Posted: 8/27/2011 2:28:07 PM EDT
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So sitting here waiting for Irene to roll on in and make things a little interesting, I'm coming up with a "Don't Forget to Get for the Next Time (or Zombies)" List. Does any one have any experience with a LPG Portable Generator? - How fast does it use up a 20 lb. tank? - Do they work as good an a gas or diesel generator? - If you have used one before, would you purchase one? (Tell us about your experience with the one you used, please) Thanks for the input. Everyone the East Coast, take care. BE Good, Medic2RN |
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Quoted:
- How fast does it use up a 20 lb. tank? Naturally, that depends on how much power the generator is producing. Moar power = moar fuel consumption. 
Typical propane consumption is 0.25 gallons of propane per hour, for every 1,000 watts the generator is producing (i.e., 1 gallon per hour when the generator is supplying a load of 4 KW). 1 gallon of propane = 4.24 lbs A "20 pound" tank of propane is typically filled to around 18 pounds of propane, which is 4.24 gallons. So, if your generator is powering a 1,000 watt load, it would run around 4.24 gallons / 0.25 gallons per hr = 8.5 hours on a "20 pound" tank of propane. - Do they work as good an a gas or diesel generator?
Most propane generators produce a little less power than their gasoline-fueled counterparts, particularly among models that have been converted from gasoline to propane. However, propane is much cleaner-burning, which increases oil life and makes the exhaust gasses a lot less objectionable. Propane engines also tend to be easier to start in cold weather than gas models - and MUCH easier to start than diesel models. Where propane generators really shine is in situations where the generator and fuel supply may sit unattended for years (or decades) at a time. Propane fuel has an essentially unlimited shelf life, so it doesn't require any additives or routine maintenance to keep it viable. They're also handy in installations where other appliances are already being powered by propane - things like stoves, furnaces, space heaters, gas fireplaces and absorption-type refrigerators. |
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I picked THIS generator up 2 years ago. It was purchased to run my refrigerator and some lighting. It does both very well.
I had a diesel generator, but that went TU and the repair cost was way over it's value. I also have the ability to heat with wood, but I wanted to test this little generator the first chance I got. We had a power outage this past winter. Using the generator sparingly I was able to get about 48 hours out of a 20lb bottle. When the house temp dropped to the mid 50's I would start the generator and run the heating system to get it back in the 70's and then shut it off. I ran the fridge once a day until the compressor kicked off. The test was very encouraging and I was actually surprised with it's performance. The only downside for me, my well is 220V. This generator does not have a 220 outlet. I went with an LPG because of the shelf life of propane and the almost zero maintenance with it. I don't have to worry about the carb getting varnished. |
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Quoted:
I picked THIS generator up 2 years ago. It was purchased to run my refrigerator and some lighting. It does both very well. II went with an LPG because of the shelf life of propane and the almost zero maintenance with it. I don't have to worry about the carb getting varnished. Hell for that price How could you Go Wrong. You can get the 100 gallon Propane tanks on Craigslist for Cheap too |