Homeowners and businesses are always on the lookout for cleaner and cheaper sources of energy. Many opt for eco-friendly generators, such as natural gas generators, as a clean and cost-efficient alternative for their energy needs.
Natural gas generators are the bridge between using traditional fossil fuels and renewable sources of energy. Natural gas generators offer higher energy efficiency and can generate enough electric power for homes, hospitals, and even power plants. Are they the right choice for you? Let’s find out.
Are natural gas generators environmentally safe? Let’s look at how they work, the fuel they require, and more to find the answer. #ReactPower Click To Tweet
How do Natural Gas Generators Work?
Natural gas generators consume natural gas to create power. From a mechanical standpoint, natural gas generators function similarly to a car engine. They use an internal combustion engine that mixes fuel and air into a combustion chamber. A piston compresses this mix and a spark plug ignites the fuel, which moves the piston to turn a crankshaft. The crankshaft then spins the generator’s rotor, generating an electric current that can charge various appliances depending on the generator’s size. These generators can vary dramatically in size. While the portable models are small enough to fit in a closet, the larger generators require much more open space and are powerful enough to power an entire hospital.
Pro Tip: Natural gas generator systems can be connected to existing gas lines, so there’s no need to store or transport fuel.
What’s the Difference Between Natural Gas & Diesel?
There are a few key differences between natural gas and diesel. Natural gas has a smaller carbon footprint than diesel fuel, meaning the amount of carbon dioxide that is released into the atmosphere is smaller and thus, does not have as harsh of an environmental impact as diesel. Diesel fuel requires meticulous maintenance as well and needs to comply with the new emission standards, which require the use of low sulfur fuel. Low sulfur fuel typically needs to be reconditioned every year so impurities don’t impact the flow of the fuel. Diesel engines also require constant refueling, which can be difficult to manage during a crisis situation. In the case of an emergency, it can be difficult to acquire diesel fuel, similar to what happened during the Hurricane Sandy crisis when over 2 million customers lost power due to diesel fuel shortages.
Natural gas, on the other hand, tends to be more readily available, cost-effective, and eco-friendly.
Are Natural Gas Generators Eco-Friendly?
Both natural gas and diesel fuel produce pollutants when burned, including:
- Sulfur dioxide
- Nitrogen oxide
- Mercury
However, compared to diesel fuel, natural gas emits lower levels of greenhouse gases and pollutants into the atmosphere. The EPA recognizes this in their relatively relaxed guidelines regarding natural gas generators. Environmentally conscious business owners will likely prefer a natural gas generator to one powered by diesel.
Conclusion
Natural gas generators provide a cleaner and more cost-effective energy source than their diesel counterparts. For a business manager or homeowner who wants an affordable backup energy system while harming the environment as little as possible, natural gas generators are an excellent choice.
Contact us to browse our stock of natural gas generators.
