WHICH IS BETTER? NATURAL GAS GENERATOR OR DIESEL GENERATOR

The diesel generator is the traditional choice for commercial and industrial backup power, but there are other options. In the past, gas fuels have been avoided in industrial applications based on cost, energy density, and perception of fuel durability and reliability. This is no longer the case. Today, thanks to new technologies in engines, casings, and other components, the difference between diesel and natural gas generators is no longer so obvious.

Natural gas generators are an efficient and widely used means of generating electricity. Natural gas can power emergency and portable generators and is considered one of the most cost-effective and affordable fuels among non-renewable resources to generate electricity. In terms of affordability, coal is probably the only cheapest fuel. However, the biggest disadvantage of coal fuel is its high environmental pollution.

Natural gas is usually obtained in a similar way to oil drilling. The liquid form is then transported to different areas and converted into a gaseous form. It is then delivered to people through pipes and cylinders.

Natural gas generators work in a similar way to other generators. The most basic difference between types of generators is the fuel used to power the units. In this case, the power source to start the generator is natural gas. Such generators are often used in larger cities because fuel supplies are always available through pipelines. But besides its obvious advantages, natural gas generators also have some disadvantages.

A Natural Gas Generator

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Pros of The Natural Gas Generator

The three most obvious advantages of using natural gas to power your generator are that it is cleaner, cheaper than other non-renewable fuels, and offers significantly more effectiveness.

• Compared to oil and coal, emissions of sulfur, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide (greenhouse gas) are significantly lower. As a result, natural gas is one of the cleanest fuels for burning.

• Another advantage of natural gas-powered generators is that natural gas doesn't produce a pungent odor, which is quite common in diesel or oil-powered generators.

• Natural gas-powered generators also effectively reduce costs when used to supply household electricity. This is because utility power is a much more expensive alternative.

• In addition to being cleaner and cheaper, natural gas is available in major cities because it is transported directly through pipelines. So when using a generator powered by natural gas, fuel reserves become redundant.

Cons of The Natural Gas Generator

When it comes to the disadvantages of a natural gas generator, one of its advantages can also be considered a disadvantage. Since natural gas does not need to be stored as it is supplied through gas pipelines, the supply of natural gas is disrupted at the time of a disaster. You may find yourself facing fuel shortages when you need to operate the generator the most.

In addition, natural gas is extremely explosive and can pose a serious fire hazard if the pipeline breaks.

Compared to diesel generators, natural gas generators:

• More expensive operating costs

• Emissions are a lot of carbon dioxide, a gas that causes the greenhouse effect.

Furthermore, natural gas is a limited or non-renewable energy source.

DuroMax XP13000HXT 13,000-Watt 500cc Tri Fuel Gas Propane Natural Gas Portable Generator

Source: Amazon.com

Generators that use diesel fuel to run are called diesel generators. They can be divided into two basic parts: diesel engine and generator. Diesel generators can supply electricity to places not supplied by the grid or for backup in the event of a power outage. Diesel-powered generators are also used in ships as a power source and propulsion.

Diesel generators are extremely popular as backup equipment for emergency power supply. Available in both single-phase and three-phase versions, diesel generators are used not only in large facilities but also in households and small offices.

Diesel Generator

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Pros of The Diesel Generators

In this day, the most important factor is the fuel price. With demand continuously increasing and supply dwindling, fuel selection has become the most debated topic in most industries. It is important to find a fuel that is both cost-effective as well as energy efficient. In this regard, diesel generators score well. Although they are a significantly more expensive alternative to generators powered by natural gas, because the price of gas is higher than that of diesel, gas has a higher energy density. In other words, while you pay more for diesel, you'll also get more power from diesel than you would with the same gasoline. Therefore, fuel efficiency is the most important advantage of diesel generators.

Another great benefit of installing a diesel generator is to ensure a stable power supply. In facilities like hospitals, this plays an important role as most machines require a constant power source, and a single power failure can result in the difference between life and death. 

Compared to gasoline generators, diesel generators are much more efficient for several reasons:

• The diesel engine currently in use is a much-improved version of the previous models, which were annoying due to loud noise and heavy maintenance.

• Much more powerful and reliable diesel engine.

•  Another big advantage over gasoline engines is that diesel engines don't need spark plugs or wires, Which helps reduce maintenance costs.

The service life of gasoline engines is much shorter than that of diesel engines.

Finally, being less flammable than other fuel sources, diesel generators also score well in terms of safety. Furthermore, the absence of spark plugs eliminates the risk of an unusual fire.

Cons of The Diesel Generator

A significant con of a diesel-powered generator is that it could be significantly more expensive than other generators. However, because the maintenance cost of the diesel generator is quite low, it has offset the initial investment cost.

Noise is always a problem for diesel generators. While newer models are designed to be quieter, older variants can still produce significant noise. This means that residents may complain about noise pollution from your generator if the diesel generator is being used in a densely populated area.

Another disadvantage is that diesel generators are bulky and have large and heavy parts. Therefore, unlike lighter and smaller generators, diesel generators may not be the most preferred mobile device.

Finally, with the recent trend of environmental awareness, diesel is also considered a major pollutant in certain areas.

Generac RD01523ADAE Protector Series Diesel Liquid Cooled Standby Single Phase Generator 

Source: Amazon.com

When it comes to choosing between a diesel and natural gas generator, you need to answer two important questions first:

• What is the main purpose your best generator will serve?

• How much are you willing to pay for the best generator unit?

Although both diesel and natural gas generators have their advantages and disadvantages, with the advent of much more environmentally friendly biodiesel, diesel generators diesel/biodiesel could become extremely popular.