Generator Blog

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.

About the size of a small moving van, the diesel generator can process several types of refuse, including paper, plastic, Styrofoam, cardboard, woodchips and food waste.

The biorefinery uses two different processes to create fuel.

The machine separates food material into a bioreactor that uses the yeast ferments to create ethanol.

Other materials go to a gasifier and are converted into propane gas and methane, which then fuel the diesel engine that creates electricity.

The system is designed to run on diesel oil for several hours until the gasifier and the bioreactor begin to produce fuel, researchers said.

The Army commissioned completion of a prototype and is considering it for future use. According to its builders, the system lowers the potential danger and expense of transporting fuel and waste and helps cover the tracks of mobile military units because it destroys trash–the evidence of their presence.

The generator is also an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional diesel generators, they say. Using biomass as a fuel is less polluting than oil because plants absorb carbon dioxide, according to scientists at Indiana-based Purdue.

Also, they note that the system is efficient, with the first prototype producing about 90 percent more energy than it consumes.

Maybe the deployment of these “gizmos” might just help turn the tide on the bad guys in the “war” zones: imagine a “Portable, trash-powered generator” to provide combat units with unlimited power for medical equipment usage in cases where the choppers can come under heavy fire and risk being shot down - they can be treated in-house - less travel risks, less risk to supply lines/routes…

sounds a perfect product，when is it built? Maybe in the future….