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> a generator with fuel storage on site probably makes more sense Storing fuel is dangerous in general, but I believe that liquefied gas is more dangerous. It

by ordu 2y ago

> a generator with fuel storage on site probably makes more sense Storing fuel is dangerous in general, but I believe that liquefied gas is more dangerous. It is more tricky. For example you need to store it in a ventilated environment, to prevent gas buildup. If you turned wrong nut you'll may be not able to turn if back due to pressure.[1] It can be treated safely, but it much more tricky that with liquid fuel. [1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzdnUZReoLM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzdnUZReoLM

mindslight 2y ago
With propane, there is also the problem of the vaporization rate being very low at winter temperatures. I've got a small 2500W (1850W continuous) dual-fuel generator that I had expected to be able to run off of a 20lb propane tank. It didn't work at all when I actually needed it (surprise!), and I ended up just running on gasoline and having to go out to get more. It has since been working fine off of 3 tanks teed together, although I still haven't seen middle of the winter arctic blast temperatures with that set up yet.
- creeble 2y ago
  You might need a horizontal tank. Liquid Propane requires surface space to “gasify”, and more space the lower the temp. That’s (one reason) why propane “pigs” are horizontal cylinders. Unfortunately, there aren’t many small horizontal tanks.
  - mindslight 2y ago
    Yeah, I researched it after the surprise. Practically for as much propane as I use, it didn't feel worth it to look at larger tanks (there's a price jump, larger ones still have limited lifespan, and smaller is easy to transport/refill). Plus I already had several 20lb tanks kicking around, so teeing them together was the straightforward option. Down the line I figure I'll be building some sort of generator "shed", and perhaps look at using the generator exhaust to warm the tanks. A loop from the heating system would positively solve the problem, but that feels like way too big of a circular dependency.
    - deleted 2y ago
      [deleted]

by ordu 2y ago

mindslight 2y ago

With propane, there is also the problem of the vaporization rate being very low at winter temperatures. I've got a small 2500W (1850W continuous) dual-fuel generator that I had expected to be able to run off of a 20lb propane tank. It didn't work at all when I actually needed it (surprise!), and I ended up just running on gasoline and having to go out to get more. It has since been working fine off of 3 tanks teed together, although I still haven't seen middle of the winter arctic blast temperatures with that set up yet.

creeble 2y ago
You might need a horizontal tank. Liquid Propane requires surface space to “gasify”, and more space the lower the temp. That’s (one reason) why propane “pigs” are horizontal cylinders. Unfortunately, there aren’t many small horizontal tanks.
- mindslight 2y ago
  Yeah, I researched it after the surprise. Practically for as much propane as I use, it didn't feel worth it to look at larger tanks (there's a price jump, larger ones still have limited lifespan, and smaller is easy to transport/refill). Plus I already had several 20lb tanks kicking around, so teeing them together was the straightforward option. Down the line I figure I'll be building some sort of generator "shed", and perhaps look at using the generator exhaust to warm the tanks. A loop from the heating system would positively solve the problem, but that feels like way too big of a circular dependency.
  - deleted 2y ago
    [deleted]