Generator Blog

An engineer's sketch of the Cyclone Mark V external combustion engine.

An inventor and a generator manufacturer have come up with a new use for used motor oil.

Cyclone Power Technologies signed a deal with Phoenix Power Group on Thursday to develop an external combustion engine that runs on waste oil. The deal signs over waste-oil-related rights to Cyclone’s Mark V external combustion engine to the Phoenix Power, which plans to use the engine in its new Phoenix 5-Series Generator.

“Cyclone still retains rights for the Mark V with other fuels,” a Cyclone representative noted in an e-mail. “Phoenix Power only holds exclusive rights for generators running on waste oil.” The representative noted that the Mark V “runs on all fuels–including biofuels like algae and orange peels.”

Cyclone Power Technologies is the company founded by Harry Schoell, an inventor of an improved version of the steam engine that Popular Science named an “Invention of the Year” in 2008 and also garnered an award from the Society of Automotive Engineers. A description and video of Schoell’s steam engine invention, which can run on “virtually any fuel” can be found in a Popular Science profile on him in 2008. At the time he said he was planning to offer it to lawnmower manufacturers. Now, it seems, a modified version of that original Cyclone Engine, the Cyclone Mark V, will be used in power generators.

“The P5S is expected to be the first power generator capable of utilizing waste oil products, such as used motor/equipment oil, to produce electricity for on-site operational requirements or as a power grid feed, ” Phoenix Power Group said in a statement.

There is a reason why the Phoenix Power Group is so keen on used oil.

The generator designer and manufacturer is a subsidiary of the Atlantic Systems Group, a Harrisonburg, Va.-based company that designs and builds automotive oil change and service stations. That’s obviously a group of people who think a lot about used oil and its problem as a potential contaminate to our water supply. As it’s been noted before in other articles on motor oil, the Environmental Protection Agency contends that dumping the waste oil from just one car’s oil change into the ground can contaminate up to 1 million gallons of fresh water.

Both gasoline and diesel generators can both provide electrical power for many applications. Performance is hard to compare with engines alone but the added factor of usage comes in handy. For backup generators performance is not as vital as the generator is not used on a daily basis. However for RV and portable generators, where generator usage can be continuous, performance can be measured here. Diesel generators will usually last longer than their gasoline counterparts and are more fuel efficient. Diesel generators normally run at lower RPM and produce more torque at lower speeds thus increasing engine life and lowering noise. A sample comparison is Guardian’s QUIETPACT® RV generators. The 7500 wattage gasoline fueled generator has an engine RPM of 2571 while the diesel fueled generator of the same wattage rating has an engine RPM of 1950. The gas consumption per hour is also lower for the diesel model. Gasoline generators, if well maintained, can have quite a long engine life as well and their performance is at the same level as a diesel generator. Diesel generators, if not used frequently enough, can break down quicker as well. Performance wise, it really depends on application and how well the generator is used with manufacturer settings.

Safety of Gasoline and Diesel Generators

Both fuel types need to be stored carefully, however gasoline is more combustible and can be ignited by static electricity. A prime example is the signs to turn off the car engine and avoid using cell phones when pumping gas. Both generator fuel types produce dangerous fumes including CO which can lead to serious injury or death. The safety edge goes to diesel.

Cost Comparison of Gasoline and Diesel Generators

When comparing overall cost of gasoline and diesel generators, there are a lot of issues. First, diesel generators are usually made of more expensive parts that cost more to repair whenever they break down. The cost of a diesel generator can be 3 times as much as a gasoline generator. The next comparison is fuel cost. Diesel usually costs a little more than gasoline and both need some additives to maintain longer shelf life. Diesel generators, however consume less fuel than gasoline ones and there are slight savings in fuel. A diesel generator will probably have longer engine lifetime and less maintenance but when repairs are needed, the cost could be more expensive than repairing cheaper gasoline generator parts. In the long run, a diesel generator can save more money over a gasoline generator with higher RPM. This savings can be evened out with a lower RPM gasoline generator that is well taken care of. However, fuel consumption costs still goes to diesel generators

A standby generator can bring peace of mind to homeowners concerned about long power outages. They have the option of purchasing a larger, more powerful fixed unit or a smaller portable unit that could also be taken on camping trips. Once they have decided to purchase a generator, they must choose between propane and gasoline. Many factors affect this decision, including cost of equipment, economy of operation, pollution, maintenance and fuel storage.

Cost of Equipment

A propane generator with equal output power usually costs more than a gasoline model, both for initial purchase and installation. The propane generator produces less energy per unit volume and will need a larger engine. Also the fuel system is more complex and will need more expensive storage tanks, as they need to be pressurized. And the larger the storage tank desired, the higher the difference will be. However, given equal operation times and maintenance, the propane generator should last longer.

Economy of Operation

Fuel prices vary for propane and gasoline, not only over time but by area. But by rule of thumb, a propane generator costs more to operate. A gallon of gasoline produces 125,000 BTUs of energy and a gallon of propane produces 91,000. So propane would need to be 30 percent cheaper than gasoline to make the operating costs equal. In portable models, the gasoline generator will be more convenient, as it usually has an on-board fuel tank. But the propane generator needs a more expensive pressurized tank.

Pollution

Propane, also referred to as liquefied petroleum gas, burns cleaner than other fossil fuels. Burning propane instead of gasoline reduces particle matter emissions by 80 percent and carbon monoxide emissions by 20 percent to 40 percent for the same amount of fuel. Propane emits 10 percent more methane than gasoline, but the overall effect is a significant reduction in greenhouse gasses. As for leaks and spills, propane dissipates into the air while gasoline spills are toxic and create a greater fire hazard.

Maintenance

Both types of generators require diligent use to prevent serious injury. Children should not play around them, and periodic fuel systems inspections prevent leaks, fires or explosions. Oil needs changing based on hours of operation or months without use, and batteries need to be constantly charged so that they will start when needed. However the propane generator has longer uninterrupted run times and when it does need major maintenance after years of use, the repairs are much cleaner and less toxic.

Fuel Storage

A homeowner can purchase several propane tanks and store them for an unlimited amount of time, as propane will not degrade. Gasoline has a more limited shelf life and will deteriorate over time. Also, many homes already have propane storage tanks for heating or cooking. Gasoline spills can contaminate and leave stains and odors, propane simply dissipates into the air. Propane is odorless, but an added distinct but harmless odor warns of leaks. Also the propane generator will start more easily in extremely cold weather because the fuel will not gum up.