliable. A portable power station would be the best solution for research tasks.
For example, in cultural exchange and research, researchers need to use multimedia devices for display and communication, such as projectors, audio equipment, etc. Solar portable power stations can provide electricity for these devices and support the smooth progress of cultural exchange activities.
Best Solar Portable Power Station for Field Research
If you are a researcher who wants to buy the best portable power station in the UK, Jackery is a recommended choice. It is reputed for providing affordable and high-quality solar power solutions. Jackery portable power stations meet various needs in remote areas, making them perfect for field research.
They come in different models to suit specific requirements, with two of the best options being:
-
Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Station
The Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Station is a great option for field researchers planning short-term trips to remote areas for a few hours or days. Its compact size and powerful power output make it excellent for field studies.
The lightweight design and solar charging compatibility of this Jackery power station will ensure that researchers can keep their important equipment, such as laptops and cameras, running smoothly without any battery drain.
Some Key Features:
- 1264Wh capacity, expandable up to 5kWh with 3 extra battery packs.
- 2000W pure sine wave inverter for powerful and safe device operations.
- Long-lasting LiFePO4 battery with up to 10-year lifespan.
- Quiet operation under 30dB.
- Fast solar charging capacity in just 2 hours via 4 Jackery SolarSaga 200W solar panels and wall charging in 100 minutes.
- 5-year warranty.
-
Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station
The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station is perfect for field researchers who need more power, especially those in remote areas. It is especially useful for long-term research projects that require heavy equipment, such as geological surveys or environmental research.
With its large power capacity, field researchers will not have to worry about running out of power in the middle of their work.
Key Features
- 2042Wh capacity, expandable up to 12kWh with 5 extra battery packs.
- 3000W pure sine wave inverter with 6000W peak output.
- Multiple AC, USB-A, and USB-C ports for various charging needs.
- ChargeShield technology can extend battery life by 50%.
- Smart app control.
- year warranty.
Conclusion
Field research is a research method that delves into the field and directly obtains first-hand information and data, widely used in various fields. However, with power challenges in remote areas slowing their progress, it is best to opt for the best power station. For that, Jackery portable power stations come to help! Visit the Jackery website and pick one Jackery power bank that best fits your needs.
References
[1] Offgrid Households – Powerless People. Available at: https://ca-north.org.uk/promoting-rural-issues/offgrid-households-powerless-people (Accessed: 13 January 2025)
