How to Choose The Fuel for Backup Generators?

Different backup generators have different designs and operate on different fuels. The main fuel options for backup generators are natural gas, diesel, propane, and dual fuel. This makes them widely used in various applications in various places.

Diesel fuel

Diesel is a fuel that can be easily purchased everywhere. You can't find liquid propane, but you can always find diesel. In addition, their efficiency is very high, providing a large amount of power from a very small quantity, and cost-effectiveness can be seen when the application is large. These are two main reasons, so you will find that most backup generators on the market run on diesel.

Diesel is easy to store and due to its fast start-up time, it becomes extremely reliable in emergency situations. Generators can quickly start supplying power, which is why you will find them as backup power sources for critical applications in every hospital.

But the limitation is that you cannot store for a longer period of time, so additional measures are always needed to ensure a longer lifespan. The main problem with standby diesel generators is high exhaust emissions; This makes it difficult for the device to pass EPA standards and obtain approval.

Natural gas

This does not mean that in recent years, people have been trying to use natural gas as a fuel; In the past, there have also been many such attempts. However, due to technological limitations, it is not very suitable as a fuel compared to gasoline, which is why it is avoided. But with recent developments, it has become possible to generate energy, and the efficiency is also very high.

The working principle of natural gas generators is the same as that of liquid generators; The combustion of a mixture of gas and air produces energy. The main advantage of natural gas is its low emission level. Compared to traditional fuels, it burns very cleanly and releases very few harmful emissions in the environment. Another point to point out is that it's really cost-effective and doesn't require storage. You can directly connect the backup generator to the existing air source. This makes them highly reliable, with faster startup times not as important as they may cause some interruptions when starting during downtime.

Propane

Another fuel used to power backup generators is liquid propane, also known as propane or butane. Propane exists in liquid form in compressed propane tanks. This makes it an alternative solution for on-site use. The main benefit of using propane is that even after 8 to 10 years have passed, it will not spoil. This makes it a useful choice in any situation. If a natural disaster occurs, you may not receive diesel because all diesel can be sold, but if you store propane, it will provide electricity instantly.

Generally speaking, propane generators are very small in size, and if you need a large generator, their cost and operating costs are high. They run on engines that serve the same purpose as cars.

Dual fuel

There are generators on the market that use two types of fuels. Please note that these are not standard unit types, and most manufacturers do not even produce them. This is a solution to the problem you face when using on-site fuel and utility fuel.

In some cases, these generators are very useful. Because as long as you are willing or need it, you can switch between two fuels. Most dual fuel generators can use natural gas or diesel to generate electricity.

The ability to choose fuel provides you with higher flexibility; If one is not available, you can use the other at any time.

Generally speaking, not both fuels are used for power generation at the same time, but in some generators, this is possible. These types of generators start with diesel as the main fuel and gradually introduce propane until the most suitable mixture is obtained, which will be cost-effective and release less emissions in the environment. That's why this type of generator can easily meet the standards of the Environmental Protection Agency and can be easily used in any state.

Dingbo Power was founded in 1974 and is one of the earliest manufacturers of generators and diesel generator sets in China. If you want get more information, please feel free to send email to sales@dieselgeneratortech.com we will pay highly attention on your question.