A Portable power station is a rechargeable battery-powered generator. Equipped with AC outlet, DC carport and USB charging ports, they can keep all your gear charged, from smartphones, tablets, laptops, to CPAP and small appliances, like fan, mini coolers, electric blankets, etc.
Actually, it is a DC to AC inverter that increases the DC voltage, and then changes it to alternating current before sending it out to power a device, like your laptop and TV. The DC input port collects and store the electricity/energy from an AC outlet or a solar panel and output through buit-in USB ports, DC carport or an AC outlet.
Compared with a gas powered generator, a battery powered generator is working without noise, fume and pollution. And it can team up with a compatible solar panel, you can get the energy from the sun power, it is renewable and economical in the long terms. As the name suggests, it is portable, you can take it anywhere anytime.