Generator Blog

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.

Most people know that diesel engines in automobiles provide higher mileage, making it an obvious choice for heavy-duty transportation and equipment. Diesel is priced heavily when compared to gas, because it has a higher energy density and more energy can be extracted from diesel when compared to the same volume of gas. Diesel fuel has heavier, oilier and has a higher boiling point when compared to gas. When you compare petrol, gas and other fuels, diesel is least flammable. When compared to gas generators, this generator requires less maintenance. Being rugged and reliable, it can work for long hours at a stretch. Modern diesel generators can overcome noise issues. Onsite fuel delivery is available. These generators are used in many industries like mining, telecommunications, marine and agriculture applications, hospitals, industrial plants and commercial buildings. Although they are built for large loads, modern diesel generator is designed to comfortably handle small loads without wet stacking. These are available in single phase and there phase power generators.

You can find different types of diesel generators in the market. Small portable diesel generators range from 1kva to 10kva, while larger industrial generators range from 8kva -30kva for homes, small shops & offices up to 2000kva used for large office complexes, factories and power stations.

The typical diesel generator is run at 1800RPM and is water cooled. This makes them great work horses as they are able to run for longer periods of time when compared to the gasoline generator and without much maintenance work required. They are also cheaper to operate due to the low fuels costs as compared to the other types of fuels such as gasoline and propane as well as the lowered maintenance costs due to there being no spark plugs and carburetors.

The diesel generator operation is similar to that of the diesel engine. There are two types of diesel engines. The 2-stroke and the 4-stroke operation are the two types. The 4-stroke operation is the one that is typically used in diesel generators. This process as the name implies uses four strokes.

The first stroke is the power stroke where a fine mist of diesel is sprayed on top of the piston in the hot compressed air space. The fuel is then ignited and the air on top of the piston expands. This pressure then causes the piston to move down and this motion is converted to a rotary motion by a rod that drives the crankshaft.

The next stroke is the exhaust stroke which is initiated by the momentum of the crankshaft turning and the piston then moves up. The next stroke is the suction stroke and this is when the piston reaches the top and the momentum continues so that the piston reverses in direction. The piston then moves down and the compression stroke is next where the direction of the piston is again changed after the lowest point. This cycle continues for the operation of the diesel generator.

Although the diesel generator is by far the cheaper generator overall it can cost a lot more to set up initially and this can be a deterrent to many generator users. The generators are also not as clean burning as the other fuel generators although this has improved much in recent times. The diesel generators may also require a larger store of fuel but this is much safer to store than gasoline. Another disadvantage of the diesel generator is that it can be a lot more noisy compared to their counterparts.

Many persons however believe that the savings that can be derived from an investment in the diesel generator are indeed well worth the disadvantages. The savings in fuel and maintenance are immense and the hassle free maintenance is a great plus. This is the reason many commercial generator users opt for the diesel generator. Diesel generators are available in mainly larger designs but can also be found on occasion in smaller units.