Whether you are getting a generator for commercial use or for your house, the most important factor that you should consider before buying is the source of energy. Engines of most generators are powered either by lithium-ion batteries or by fuel such as diesel, petrol, natural gas, etc. Since the source of energy is different, the generators work differently.
When it is time to get a generator, most people fluctuate between the choices of a generator and a gasless generator. Choosing either of these two kinds of generators needs proper insight as your choice will determine what output you are going to get from your generator. With the aim of helping you find your ideal one, we have shared with you some differences between a generator and a gasless generator.
What Is The Difference Between A Generator And A Gasless Generator?
In this article, we are going to discuss a generator that requires gas to operate and a gasless generator that generally uses either diesel or lithium-ion batteries as the source of energy. A gas generator works quite the same as a gasless generator. Both these two types of generators convert their respective source energy to electricity.
Working Principle
The internal combustion engine of the gas generator inserts air and gas into the combustion chamber. Then the piston compresses the mixture of air and gas. When the compression is done, a spark plug ignites the natural gas with a powerful spark. This spark eventually ignites an explosion in the combustion chamber that the generator converts into mechanical energy. Ignition makes the natural gas expand, pressing the piston with enough force that the crankshaft spins the rotor. Once the rotor spins, the wires regulate electricity.
A diesel generator first compresses air and injects diesel into the combustion chamber. As a result, the motor produces heat which triggers the diesel’s ignition. The engine then turns the diesel into mechanical energy that powers the alternator by whirling the rotor. Subsequently, the rotor turns the mechanical energy into electricity. Furthermore, in lithium-ion batteries, the ions transfer from anode to cathode. However, when the batteries recharge, ions move from cathode to anode. Afterward, the engine turns this continuous motion into electricity.
Engine Equation
Engine and fuel conditions influence the density of energy. The gasless generator typically has a greater peak energy density than a normal generator has. A poorly maintained gasless engine will much likely outperform a gas engine.
The diesel engine has a spot with 80% load recommended for long-time prime operation. Running these generators under a lighter load for the long term can cause wet stacking, a situation in which unburned fuel and soot are dispatched into the exhaust system. If the engine is run under light loads, this situation does not happen, but plenty of fuel goes wasted. In this circumstance, gas-powered generators work as a good alternative as they burn hotter than diesel engines.
Availability
Usually natural gas is available in most areas, yet the supply may suffer shutoff during localized events. In this circumstance, you can buy methane tanks to meet the need of the time. Moreover, the availability of natural gas varies from region to region. Some remote areas may not have available natural gas.
As opposed to natural gas, diesel is widely available. Since diesel is used around the entire world for its use in agricultural machinery, cars and trucks, you will not find it difficult to buy this fuel. Again, if we compare the availability of the source of energy the generators use, lithium-ion batteries are easy to find everywhere. You do not need to be anxious to find them when your battery stock runs out.
Efficiency
When it comes to talking about the efficiency of generators, the price comes first. The price of gas relies on the availability of gas in a state. Typically, the price of natural gas is inexpensive, but a gas generator burns more gas for less energy.
On the other hand, diesel costs more than gas, it has more energy density. Overall, diesel generators produce more electricity for the amount of fuel it burns. One of the most tempting advantages offered by a generator powered by a battery is that you do not have to spend money constantly. Once you have bought this generator, the battery will last up to 2-3 years. Once the battery runs out of charge, you can simply replace it with another battery.
Environmental Impact
The gas generator is called environment friendly as it does not pollute the environment when burning gas. It does not produce a lot of noise as well as odor.
When a diesel generator burns fuel, it emits sulfur, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen. While emitting harmful fumes, it produces a pungent smell and a lot of noise. Staying close to a diesel generator while it is running can cause hearing problems, headaches, nausea, and so on. Like gas generators, battery generators are also environmentally friendly. In fact, it is the most suitable generator for the environment.
Safety
As everybody knows, natural gas is extremely flammable. No matter how tiny a leak is, it can result in a major fire explosion. As natural gas is a volatile substance, it can cause a fire if there are any fire sparks in the surrounding area.
Diesel is also a flammable substance; however relatively safe in comparison to natural gas. It is not volatile and needs fire sparks to come in contact with itself to cause a fire. Even then it needs careful handling so that no mishap can occur. Another gasless generator that is operated by the battery is the safest in comparison to both of these generators. It does not burn or cause a fire in heat.
Maintenance
No matter what type of your generator is, regular maintenance is mandatory for the well-being of your generator and its efficiency. Considering the spark plugs and wires, the maintenance cost of a gas generator is much high.
On the other hand, the maintenance cost of gasless generators is relatively lower than that of gas generators.
Cold Weather Start
Warm, cold, or any extreme weather has no effect on the gas generator.
Cold weather influences the working of the gasless generator. Diesel generator generators rely on high temperatures to ignite the fuel while cold can slow the chemical reactions on which lithium batteries depend for working.
Longevity
The lifespan of a gas generator is not long, but regular and careful maintenance can increase the lifespan of a gas generator to some extent.
In contrast to the lifespan of gas generators, the lifespan of gasless generators is considerably longer.
The Final Analysis
The most important factor that comes up when comparing a generator and a gasless generator is safety. A gas generator is involved with the fire safety issue and a gasless generator that burns other fuel except gas is involved with spill risk.
Now manufacturers of both types of generators are trying to minimize the differences between these generators. Even so, there are still a lot of differences between a generator and a gasless generator. So, if you are planning to buy a generator, go through our article to know which kind of generator will be suitable for you.