Revision as of 22:50, 14 February 2024
MMBtu = million Btu , LPG = liquid petroleum Gas , LPG can consist of all butane or a combination of propane and butane.
Natural gas can be supplied as CNG (compressed natural gas) or as low-pressure gas from the utility.
| Comparison
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Diesel
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LPG / Propane / Natural Gas
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| ENVIRONMENTAL
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- Rapidly changing emission standards reduce engine availability and increases engine cost.
- Strict emission controls are increasing Diesel engine complexity thereby reducing reliability and making maintenance more difficult.
- Diesel emits 161 lbs of CO2 per MMBtu.
- Diesel emits more soot and obnoxious odors.
- Very expensive cleanup cost on fuel spills
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- Environmentally clean fuel, engines are rarely affected by change in environmental regulations.
- Clean exhaust ideal for use near population centers.
- Propane emits 139 and NG 117 emits lbs. of CO2 per MMBtu
- No spills requiring cleanup costs
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| STORAGE, SHELF LIFE
TRANSPORTATON
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- Diesel fuel has limited storage life and sometimes requires additives. Transportation of Diesel to the site exposes the fuel to water contamination which can damage the engine.
- Diesel engines require clean and moisture free fuel to operate reliably.
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- LPG and NG have an unlimited shelf life which leads to greater generator reliability.
- During emergencies LPG may be more readily available.
- Using vapor feed contaminants remain in the tank.
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| ENGINE NOISE
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- Due to compression ignition, Diesel engines produce higher noise (knock) thereby requiring greater noise attenuation. Noise is a concern when systems are installed close to population centers.
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- Low operating noise of LPG engine allows for deployment of engines in close proximity to population centers and indoor facilities.
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| FUEL THEFT
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- Diesel theft is a key factor increasing operating costs by 10% to 25%. In addition, the practice of diluting diesel fuel as a means of pilferage leads to premature engine failure.
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- LPG and NG are more difficult to steal; making these fuels ideal fuel for commercial applications.
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| LIFE CYCLE COSTING
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- Diesel engines are subject to damage (wet stacking) if run with light loads.
- Quality Diesel engines will have a service life of 14,000 to 35,000 hours.
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- The service life of a Toyota LPG / NG engines is 60,000 to 90,000 hours.
- NG is lower in cost than diesel.
- At many locations LPG is lower in cost than diesel
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