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The
engine's power is produced by the expansion of gases formed by the
combustion of a compressed air-fuel mixture. A typical mid-power model
has 4 to 8 gallon fuel tank and can provide 5 to 8 hours run time at
rated load per tankful.
GAS GENSET ADVANTAGES:
- Lowest cost (as low as $100-$150 per kilowatt power);
- Built-in fuel tank, air cooling, and the most common
type of fuel allows it to
run practically anywhere making it truly portable;
- It is generally smaller and lighter then other types
of gensets.
GAS GENSET DISADVANTAGES:
- The high RPM air-cooled engines have relatively short
product lives, typically about 500 hours of use. When used infrequently
for emergency purposes, they may remain operational probably for 5 to 7
years, but they are not well suited for continuously operation for days;
- Potential carburetor icing when the air is moist;
- Requires frequent maintenance: draining fuel when not
in use, periodic oil changes and replacement of air-cleaner elements,
spark plugs, ignition points, as well as general tune-ups;
- Gas pumps may not work during a blackout;
- Lower efficiency than diesel gensets
NOTES ON GASOLINE STORAGE
The fumes are highly flammable: storing a large amount of gas is
unsafe.
The NFPA 1:Fire Code (Uniform Fire Code ™) limits the amount of such
fuel stored in residential building to 25 gallons. Also note that
gasoline has components that oxidize and form gum. As it evaporates,
this gum tends to form sticky deposits. Daily temperature changes
accelerate this process. Although EPA requires all gasolines to contain
a deposit-control additive, it has a typical shelf life of about six
months. Chevron says their stabilizers make it possible to store
Chevron gas for a year if temperature is controlled. Some third-party
stabilizers according to their manufacturers' claims let you keep the
fuel fresh for up to 2 years.
CONCLUSION:
A generator that works on gasoline is worth considering if you don't
plan to use it frequently, the price is the main object, and you are
willing to store a substantial amount of gasoline in case of a
wide-spread blackout. Otherwise, you may want to consider more reliable
diesel
or propane
portable models, or a standby
genset connected to an external fuel line. For brands'
ratings and selection recommendations see Portable Gensets
Review. |