Tri-Fuel Generator
A tri fuel generator can operate safely on Gasoline, Natural Gas, or Propane. It can operate on the gasoline in the 5 gallon tank mounted on the generator, it can be connected to your natural gas line going into your house, or it can be connected to a portable propane tank such as that used with your Barbecue. It operates with little, if any adjustments between the fuel sources. Switching between the fuel sources is easy and requires only basic hand tools. Each generator sold comes with all of the connections necessary to connect to your natural gas line as well as to a propane tank.
The main benefit of having a generator that will operate on multiple fuels is the versatility:
The main benefits of using an alternative fuel such as Natural Gas and Propane can be seen when an engine is serviced. Many times, a generator sits with gasoline in the tank waiting to be used. If this gasoline is not used within 30 days, the ethanol in the Gasoline begins to separate. When this happens, the ethanol then bonds with any moisture in the air that is trapped in the tank. This moisture then sinks to the bottom of the tank and eventually into the carburetor where it will eventually cause corrosion or varnish. After a longer period of time, the ethanol begins to dissolve the rubber gaskets and diaphragms in the carburetor. This will lead to a varnish that completely clogs the tiny orifices inside the carburetor. At this point the engine will not start and you will not have power when you need it. Using Natural Gas or Propane eliminates this problem. Since the fuel source is already in the gaseous state, it cannot harm the carburetor. Another benefit of using a fuel source in the gaseous state is that it does not need to be vaporized. This means more of the fuel is burned in the combustion chamber creating a cleaner burning fuel. The exhaust gases are far less harmful to breath. In fact, many floor buffer machines used to polish grocery store floors use propane to run the engine. The exhaust gases are not harmful in a large enclosed environment. They can still be harmful or deadly if it collects in a confined space. Never use your generator indoors for any reason.
Jobsite Use
Many contractors will find a benefit of using Propane to give them power on the jobsite. A small 20# propane cylinder will provide 8-10 hours of runtime on one tank. Although the cost of propane is slightly higher than gasoline, the benefit of being able to take the generator out any time it's needed without having to worry about the gasoline going bad creating lost revenue, far outweighs the slight difference in price.
Cost Comparison
When comparing the cost of different fuel sources, you must find a medium of measurement. In this case we will use a GGE (Gallon Gasoline Equivalent). This is a formula that compares the amount of energy found in 1 gallon of gasoline at a set temperature. Our base model will reflect 1 gallon of gasoline containing 114,000 BTU's of energy.
Gasoline = 114,000 BTU's and costs roughly $4
Natural Gas = 115,215 BTU's (1.15 Therms) and costs about $1.20
Propane = 113,805 BTU's and costs about $4.59
Watch the videos below of a tri-fuel generator in action (the fuel tank has been removed to give a better view)
Click Here for the Starting Procedures for your Tri-Fuel Generator
Feel free to give me a call at 503-201-4004 with any questions.
The main benefit of having a generator that will operate on multiple fuels is the versatility:
- No dependence on a single fuel source
- Gasoline is difficult to store in large quantities
- Gasoline has a shelf life of about 30 days
- Propane will essentially store forever
- Natural Gas will still be flowing even during a power outage
- Propane can be used if Gasoline and Natural Gas service is interrupted
- Propane can be used in an area that CO levels may be a concern
The main benefits of using an alternative fuel such as Natural Gas and Propane can be seen when an engine is serviced. Many times, a generator sits with gasoline in the tank waiting to be used. If this gasoline is not used within 30 days, the ethanol in the Gasoline begins to separate. When this happens, the ethanol then bonds with any moisture in the air that is trapped in the tank. This moisture then sinks to the bottom of the tank and eventually into the carburetor where it will eventually cause corrosion or varnish. After a longer period of time, the ethanol begins to dissolve the rubber gaskets and diaphragms in the carburetor. This will lead to a varnish that completely clogs the tiny orifices inside the carburetor. At this point the engine will not start and you will not have power when you need it. Using Natural Gas or Propane eliminates this problem. Since the fuel source is already in the gaseous state, it cannot harm the carburetor. Another benefit of using a fuel source in the gaseous state is that it does not need to be vaporized. This means more of the fuel is burned in the combustion chamber creating a cleaner burning fuel. The exhaust gases are far less harmful to breath. In fact, many floor buffer machines used to polish grocery store floors use propane to run the engine. The exhaust gases are not harmful in a large enclosed environment. They can still be harmful or deadly if it collects in a confined space. Never use your generator indoors for any reason.
Jobsite Use
Many contractors will find a benefit of using Propane to give them power on the jobsite. A small 20# propane cylinder will provide 8-10 hours of runtime on one tank. Although the cost of propane is slightly higher than gasoline, the benefit of being able to take the generator out any time it's needed without having to worry about the gasoline going bad creating lost revenue, far outweighs the slight difference in price.
Cost Comparison
When comparing the cost of different fuel sources, you must find a medium of measurement. In this case we will use a GGE (Gallon Gasoline Equivalent). This is a formula that compares the amount of energy found in 1 gallon of gasoline at a set temperature. Our base model will reflect 1 gallon of gasoline containing 114,000 BTU's of energy.
Gasoline = 114,000 BTU's and costs roughly $4
Natural Gas = 115,215 BTU's (1.15 Therms) and costs about $1.20
Propane = 113,805 BTU's and costs about $4.59
Watch the videos below of a tri-fuel generator in action (the fuel tank has been removed to give a better view)
Click Here for the Starting Procedures for your Tri-Fuel Generator
Feel free to give me a call at 503-201-4004 with any questions.
