Ensuring adequate backup power supply for commercial and industrial setups is a must, and more so in areas where extended power outages are common. After all, a prolonged downtime for a commercial or industrial setup could result in revenue losses, often ranging in thousands of dollars. This can prove to be detrimental to a business, both in the short run as well as over a period of time. 

Having a natural gas generator on-site can be of immense help in case of a power outage, and facilitate the continuity of operations in the most seamless manner possible. However, as is the case with any significant investment, before you go on to purchase a natural gas generator for your industrial setup, you must have a clear grasp of the various aspects related to these generators. Not only will such an understanding help you in making an informed decision, but will also ensure that you buy the right size and type of natural gas 

Sizing the Natural Gas Generator

One of the first and foremost aspects of buying a natural gas generator for industrial use is sizing the generator, as undersized generators won’t serve your purpose well, and oversized generators may lead to additional costs, in addition to resulting in tripped circuit breaker, damaged connected equipment, power wastage, and poor performance on the whole.

To ensure a well-informed sizing decision, follow the below-mentioned steps –

Make sure you know the targeted application, and take into account all the devices, equipment, appliances, and machinery that you’d need to run on your backup power supply.

Now, calculate the wattage and power requirements for all the appliances and machinery, if they are plugged in simultaneously and are running at full capacity. 

This will help you gain an insight into the overall wattage requirement from your natural gas generator. 

Depending on the results, you may need to purchase a natural gas generator with a power supply ranging anywhere between 6,000 Watts and 30,000 watts. 

Just in case, this task feels too cumbersome, you can always seek the assistance of a natural gas generator dealer in your area for sizing the generator. A simple on-site visit and some calculations later, they will let you know of the precise capacity of the generator you should be looking for.  

Cost Effectiveness

While natural gas is lower in cost as against diesel, natural gas generators need a higher upfront investment. Hence, you must calculate your expected usage and overall lifespan of the generator to gain insight into the cost-benefit equilibrium. Only if the benefits outweigh the costs, should you invest in a natural gas generator. 

Alternative Fuel Source

Did you know? Some natural gas generators are facilitated with conversion kits, which allow the generators to function using propane as a fuel source, in case of emergencies when the natural gas supply has been cut off. Hence, if your establishment is in an area where a supply cut has been experienced before, or will possibly occur, it is best to purchase a natural gas generator with a conversion kit. Alternatively, you should look for a dual fuel generator that is equipped to run on both – natural gas as well as propane gas. 

Emissions

If you are a business that aims at functioning in a sustainable manner, a natural gas generator might be the obvious choice for you, as it is considered to be the cleanest fossil fuel. Not only does it not emit any mercury, but the carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions of this generator type are also substantially lower. 

Noise Level

If your business is in an area with a local noise ordinance in place, make sure to look for a natural gas generator with the lowest noise levels. While natural gas generators are inherently quieter than their diesel counterparts, purchasing a generator complete with sound-attenuated enclosures will prove to be a smart financial decision. 

Extreme Weather Conditions

When buying a natural gas generator, you must be aware of the fact that it might not be able to operate at its assigned power rating in temperatures below -20 degrees. The same might be the case when these generators are placed at extremely high altitudes. Hence, make sure to check with the OEM or your chosen dealer, if your business is set up in an area that frequently experiences cold temperatures, or is at a relatively higher altitude. 

Natural gas generators begin to lose the ability to run and operate at their assigned power rating when temperatures are too cold (estimates are -20 degrees below zero). High altitudes can also affect a natural gas generator’s performance and ability to operate.

We hope that you are now well aware of the various aspects of natural gas generators, that need your attention before you make the purchase. If the investment in these generators seems a unviable, you can always purchase a used natural gas generator which will offer you all the benefits at half the cost. Of course, when you do so, make sure you opt for a trusted dealer like PowerGen Enterprises, which provides you with a wide array of services, including sizing, shipping, installation, and more. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Industrial Natural Gas Generator

What is the major benefit of purchasing an industrial natural gas generator?

One of the most sought-after benefits of using a natural gas generator is that it can be connected directly to the local gas line. Hence, you will not be burdened with the hassles of storing the fuel on-site. Moreover, in case of extreme weather conditions or natural calamities, the underground pipelines remain largely unaffected, which ensures a consistent supply of natural gas without any hiccups. 

Why are natural gas generators preferred over other industrial generators?

Natural gas generators offer several benefits including but not limited to - 

  • Lower fuel cost
  • Consistent supply through gas-pipelines
  • No need for scheduled fuel maintenance
  • Ease of access and installation
  • Better air quality due to lower emissions
  • Hassle-free operation with no fuel spills or cleanups required

What is the fuel efficiency of a natural gas generator?

If you are running a 1,000 Watt generator with a 25% load, it will consume 1.86 ft3, and you can expect to incur a cost of $0.02 per hour. 

On the other hand, if you wish to run a 30,000 Watt generator at 100% load, it will consume 222.90 ft3 of natural gas per hour. The cost incurred in this case will be approximately $2.50 per hour.