Looking for a reliable generator using natural gas - Page 2

 
actually running on natural gas derates a generator about 22%.

Methane has less energy in it than gasoline, which is the staNDARD
FUEL FOR RATING GENERATORS.

stupid cap locks:(

 


   Actually, that depends on the design of the individual generator and
there is no way to put one number on all designs.  For example, my generator
is rated by the manufacturer for the same output regardless of fuel.  They
did that by not skimping on the size of the engine.

 True enough though, if a manufacturer makes a generator with an engine that
lacks reserve capacity, then it will probably produce somewhat less power
when used with natural gas.

Vaughn

 wrote:

What size of a house would a 7kwh generator support? Im looking for
something for a 1200 squarefoot house heated by a Bryant I90 gas
furnace. Stove, dryer and HW are gas.
Also... what's involved in having gas and electric connection points
on the outside of the house installed so that the generator can be
kept in a convenient storage location and moved into place/hooked up
when required.

Thankyou in advance for any assistance you can provide.

 

I'd be surprised if you require more than about 4kW.  We have an off-grid
3200 sq ft house with gas heat, hot water, cooking and dryer, along with an
electric well pump and I don't think I've ever seen more than a 4kW draw
from my batteries.

The only way to tell, for sure, what size generator you require is to
measure your loads with everything you might need turned on, and also take
into account that some of your items may have an additional starting surge.
There's no good way to guesstimate that from the information you've
provided, though.

Outside hookups can be done, but you'll need to consider weather related
issues.  Then there's also the issue of hooking things up according to your
local building codes, and various safety considerations.
--ron

 
Thankyou for your help.  I forgot that we have air condtioning.. could
bump up the load a little.