Question

Advantages and disadvantages of producer gas

Answer 1

Advantages and disadvantages

1. Propane 

Advantages
+ Long shelf life
+ Nice combustion
+ Easy storage in big tanks as well as in small tanks
+ Available during power failure
+ Home delivery is possible for bigger tanks
+ Relatively cheap

Disadvantages
- A tank of flammable gas under pressure is dangerous
- The fuel system is more complex
- Bigger tanks are less appealing
- Higher installation costs
- Shorter lifespan. There is more wear because it is dry fuel
- approx. 10% loss of power
- Less convenient when working on site
 

2. Natural gas 

Advantages
+ Unlimited fuel (no need to refuel)
+ Nice combustion
+ Available during power failure
+ Relatively cheap
+ Quieter engines compared to diesel and gasoline
 
Disadvantages
- Possibly unavailable during natural disasters (earthquakes, etc.)
- approx. 10% loss of power
- Higher installation costs
- Not always available
- Shorter lifespan. There is more wear because it is dry fuel
- Unavailable when working on site
 

3. Diesel 

Advantages
+ Least flammable, therefore least dangerous
+ Easily available
+ Longer lifespan of the engine compared to natural gas (dry combustion)
+ Relatively cheap, cheaper than gasoline in Europe
+ Possibility to place a bigger external tank, home delivery is possible
 
Disadvantages
- Short shelf life: 18-24 months
- Big storage tanks = increased installation costs
- Possibly unavailable during power failure
- Not suited for shorter periods
- Watch out for moisture
- Heavy
- It takes a couple of seconds before the chamber where combustion takes place is warmed up enough (preheating)
 

4. Gasoline 

Advantages
+ Common fuel (easily available)
+ More convenient for shorter periods
+ Starts up immediately
+ Improves mobility of smaller generating sets
+ Relatively light compared to diesel generating sets
+ Quieter engines compared to diesel engines
+ Longer lifespan of the engine compared to natural gas (dry combustion)
 
Disadvantages
- Extremely flammable
- Short shelf life: approx. 12 months
- Relatively expensive compared to diesel
- Higher consumption
- Storage of considerable quantities is dangerous. Max. 50L storage is allowed
- Possibly unavailable during power failure
- Risk of clogging the conduits after long downtime. Gasoline affects the carburetor