LPG gas portable generators?

[Mike90250]

Most portable IC engine generators produce a pretty decent sine wave. The frequency is governed by the RPM, so the better the RM regulation, the better time your clock will keep. However, frequency can vary + or - 5 hz [55-65 hz ] and won't cause much problem.

[Jman]

I think the LPG idea is dead - lack of portable inverter ready to go units where I'm located, the conventional AC units as far as I can tell don't produce smooth pure sine wave power. Confused as they run an alternator (AC) which I would have thought would be similar to the way utility companies do. On conventional does the frequency (50-60hz) change when the revs lower with governor?

[Firewill65]

If you have a natural gas hookup it's a no brainer. If you need to buy tanks, keep in mind a typical 20lb bbq tank holds a little less than 5 gallons of fuel. It's a little less efficient than fuel so figure out how much fuel your generator burns with a full load. Get a tri fuel adapter and the best of both worlds. I currently have a honda 3000 and honda 2000, both converted to run on extended fuel tanks as well as propane. I have 6 40lb. Tanks which is equal to about 54 gallons of fuel. If you are running a whole house sized generator on propane...it can get pretty expensive. It all depends on your needs.

[Mike90250]

Generators for sale in California have to be certified to meet emissions for 500 hours. That's all I know, other than the honda EU's last much much longer

[Jman]

Why limit yourself, there are many dual fuel generators available that run gasoline (petrol) or propane. There are also conversion kits available for some gasoline generators. The generator output is usually lower when running on propane. The engines generally last longer and stores better when run on propane exclusively as gasoline, tends to leave deposits when it evaporates out of the carburetor while the generator is not used. Keep in mind the energy density of propane (Btu/lb) is lower than gasoline so you need more pounds of propane stored than an equivalent amount of gasoline. In very cold conditions, typically below freezing, propane has an issue with vaporization, Each container can only vaporize a certain volume of liquid propane to gaseous propane, if you try to pull any more the engine will stall. Larger bulk tanks have more capacity but are still limited. In emergency conditions access to propane is usually less than gasoline although both run out.

Thanks.

Do you know how many hours the small portable units are designed to run for? 200? 500? They are air cooled by the looks. Models like Honda 2.2EUi or Greenpower C1200 LPG.

[Sunking]

They work just fine. In fact for stationary generators, no one uses gasoline and use either LPG, NG, or diesel.

[peakbagger]

Why limit yourself, there are many dual fuel generators available that run gasoline (petrol) or propane. There are also conversion kits available for some gasoline generators. The generator output is usually lower when running on propane. The engines generally last longer and stores better when run on propane exclusively as gasoline, tends to leave deposits when it evaporates out of the carburetor while the generator is not used. Keep in mind the energy density of propane (Btu/lb) is lower than gasoline so you need more pounds of propane stored than an equivalent amount of gasoline. In very cold conditions, typically below freezing, propane has an issue with vaporization, Each container can only vaporize a certain volume of liquid propane to gaseous propane, if you try to pull any more the engine will stall. Larger bulk tanks have more capacity but are still limited. In emergency conditions access to propane is usually less than gasoline although both run out.

[Jman]

Why wouldn't these be good over a Petrol 4 stroke unit? To me you have all appliances that need gas so why not make it a universal fuel. Plus gas bottles can keep for years ready to go.

Do gas units last longer or shorter than petrol? Just looking why I shouldn't get an LPG. I have no real experience with either petrol or gas.

thanks.