Gas Generators Powered by Natural Gas or Propane

The popularity of electric generators for power use means that several types have been developed. In conventional power plants used for generating electricity, steam is used to power the turbines. This steam is raised using different sources of heat. One common way is through the burning of coal, which is a very cheap and plentiful resource but extremely polluting. Another is through the use of geothermal steam sources. Other, more unorthodox methods of driving generators include using giant rotors to catch the wind (wind generators), solar energy to raise steam or make electricity directly (solar generators), tidal forces, or nuclear reactions. Midway between these ecologically-clean methods and the dirtiness of coal-fired plants lies the gas generator.

Natural Gas and Propane

Energy to drive the generator in gas generators comes from a range of fuels. The most common of these are natural gas and propane. Natural gas is composed of hydrocarbons like methane and is extracted along with crude oil or from gas wells. It is stored in liquefied form (Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG) or compressed (Compressed Natural Gas, CNG) for portable use, or supplied through gas lines for use in establishments and homes.

Propane is a byproduct of the processing of natural gas or petroleum refining. First identified in 1910, it is an odorless hydrocarbon which, like natural gas, is more clean-burning than gasoline or diesel. This means natural gas generators and propane generators are more emissions compliant than either gasoline generators or diesel generators. Propane, which is also known as LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) when used as a fuel, is stored in tanks of varying sizes. Commercial propane isn’t pure. In the US, it is 90% propane and 10% butane and propylene along with odorants so people can detect its presence if there’s a gas leak. Other countries use different propane mixtures.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Both natural gas and propane generators are ideal for small portable generators designed to function as standby generators during blackouts. They are quiet and clean. Small propane generators also cost less than comparable diesel units. In certain areas, natural gas pipelines are already installed, which means that there is no need to store the generator fuel. This increases safety and convenience as there is no need to store a large amount of flammable substance and secure the permits to do so.

This can, however, be a disadvantage during natural disasters like earthquakes. The gas line might rupture and prevent the generator from running just when it’s needed the most. Natural gas and propane also contain less energy than gasoline and diesel fuel. They also present a serious fire and explosion hazard in the event of a fuel line rupture. Natural gas and propane generators are also more expensive to operate than diesel generators.

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