This futuristic generator kept my house running during a power outage. This is the way
Key points of ZDNET
- The EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 the generator is available now for $3,199.
- Delta Pro 3 provides 4 kW output with 4 kWh capacity and can be used with other devices for up to 12 kW output. It also has wheels for easy transport – an important feature for heavy-duty portable batteries.
- The DP3 is heavy, a factor buyers should consider if they plan to load it in and out of their vehicle.
My house often loses power. Luckily, I’m somewhat used to them because I grew up in a developing country where power outages happen almost every day. But I experienced three or four outages in the first half of 2024, each for different reasons: severe weather, fallen trees, or substation maintenance problems.
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These electrical problems have caused me to rely on a good backup system like Delta Pro Super and Smart Home Panel 2. Even when controlling each circuit individually and using the bare minimum, a single Delta Pro Ultra can only go so far. With careful management, they survived in our nearly 3,000 square foot home for 24 to 36 hours.
While this isn’t bad, running out to find somewhere to charge the battery is a hassle. Last time, we picked up an EV charger at the library. The Delta Pro 3 has excelled in this area in our home.
While the DP3 is a complete battery backup capable of keeping the refrigerator running for up to three days, I had the opportunity to test it during an actual power outage to act as a backup for our backup.
What happened to cause the power to go out? A nearby tree fell on some power lines earlier this month, causing a power outage in our area, so my husband and I went into full emergency mode. While the EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra knows when severe weather is coming and charges itself well in advance, the tree was subjected to gravity the day after the storm, so the DPU battery was at 82% when the power went out.
Since our house seems to consume electricity just by existing, I started turning off low-priority circuits on the Smart Home Panel 2 using the EcoFlow app. Thanks to our recent switch to Google Fiber, we’ve kept our ONT and router going so we can continue to access the Internet and not miss work.
I also left the refrigerator, air conditioner, three ceiling fans, and microwave running. Of course, I’m more of a paternal stereotype of turning off circuits as soon as someone leaves the room, but keeping the lights on during a power outage is worth it, especially when you don’t know when there will be another. power returns.
By the 12-hour mark after losing power, our single DPU was depleted to 12%, so it was time to pull out the Delta Pro 3 to get us to the finish line.
Because I was testing the Delta Pro 3 with a separate test flight app before launch, I wasn’t able to effectively test how it performed with the Smart Home Panel 2 and Delta Pro Ultra during the downtime. , as these applications are controlled in commonly available repositories. EcoFlow App I decided to test it as a portable battery in the house instead of placing it next to the DPU in the garage.
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Delta Pro 3 operates smoothly when running. It’s quieter than the noise of a desktop computer, making it an easy addition to our homes. Because this is a portable battery and not a gas generator, you can bring it into inhabited areas without worrying about toxic fumes like carbon monoxide.
This battery generator can power high-demand devices, with both 120V/240V and 4000W options. It features fast charging support and can be used on its own or in conjunction with solar panels or the EcoFlow 2 Smart Home Panel. Of course, you can also simply use the input box or switching switch.
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When the DPU battery ran out, we connected the Delta Pro 3 to an optical network terminal (ONT) and router to stay connected to the Internet and continue working from home without interruption. We also used it to charge our devices, including laptops, with an extension cord that ran up to the second floor.
How does it happen? About three hours later, the power returned and the Delta Pro 3 still had more than 50% left in the battery. Not bad at all.
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Besides this power outage, we have tested Delta Pro 3 as a standalone battery to power a home office setup, maintaining consumption between 50W and 120W. The DP3 powers an LCD monitor, Dell XPS laptop, phone charger, and USB-C tablet charger for four days.
ZDNET Buying Tips
The EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 is a great option for those looking for a higher capacity portable battery for camping or as an emergency power bank at home, as long as you’re willing to pay the price, quite literally. This is not a cheap option among portable batteries, priced at $3199, about $400 less than the price of a portable battery. Delta Pro and Dual Fuel inverter generator packages.
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Despite its high price, the Delta Pro 3 integrates seamlessly into an EcoFlow home backup system and can scale up to 48kWh of capacity, with three units and each unit having up to two extra batteries. It also pairs well with the dual-fuel EcoFlow 4000 Smart Generator to maximize oil-to-electric energy efficiency.
