What is a Propane Generator? – Explained with Pros & Cons

Science and technology are progressing in every sphere, and our dependence on them keeps on augmenting with every new invention made to date.

Electricity is the root of all comforts, responsible for providing us the life we cannot imagine living without.

Spectacular inventions like propane generators have contributed a lot to make our lives better and hassle-free.

Gone are those times when people used to rely on regular electrical supply and had no backup in case of power-cuts. Industries have got a backbone, and the agriculture sector is no more dependent on conventional power methods.

Portable Generators considerably reduced the inconvenience of carrying and transportation, released lower emissions than standard generators, and benefited everyone regardless of purpose.

In this article, we are going to know about portable generators using propane.

You will get to increase your knowledge of propane generators, and it will lead you to think that why you might need a propane generator.

So, let us get started.

What are Propane Generators?

Portable propane generators do not defy the definition of an ordinary portable generator and have the same functions.

A propane generator uses propane as its primary fuel to generate electricity.

Propane has its characteristics, and thus, it passes on the same to the generator, which uses propane as its fuel.

Though diesel generator can be regarded as a fuel-efficient, it is not an elite type of generator, because it is expensive than other generators.

Propane can provide almost the same functions of diesel at a lowered cost and appreciable shelf-life.

Propane is a petroleum-based fuel and has high calorific value.

Its generator utilizes more than 50% of the fuel injected in it, making it the most fuel-efficient generator after diesel generator.

Features of Propane Generators

It is quite different from other generators owing to the combustion process and other criteria.

Let us know about the features of a propane generator in detail:

1. Propane can either be used in the form of gas or liquid, to be further injected in the portable generator.
2. Propane can be stored for a longer time like diesel, like a period of 2 years. You will not have to worry about ignition problems.
3. These generators portray the ability to be used in situations like natural disasters, for example, earthquakes or floods, where natural gas and diesel would seem to be unavailable, and gasoline is not used much because of its highly flammable properties.
4. They are versatile and are convenient to use.
5. Propane is better than gasoline in terms of shelf-life.
6.  The generator releases ammonia, which is harmful to the environment, and hence it is preferable to keep it in an open space while operating.
7. They are widely available for all capacities and all uses, so you will not have to think much before buying one.
8. They utilize 50% to 65% of the fuel injected in the fuel tank, making it fuel-efficient.

How do Propane Generators Work?

These generators are easy to operate and are not as costly as diesel generators.

They are convenient to carry and maintain.

Where one is perplexed whether to buy a gasoline generator or a diesel generator.

Getting propane would be fairly advantageous because it can cover the drawbacks of using gasoline, and would render some properties of diesel at a comparatively lower price.

Let us have a clear idea of how a portable propane generator works:

1. After injecting propane, a mixture present is inside the generator, which is made of ammonia and water. On the combustion of propane, the mixture gets heated up to release ammonia gas.
2. This leads to the emission of ammonia gas from the generator after it starts.
3. It utilizes more than 50% of the propane present in it. If it is propane gas, then the efficiency is increased.
4. Like other generators, propane has a lubricating system, an alternating component to convert AC into DC and voltage regulator.
5. It does not need periodic stabilizing like gasoline.
6. Propane is an apt source of energy when you are in a situation of a complete blackout.
7. When stored, there will not be any risk of propane getting spilled as the generator using propane as security valves, which would not let it escape.

Pros and Cons of Propane Generators

Once bought, it will show desirable results and reliable power backup. Propane is more environment-friendly than diesel, and you can consider buying it for any use.

But there are some drawbacks of using such a generator which shall be known to you for your vested interests.

Pros:

1. Propane gains an advantage over diesel and gasoline by emitting a low amount of harmful substances like carbon monoxide, thus being regarded as a ‘clean-burning fuel.’
2. It is easily accessible when gas pumps are not running because it is stored in containers.
3. Using a propane generator in a demanding situation is the best bet as diesel would seem to be unavailable, and gasoline is not always easy to handle.
4. Propane has a long shelf life and can be stored in containers for an indefinite period, preferably up to 2 years.
5. It complies with specific safety standards like reduced noise production, which cannot be said for a diesel too.
6. These generators can be more pocket friendly than diesel generators.
7. Propane can be stored in large tanks or even a small cylinder.
8. Suitable for powering RVs, television, and other appliances, and even for commercial purposes.

Cons:

1. They have a more complex fuel system than other generators, and hence if there is some malfunction, it becomes hard to detect it.
2. Engines have shorter life-cycle as compared to diesel generators.
3. Fuel systems add to costs in propane generators.
4. These types of generators have lower capacity and consumption of fuel used.
5. If propane gets spilled, then it can be very disastrous.

Also See: Propane vs Invert vs Diesel Generators

Conclusion:

Now that you have known about these generators, you will be able to decide whether you would get one or consider some other alternative.

They are advantageous in terms of gasoline generators, and you will experience hassle-free, environment-friendly power generation.

There can be no better alternative to a propane generator when a disaster will occur, for it would be the best option available at that time.