What is "Pass-Through Charging" in Portable Power Stations? Pros and Cons

What is the "Pass-through Function" of a Portable Power Station?

The pass-through function in a portable power station allows it to charge other devices while the power station itself is charging.

In many mobile batteries and battery-integrated AC adapters, output is typically disabled during charging. However, portable power stations often require simultaneous input and output, and some models are equipped with the pass-through function to meet this need.

Benefits of the Pass-through Function

The obvious benefit of having the pass-through function is that you can use the portable power station while it is being charged. Once you start using a portable power station, you’ll find this feature quite useful in various situations.

For example, if you want to use a home appliance while charging the power station with solar panels, or if you want to use the power station as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), the pass-through function is essential.

Downsides of the Pass-through Function

While the pass-through function is convenient, one significant downside is the potential for accelerated battery degradation.

The components responsible for charging and discharging generate heat during operation, which can place additional thermal stress on the battery. Additionally, frequently cycling between charging and discharging can wear down the battery life faster than normal usage. Therefore, using the pass-through function frequently can lead to faster battery deterioration.

Should You Avoid Using the Pass-through Function to Prevent Battery Degradation?

That said, portable power station manufacturers have made efforts to mitigate this issue by incorporating battery protection features and improving heat dissipation designs. High-quality portable power stations today are designed to minimize battery degradation from the pass-through function. While it’s best to avoid constantly keeping the power station in pass-through mode, there’s no need to be overly cautious about using it occasionally.