The PiggyPower Ember Blackout Kit is the complete blackout-ready version of the PiggyPower Ember USB Cell Kit. It includes the fully assembled Ember USB Cell, water-cooling hardware, a 5-gallon solar shower and gravity water reservoir bag, and a USB LED light strip so you can immediately put the system to use for emergency lighting and small USB-powered devices. Includes Limited Workmanship Warranty and access to the PiggyPower Lifetime Service Rebuild Program. See our Warranty, Terms, and Service Policy for full details.
The Ember works by creating a temperature difference. Heat is applied to the hot side, water cooling removes heat from the cold side, and the unit produces USB output when the temperature difference is strong enough. The included reservoir bag gives you a ready gravity fed cooling source, and the included USB LED light strip gives you an immediate use case right out of the box.
The included 5 gallon bag can be used as a cooling reservoir, a solar shower bag, or a general utility water bag for camping, outdoor washing, or emergency use. The black bag can warm water in direct sunlight, and the included shower attachment allows it to serve a second purpose when you are not using it to cool the Ember. Solar heating performance depends on sunlight, outdoor temperature, starting water temperature, water volume, and how long the bag is left in direct sun.
The unit includes 2 USB-A ports and 1 USB-C port, allowing support for up to 3 USB powered devices at once. Each USB port supports up to 3 watts, for up to 9 watts total shared USB output when the heat source and water cooling are strong enough. At the 32°F, or 0°C, cold side benchmark, the Ember begins reaching its maximum shared USB output range at roughly 240°F to 250°F hot side temperature, about 116°C to 121°C. Total output is shared between connected devices and depends on heat source strength, water temperature, water flow, ambient conditions, and the type of device being powered.
For a simple setup, a candle or other small controlled flame can be used to demonstrate the system and power efficient USB lighting. A candle can also add meaningful charge to compatible USB devices over the course of an emergency, but it should not be expected to perform like a wall charger or fast charger. Stronger controlled heat sources such as Sterno, camp stoves, propane burners, hot plates, wood stove surfaces, charcoal setups, or similar stable heat sources can produce stronger output when paired with good water cooling and safe temperature control.
The included USB LED light strip is one of the easiest ways to see the Ember working. Connect the cooling water, apply controlled heat, plug in the light strip, and the system can produce practical light from heat when enough temperature difference is created.
The included 5 gallon reservoir bag can be used as a gravity fed cooling source. Place the bag above the unit so water can flow through the cooling side. Outlet water can be collected in a bucket or container for reuse. The bag may also be used separately as a solar shower bag when desired. This product is not sold as a drinking water purification system.
Each Ember includes a built in voltmeter for a simple live operating reference. When USB devices are plugged in and the voltmeter is lit, the general rule is to keep the display below 5.0 volts during operation. If the voltmeter is not lit, that is normally fine. It usually means the unit is not being heated strongly enough to wake the display or produce stronger USB output yet. You still need to pay attention to your cooling water temperature and follow the operating instructions in the manual.
What’s included:
1 fully assembled PiggyPower Ember USB Cell unit
2 USB-A output ports, 3W each
1 USB-C output port, 3W
Built in voltmeter
Thermometer
USB powered 1 watt to 3 watt water pump
Short hose connections for inlet and outlet setup
10 ft of additional hose
1 5 gallon solar shower and gravity water reservoir bag with built in valve
1 shower attachment for the reservoir bag
1 USB LED light strip
Basic setup and operating instructions
Heat source, candle, Sterno, fuel, bucket, phone, charging cables, battery bank, and other external USB powered devices are not included unless specifically shown in the included items photo. Bucket shown in demonstration photos is for demonstration only.
Water cooling is required during Ember operation. Cooling is not optional. The cell needs heat on one side and water cooling on the other side to produce useful power. If the cooling side gets too warm, output will drop. If the unit is heated without proper cooling, it can be damaged. Do not allow the cooling side to run dry while heat is being applied.
Power expectations will vary. A candle is useful for efficient lighting and slow emergency charging over time. It is not a fast charger. A stronger controlled heat source with good water cooling will generally produce better output. Some phones and USB powered devices may require steadier input than others. If a phone does not charge consistently from a weaker heat source, use a stronger controlled heat source, improve cooling, or charge a USB battery bank first.
Use only stable, controlled heat sources. Always keep the reservoir bag, plastic housing, USB ports, wiring, and hoses away from direct flame. Use only on a stable, nonflammable surface. Do not leave the unit unattended while heat is being applied.
Important operating notes:
Water cooling is required during Ember operation.
Use the included thermometer to monitor cooling water temperature.
When USB devices are plugged in and the voltmeter is lit, keep the display below 5.0 volts.
If the voltmeter is not lit, that is normally fine and usually means the heat source is still too low.
Do not operate unattended while heating.
Do not let water enter the USB ports or electronics.
Do not submerge the Ember unit.
Do not place the reservoir bag, hoses, wiring, USB ports, or housing near direct flame.
Do not expect fast charger performance from a candle.
Use stronger controlled heat and good water cooling for higher output.
Reservoir bag may be used separately as a solar shower bag or utility water bag.
Follow the full setup and safety instructions in the included manual.
The PiggyPower Ember Blackout Kit is designed for USB powered devices, emergency lighting, blackout preparedness, camping, demonstrations, and off grid experimentation.