As an owner of small to medium Bluetti power stations, this proposal is relative to my use. From the perspective of moderate back up power for home use in times of grid outage, the VAC output needs no change in my opinion.
However, I also use my power stations for off grid caravaning/camping. The changes I would like are relative to the AC70, AC180 and possibly the 200 series power stations (PS). These changes would give me greater flexibility for the DC side of the PS.
I’ll attach a drawing I have done, converted to .jpg, for this post and explain my logic in further posts.
5 Likes
The first consideration I had, was to attempt these changes without the need to radically change the form factor of each unit, if at all. (W,D & H) In which event, the weight would be very similar.
There are 3 modifications, I would like to see;
- The simple and first - Wireless charging pad. The AC180 & my AC200P have them, the AC70 does not. Several other sized PS either have or don’t have wireless charging. It is not something I use as for many years I have a cover or case on my cell phone, which interferes with wireless charging. It is more important for me to protect the phone whilst carrying it. Deleting this function may allow additional real estate for other mods.
- The AC70 already has 2 off each of USB-A and USB-C. I think this is a good mix for most power stations from the size of the AC70 upwards. The AC180 has 4 x As & 1 x C port, 2 of each is a better mix in my opinion.
- Last but not least and actually my number 1 item is; Getting rid of the almost useless cigarette socket. Details next post…
2 Likes
The ever present cig socket- It’s maximum load is generally 10A and in most power stations there’s only the one.
Noted this elsewhere on the Forum, I’ve seen them get very hot and melt with much less than a 10A load. They are particularly useless when installed in vehicles powering devices such as GPS units, 12V fridges and other items when driving, especially off road. They vibrate, causing the electrical contact to either break or be intermittent causing over heating and probably sparking.
A 2 pin socket, round or flat pin, keyed to prevent reverse polarity and rated to higher amperage would be of far more use. I understand the 48VDC in the AC200L gives this, but then needs an external device to convert to 12VDVC, which is the most common camping DC voltage we use.
By providing 12VDC at up to 30A from a dedicated socket, I would be happy with a patch lead that has the 2 pin plug to match the power station outlet and an Anderson plug on the other end. this is a very common connector and many devices, adaptors and off roaders use Anderson.
I have a small after market box that has the following connectors in it;
2 x cig sockets, 2 x USB-C, 4 x USB-A (2 off listed as a higher output) 4 x Anderson plugs (connected so that any one of is an input, the other 3 outputs) a voltmeter (12V) and an on/off switch. I would pay a little extra to get a 30A outlet and related cable.
The power adaptor box I use -
It has a 30A load capacity and I have it set up to power my laptop and 2 mobile phones at the dining table in my caravan off grid. There are a number of after market options available. I currently power it from the house 12VDC system of the caravan. Were there a 30A, 2 pin outlet on the Bluetti AC180 I carry, I could power it using the above described 2 pin to Anderson patch lead.
I forgot to mention above that, given the number of USB-A/C outlets I have and at a higher than 15W output, the wireless charger is somewhat redundant.
1 Like
I agree about the USB-C. I use my smaller Bluettis a lot for charging USB devices. I have a lot of things that still use the older USB, but I am gradually getting more and more USB-C items and it’s more convenient to be able to charge several at the same time from the same Bluetti.
An example of a 12VDC-30A outlet if provided on a Bluetti.
I have wired a fused Anderson plug inside my caravan to the house Lifepo4 200Ah batteries. It was originally used with a small 150W PSW inverter I use for small items such as 240VAC recharging an electric toothbrush or running an ultrasonic cleaner which is used to clean gold. (I prospect). I wired it suitable for 50A @ 12V to future proof in the event of a larger inverter. As I carry the AC180, that will not be needed. 
With a 30A Bluetti outlet, a patch lead with an Anderson plug, I could plug the Bluetti directly into my caravan 12V system to add to its capacity or replace it if the house system batteries failed. (I can isolate the caravan batteries as they have their own on/off switch on their BMS that give zero volts at the battery terminals.)
Thats exactly what i think too. The main problem is to replace such a wide compatibility plug with something that actually have a similar compability but is able to deliever more power without being scared of a melting plug. But great point for sure!
@Selfmadestrom Not difficult my friend.
Here’s a link to a Bluetti 2 pin 30A aviation plug (Google search, found on Evil Bay, lol)
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/125612078247?chn=ps&_ul=AU&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=705-139619-5960-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=125612078247&targetid=2274341502412&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9070818&poi=&campaignid=20941864726&mkgroupid=154517671861&rlsatarget=pla-2274341502412&abcId=9367982&merchantid=551043270&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlfeDxaXniQMVzKtmAh0bYiZ_EAQYAyABEgKDWPD_BwE
And, a pic I made up of that plug with an Anderson on the other end.
All the power station needs is the mating Bluetti Socket, plus, a little rewiring re wire gauge and electronics mod and replace a 12V cig socket with the 30A one.
With a Bluetti supplied (albeit neater than the above) patch cable. From the Anderson, being so common, a world of options opens.
1 Like
@Mandp Thanks for the sketches and your personal opinion on the improvement of the cigarette lighter. 
Post doesn’t mention the capacity or the power output, what are your ideal values? 
@BLUETTI My 3rd post in this thread does mention this. I believe the AC180, AC180T and even the AC70 capacities in battery Wh can remain as is. If I recall correctly the battery voltage is a nominal 32VDC in these units. Therefore they handle approx more than 31A (AC70) and over 56A (AC180) under max inverter load. Re power output 30A at 12VDC is my suggestion with an aviation 30A socket in place of the cig socket.
I noted some other detail on another post, here is the link
https://community.bluettipower.com/t/ac180-vs-200v2/34521
My RV system is a 30A output in total, multi chemistry battery charger @ 240VAC 30A, MPPT solar controller also at 30A up to 50VDC input. Here in Australia a 30A RV output is common, (without an installed inverter) I believe also in many other parts of the world. Given the inclusion of my suggestion, I would be able to run my entire RV (Caravan) from the AC180. (Air conditioner excepted)
And, thanks for your interest.
1 Like
@BLUETTI The only consideration I as a user can not answer is, Can the batteries in the AC70 and or the AC180 handle a simultaneous load of near max inverter and an added 30A VDC?
That would obviously prevent such a change if they can’t. However, I would still suggest replacing the cig socket with an aviation style plug as they are more robust, have a positive electrical connection, along with a patch lead as pictured above.
Any available power increase would then be determined by battery capability.
P.S. I am a big fan of aviation plugs/sockets as I spent 30 years in Aerospace R &D.