Diesel or Gas Generator: Which One to Choose?

If you are looking to prevent inconveniences and economic losses in your company caused by power failures in the commercial network, an emergency generator set should be something that you are interested in considering.

 

Electric generators are powered by different types of fuel, among them, the most used for their efficiency, are natural gas and diesel.

 

Therefore, if this is a solution that interests you, you are probably wondering which model and technology is best for you.

 

For this reason, today we want to share the advantages and disadvantages of these generator sets.

 

Diesel Generators

Diesel fuel-based generators stand out for having the widest range of powers on the market and for their optimal performance in any situation, starting from emergency to continuous service.

 

To have a bigger picture, let's know some of the advantages and disadvantages of diesel generators.

 

Advantages

• Good response to sudden loads.
• Quick availability of electricity once the normal grid fails; approximately 10 seconds.
• Great portability and ease of obtaining fuel.
• Compared to other types of fuels, diesel has lower flammability.
• They can operate uninterruptedly for long periods of time.
• Automatic on and off system when detecting a failure of the commercial electrical network, and automatic restitution of service.

 

Disadvantages

• High fuel costs;
• Noise level is higher than in case of generators with gas. This disadvantage is solved by adding acoustic booths or containers to the equipment that limit the emission of noise.
• Higher atmospheric emissions than the natural gas group provides. This disadvantage is solved by adding catalyst systems for the exhaust to the equipment.

 

Gas-fired Generators

Gas generators are a good viable option for those consumers and future clients who want to take care of their economy in the long term and who have access to a natural gas supply line.

 

Let's go with these generators’ advantages and disadvantages!

 

Advantages

• Low cost of natural gas.
• Automatic on and off system.
• Being powered by the natural gas line, these do not need refueling,etc.
• They are quiet and consume less fuel.

 

Disadvantages

• The installation of the unit depends on a continuous natural gas distribution network.
• Due to the demands of the motor and the system, they commonly require a significant initial investment.
• Limited range of available capacities.
• In the event of a failure in the gas supply service, the unit will be affected.

 

Differences Between Gas and Diesel Generators

Now, we are going to detail the main differences between the generators that run on gas and those that run on diesel.

 

Regarding the Installation

The installation process of both units is relatively similar, however, the difference is that gas-fired generators must be installed in areas where there is a constant supply of fuel through a network of dedicated pipes.

 

For its part, the installation of the diesel generator only depends on a site where there is easy access to fuel.

 

Regarding the Cost of the Equipment

The price of gas generators is higher, since they handle a more demanding system. Therefore, the initial cost of diesel generators is cheaper.

 

Regarding Access to Fuel

Gas generators need a fuel distribution network.

 

For diesel generators, it is enough to buy the fuel from a diesel sales network and fill the storage tank.