An important part of owning or managing a business operation is keeping costs down – and the same thinking applies to your independent power generation solution as it does to your water or energy bill. As a result, it’s important to consider the fuel consumption of commercial diesel generators before you make a purchase. Here are some insights from Australia’s leading suppliers of commercial and industrial generator sets.
General Information About Fuel Consumption in Generator Sets
Generators can make use of a variety of fuels for power generation, each coming with their own pros and cons including efficiency and cost. Here is a breakdown of the different fuels and their pros and cons, keeping in mind that there are variations within according to brand, quality, operational load, and even climate.
- Propane: Also known as LPG (liquified petroleum gas), propane is the cleanest-burning fuel type. While it offers the least emissions, LPG is not always immediately available, so fuel needs to be carefully planned. It also requires the installation of plumbing to pipe the fuel to your generator sets. You can, however, get a wide range of tank sizes and propane can be stored indefinitely. Generators powered by LPG offer consumption rates up to 3 times higher than diesel generators.
- Natural gas: Gas is fairly easily accessible but is highly flammable and cannot be stored indefinitely, as it degrades after about 1 year. It’s fairly clean-burning, and these generators run more quietly than diesel generators, making them more emission-compliant and suitable for built-up environments. The cost of these generator sets is usually higher, however, and they offer consumption rates up to 3 times higher than diesel generators.
- Diesel: Diesel is very widely available as a fuel source and is far less flammable than LPG of natural gas, although it should not be stored for too long as it will start deteriorating after 6-12 months. Engine noise is higher in diesel generators, as are emissions, so it’s important to plan for noise dampening and ventilation. These are very hardy machines that have low maintenance requirements and a long lifespan if they are serviced and maintained correctly. Diesel generators are usually the most affordable generator sets to operate, thanks to the energy-efficiency of the fuel and the low maintenance needs of the engine. They can also operate in a wide range of climates, including desert and arctic conditions (as long as the fuel has the correct additives).
Is your organization considering investing in diesel generators for commercial or industrial power generation? Energy Power Systems is an authorized CAT engine dealer and a leading supplier of CAT diesel generators, gensets, and industrial equipment in Australia, the Solomon Islands, and Papua New Guinea. Speak to our team today and we’ll ensure you find the right power generation solution for your organization’s needs.
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