Natural gas and diesel generators are both powerful, reliable and cost-effective. But there are significant differences between them, from how they work to how you buy them. Lets know in detail about Natural Vs diesel.
Natural gas generators are powered by natural gas, which is usually stored in tanks on site. A natural gas generator can run on either liquid or compressed natural gas (CNG). These generators can be fueled by the same fuel that powers your home’s kitchen stove or oven, which makes them more convenient than other types of generators. The downside is that they can’t be refueled while they’re running — which means that you’ll have to shut down your generator before refueling it.
Diesel generators use diesel fuel to produce electricity and air pressure, which then powers an engine inside the generator. Diesel engines are capable of running for long periods without stopping — which makes them very reliable but less energy efficient than natural gas or propane models. They also require more maintenance than other types of generators because diesel fuel is flammable and requires special safety precautions when handling it and running a diesel generator indoors or near an open flame.
You can power most appliances with a diesel generator, including refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners. The biggest drawback to using a diesel generator is the cost and noise associated with running it. A diesel generator produces noise that can be heard up to a mile away. If you use it at night, your neighbors will likely complain about the noise pollution, especially if they live close by and have no other source of heat or power during an outage. Additionally, diesel fuel is expensive compared to natural gas and propane fuels — but if you have access to it, using gasoline may be cheaper than using electric power from the grid during an outage.
Natural gas generators are less noisy compared to their diesel counterparts and produce less emissions too which means that they are environmentally friendly as well as cost-effective in the long run. However, they may not be able to run for a long time without refueling due to their higher fuel consumption rate compared to diesel generators.
Natural gas is a fossil fuel that is formed when organic matter, such as plants and animals, is buried and compressed for millions of years. The most common natural gas deposits are found in underground reservoirs, but natural gas can also be collected from coal beds, oil fields and water wells.
Natural gas can be used to produce electricity in two ways:
Power generation: Natural gas-fired power plants generate electricity by burning the fuel in a boiler to create steam that drives a turbine connected to an electric generator.
Distribution: Natural gas distribution companies deliver natural gas to customers through pipelines for use in homes and businesses.