Silver Energy Products, Projects and Devices Design · 2023
Kaze Modular Power Station
by Xiao Han
- A' Design Award 2023 Silver Winner in Energy Products, Projects and Devices Design
- Awarded April 15, 2023
- CLIENT: Yeah Design
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 32,232
- Verification code 5108EA9B5C · Verify this award
About Kaze Modular Power Station
Kaze is a modular portable power station designed for camping. Kaze holds several power modules, and each module offers its own capacity, connectors and outputs. The modules can be taken out and placed in the dining area, the entertainment area and the rest area of a campsite. The case stores all modules and can also be used as one larger power station. Displays on the case and on each module show the power status. Lithium iron phosphate batteries with battery management systems are used. Power cables are kept inside the case, so the product remains tidy and easy to store.
The Kaze Modular Power Station by Design Yeah emerges from contemporary industrial design traditions that privilege systematic organization, material honesty, and intuitive user interaction as foundational principles. This Silver A' Design Award recipient demonstrates remarkable synthesis of protective equipment heritage with forward-thinking energy distribution solutions, presenting a modular power ecosystem that addresses the increasing demands of portable electronics, outdoor adventures, emergency preparedness, and professional field applications. The design team appears to have drawn upon tactical equipment vernacular while softening its aggressive associations through refined proportions, thoughtful color relationships, and clear visual communication systems. Technical achievement manifests throughout the form factor, from the robustly hinged lid mechanism supported by slender tension cables to the precisely molded interior compartments that cradle components with evident care for both protection and accessibility. The numbered zone system, rendered in clean sans-serif typography, suggests influences from aerospace and medical equipment design traditions where rapid identification under stress conditions proves essential. Material selections demonstrate sophisticated understanding of user needs: the matte exterior surfaces resist fingerprints and scratches while providing secure grip, while interior metallic finishes facilitate heat dissipation and signal professional-grade construction. The integrated light bar within the lid transforms the case into a functional workstation, acknowledging that power needs often arise in low-light conditions. This design invites consideration of how contemporary portable energy solutions might balance robust protection with elegant accessibility, and how systematic visual organization enhances user confidence during critical moments of need.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Kaze offers different power supply modules for the different areas of the camp (dining area, entertainment area, rest area). Each power module has a specific set of functions (energy, connections, output, etc.). The modular design allows the power supply to be adapted to the needs of the different areas of the camp. The power station can be easily carried and placed in any position. Different from other modular power stations, Kaze's modular power supplies are integrated into the case and can be accessed quickly. The case can be used as a larger power station. This integrated solution allows Kaze to be stored easily without worrying about water and dust resistance. The case comes with a power cable and instructions for use so that the user can easily use the product. In terms of design, Kaze is more recognisable than other power stations and is suitable for urban camping.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Kaze portable power station.
Width 556mm x Depth 140mm x Height 335mm
Power capacity: 1200Wh
Power connector:
5521DC x2
12v car charging port x1
230v AC x2
DC7909 x1
SD45 x1
Function:
High power output
Display screen
Module power supply 01.
Width 270mm x Depth 200mm x Height 105mm
Power capacity:600Wh
Power connector:
5521DC x2
12v car charging port x1
230v AC x2
DC7909 x1
SD45 x1
Additional functions:
High power output
Screen
Module power supply 02.
Width 290mm x Depth 130mm x Height 105mm
Power capacity:350Wh
Power connector:
230v AC x1
5521DC x2
USB-A x2
USB-C x2
Additional functions:
Screen
Lighting
Module power supply 03.
Width 190mm x Depth 125mm x Height 105mm
Power capacity:250Wh
Power connector:
USB-A x2
USB-C x2
Type-C Lighting x1
USB-A Micro x1
Additional functions:
Lighting - Tags
- Outdoor, Modular, Energy Product, Device, Portable, User Experience
- Production Technology
- Lithium iron phosphate battery has the advantages of high operating voltage, high energy density, long cycle life, good safety performance, green environmental protection, small self-discharge rate, and no memory effect. It can be used for large-scale electrical energy storage after forming an energy storage system. Its safety can also be well adapted to outdoor scenes.
Each battery has a built-in Battery Management System (BMS). On the one hand, it ensures that the battery module not only has a difference in size and dimensions but also can do different power output. On the other hand, it can be adapted to a wider range of scenarios. - Design Challenge
- The challenge comes from defining the functional requirements of the camping site's various areas(dining area, entertainment area, rest area) and providing a specific power supply (energy, connections, output, etc.) for the particular space. Modular products need to have excellent integration for storage. Otherwise, the product becomes complex and difficult to use. More components and functions also mean that more visual design is needed to facilitate the use of the product.
- Project Duration
- The project started in July 2022 in Zhejiang, China and has ended in September 2022 in Zhejiang, China.
- Operation Flow
- Kaze can supply various charging ports and connect to sockets, cars, and solar panels for charging. There are displays on both the case and the modular power supply to visualise the status of the power supply. In more significant scenarios, we can open the box to take out the modular power station for a more flexible power supply. Each modular power station has power connectors for applications. The power cables are provided inside the case, making it easy to store the product.
- Research
- Type of Research: Design Strategy Study
Research Objectives: Understanding user needs and product status
Methodology: Desktop research, practical research
Insight: Campsites for outdoor camping can often be divided into three functional zones: a preparation area, a recreation area and a rest area. Mobile power stations are used as the energy supply for the campsite, and all the area's appliances need to be based around them, usually creating chaos at the camp.
In order to improve the user's camping experience, it is essential to modularize the mobile power supply according to functional zones. This makes for a tidier campsite and reduces the need for wires and patch panels. - Inspiration
- Kaze's design was inspired by the fact that the regular power stations used incamping are always very bulky, which makes it difficult to supply power to different areas. The single and difficult-to-move power station increases the need for patch panels, and the wires used to connect various appliances will cause chaos in the camp. Power stations should help users set up campsites and appliances more conveniently rather than worrying about how to power their devices properly.