If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly and cost-effective way to generate power, you may want to consider using a natural gas powered generator. Natural gas is one of the cleanest fossil fuels available, and it doesn’t produce a pungent odor as diesel generators do.
However, there are some pros and cons to using a natural gas generator that you should be aware of before making a decision. In fact, it is by knowing them that you can actually come to decide on the appropriate generator for your needs.
In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of using a natural gas generator so that you can make an informed decision about what’s best for your business.
Keep reading to discover the utility of a gas powered generator and how it can help you in your needs.
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Natural Gas Powered Generators: What Are They?
Natural gas-powered generators are a type of generator that uses natural gas to create electricity. Natural gas is a clean burning fossil fuel, and it’s one of the most abundant resources in the world.
When used in a generator, natural gas produces fewer emissions than other types of generators, making it a more environmentally friendly option.
Furthermore, natural gas generators are typically more cost-effective than other types of generators. This is because natural gas is a cheaper fuel than diesel or gasoline, and it’s also more efficient.
Natural gas generators can run for long periods of time without needing to be refueled, which can save you money on fuel costs.
However, there are some downsides to using a natural gas generator that you should be aware of before making a decision. For one, natural gas generators can be more expensive to purchase than other types of generators.
Additionally, if you live in an area where natural gas isn’t readily available, you may have to pay for the installation of a pipeline to bring natural gas to your property.
A Brief History On Natural Gas Powered Generators
Natural gas has been used to generate electricity for over 100 years. In the early days of natural gas generators, they were used mostly in rural areas where there was no access to other forms of power.
Natural gas generators allowed farmers and ranchers to have a reliable source of power for their homes and businesses.
Today, natural gas generators are used all over the world in both rural and urban areas. Natural gas is very abundant and moderately priced all over the world. Therefore, it is often used as a primary source of electricity for impoverished regions.
They’re commonly used as backup power sources for businesses and homes in case of a power outage. hospitals, schools, and government buildings often use natural gas generators because they provide a reliable source of power that can keep critical operations running during an emergency.
How Do Natural Gas Generators Work?
Natural gas generators work by using a combustion process to convert natural gas into electricity. The generator uses an engine to compress air and natural gas together. This mixture is then ignited, and the resulting explosion drives a turbine. The turbine is connected to an alternator, which produces electricity.
To be more detailed, natural gas is first drawn into the generator through a pipe. The gas is then compressed by an engine-driven compressor. The compressed gas is mixed with air in a combustion chamber, and the mixture is ignited by a spark plug.
The resulting explosion drives a turbine, which is connected to an alternator. The alternator produces electricity, which is then sent to electrical panels and outlets. Finally, the electricity is distributed to the devices and appliances that are connected to the generator.
Portable Natural Gas Generators
If you’re looking for a natural gas generator that you can take with you wherever you go, a portable generator is a good option.
Portable generators are small and lightweight, making them easy to transport. They’re also relatively quiet, so you won’t have to worry about disturbing your neighbors when you use one.
However, keep in mind that portable generators don’t produce as much power as stationary generators do
Moreover, portable generators need to be connected to a natural gas line in order to function. If you don’t have a natural gas line on your property, you’ll need to have one installed. This can be a costly and time-consuming process.
Stationary Natural Gas Generators
If you need a natural gas generator that produces a lot of power, a stationary generator is a better option.
Stationary generators are typically used in industrial applications, such as powering construction equipment or providing backup power for a business.
They’re also used in some RVs and homes as a primary source of power. Keep in mind that stationary generators can be quite loud, so they may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a quiet generator.
Furthermore, stationary generators need to be connected to a natural gas line in order to function. If you don’t have a natural gas line on your property, you’ll need to have one installed. This can be a costly and time-consuming process.
Prime Natural Gas Generators
If you’re looking for a natural gas generator that’s easy to use and maintain, a prime generator is a good option. Prime generators are designed to run continuously without needing to be turned off and on.
This makes them ideal for powering critical operations, such as hospitals and schools. However, keep in mind that prime generators can be quite expensive.
In addition, prime generators need to be connected to a natural gas line in order to function. If you don’t have a natural gas line on your property, you’ll need to have one installed. This can be a costly and time-consuming process.
Standby Natural Gas Generators
If you’re looking for a natural gas generator that’s reliable and easy to use, a standby generator is a good option. Standby generators are designed to automatically turn on when the power goes out.
This makes them ideal for powering critical operations, such as hospitals and schools. However, keep in mind that standby generators can be quite expensive.
Moreover, standby generators need to be connected to a natural gas line in order to function. If you don’t have a natural gas line on your property, you’ll need to have one installed. This can be a costly and time-consuming process.
Pros of Using a Natural Gas Powered Generator
There are several advantages to using a natural gas-powered generator over diesel or gasoline models. Here are some of the main benefits:
Natural gas is one of the cleanest burning fossil fuels available, so it produces fewer emissions than other types of generators.
It’s also one of the most abundant resources in the world, so it’s relatively inexpensive to use.
Natural gas generators are typically quieter than other types of generators, so they won’t disrupt your business or neighborhood.
Cons of Using a Natural Gas Powered Generator
There are also some disadvantages to using a natural gas generator that you should be aware of before making a decision. Here are some of the main drawbacks:
Natural gas generators require a constant supply of natural gas, so if there’s an interruption in service, you’ll lose power. Considering that natural gas is very abundant, this only happens due to lack of maintenance or general negligence.
They also require more maintenance than other types of generators, so it’s important to have a qualified technician on hand to perform regular servicing. Once again, because of the developed nature of the natural gas industry, repairs are commonplace and cost-effective.
Finally, natural gas is flammable, so there’s always the risk of explosion if the generator isn’t used properly. However, most modern generators come with various security measures to ensure that everybody is safe and sound.
As you can see, there are both advantages and disadvantages to using a natural gas generator. Weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision about what’s best for your business.
How to Properly Size a Natural Gas Powered Generator?
When sizing a generator, you need to consider the wattage requirements of the devices and appliances you want to power. You should also factor in any additional loads, such as lights and air conditioners.
The best way to determine your wattage requirements is to use a wattage calculator. Once you know your wattage needs, you can choose a generator that’s sized appropriately for your applications.
If you’re still not sure which size generator is right for you, contact a qualified technician for help. They can assess your specific needs and recommend the best option for your business.
Should You Consider a Dual-Fuel Generator?
If you’re looking for a generator that’s both versatile and reliable, you may want to consider a dual-fuel model. Dual-fuel generators can run on either natural gas or propane, so you’ll always have a backup source of power.
However, keep in mind that dual-fuel generators are more expensive than single-fuel models. They also require more maintenance and care, so be sure to factor these costs into your decision.
Furthermore, if you live in an area with frequent power outages, a dual-fuel generator may not be the best option. This is because they require two separate fuel sources, so if one is unavailable, you’ll still be without power.
How to Optimize Your Natural Gas Powered Generator for Efficiency?
If you’ve decided that a natural gas generator is a right choice for your business, there are some things you can do to optimize it for efficiency. Here are some tips:
- Install a variable frequency drive (VFD) to regulate the speed of the generator and save on fuel costs
- Use an exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR) to reduce emissions
- Make sure the generator is properly ventilated to prevent overheating
By following these tips, you can ensure that your natural gas generator is running as efficiently as possible.
Alternatives to Natural Gas Powered Generators
If you’re not sure if a natural gas generator is right for your business, there are other options available. Here are some alternative types of generators that you may want to consider:
Diesel generators: Diesel generators are typically more expensive than natural gas models, but they’re also more durable and require less maintenance.
Gasoline generators: Gasoline generators are less expensive than diesel models, but they’re also less efficient and produce more emissions.
Solar power: Solar power is a renewable energy source that doesn’t produce any emissions. However, it can be expensive to install solar panels on your property.
No matter what type of generator you decide to use, make sure to do your research and work with a qualified technician to ensure that it’s installed and maintained properly.
Your Choice of Generator Made Right
There is no easy answer when it comes to choosing the right type of generator for your business. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully before making a decision.
Natural gas generators have several advantages, but they also come with some downsides that you should be aware of. If you’re not sure if a natural gas generator is right for you, there are other options available, such as diesel generators or solar power.
No matter what type of generator you decide to use, make sure to do your research and work with a qualified technician to ensure that it’s installed and maintained properly.
Get in touch with us now to purchase the appropriate natural gas-powered generator that fits your needs.
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