Quick Answer
Yes, a Goal Zero Yeti power station can be used to power a drone while camping, but it requires careful planning and consideration of the drone's power requirements and the Yeti's capacity.
Drone Power Requirements
To determine if a Yeti can power a drone, you need to know the drone’s power requirements. Most modern drones require 22V to 28V DC power to operate, with a typical current draw ranging from 5A to 15A. For example, the DJI Mavic Mini requires 22.2V and 9A to operate. To calculate the total power requirement, multiply the voltage and current: 22.2V x 9A = 199.8 watts.
Goal Zero Yeti Capacity
The Goal Zero Yeti 3000 lithium battery has a capacity of 3000Wh, which can be used to power devices for an extended period. To determine if the Yeti can power a drone, you need to divide the Yeti’s capacity by the drone’s power requirement. Using the example above, the Yeti’s capacity would last approximately 15 hours (3000Wh / 199.8 watts). However, this calculation assumes the Yeti is fully charged and the drone is operating at a constant power level, which is unlikely.
Charging the Yeti
To use the Yeti to power a drone, you’ll need to charge it using a solar panel or a 12V DC power source. Goal Zero recommends using a Boulder 200 solar panel to charge the Yeti in 5-7 hours. However, this assumes optimal sunlight conditions, and actual charging times may vary. To ensure reliable power, consider using a larger solar panel or a 12V DC power source, such as a car battery or a portable generator.
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