Common Natural Gas Generator Applications
When it comes the backup generators the two most common generators in the market are diesel and natural gas generators. As their names state, diesel generators run off diesel fuel and natural gas generators run off natural gas. Both diesel and natural gas generators are favored by many, each due to their own strengths that fit the needs of users that rely on generators for various applications.
When given a choice between installing a diesel generator or a natural gas generator, the user often must assess many factors to determine which generator is the best fit for their needs to serve as their primary backup power solution.
With all that said, there are some applications where natural gas generators may be a more viable option when compared to their diesel generator counterparts. This is largely due to the fuel type a natural gas generator runs off and can sometimes include emissions output that becomes a deciding factor when dealing with a backup power supply.
Peak Shaving Applications
Natural gas generators are often used for peak shaving applications due to their emissions. Peak shaving is essentially a process in which a business or facility reduces electrical power consumption during times of high demand on the power grid by using a generator as a primary power source during periods of peak energy demand on the utility. When peak shaving, it’s often done to avoid paying higher electrical costs. While peak shaving is possible to achieve with a diesel generator, it’s often much more costly to reach the appropriate EPA emissions rating for using a diesel generator for nonemergency applications vs natural gas generators that generally produce cleaner emissions. Additionally, if you are conducting peak shaving in an area where the cost of natural gas is significantly lower, this adds into the net savings for businesses and facilities on costs of running off the electrical grid.
Cost Effective Natural Gas Locations
In some states and regions, the cost of natural gas may be relatively cheap. This is a main instance where natural gas generators shine. When the cost of natural gas is lower than the cost of diesel fuel, it may be a prudent way for generator users to ensure they’re able to run their backup generator during unexpected power outages with reduced fuel costs. This is also beneficial if the unexpected power outage is due to a Winter storm such as a blizzard. While you may have to worry about refueling a diesel generator, a natural gas generator is hooked up to the local gas utility, which means you can have peace of mind and remove the need to worry about regularly refueling the backup generator.
In addition to this benefit, another big plus is fuel storage. When using a diesel generator as a backup power solution, one of the greatest challenges is often where to store the diesel fuel. Add to this the fact that diesel fuel can go bad adds another challenge to the mix. With a natural gas generator, the gas utility is both your fuel supply and fuel storage. This removes the headache of fuel storage and fuel spoilage!
On-Site Power Generation for Oilfields
While portable diesel generators are often the most typical portable generator style seen by many, there are portable natural gas generators that exist. These natural gas generators are often used in oilfield applications to provide on-site power generation that utilizes any stranded gas that is released when drilling for crude oil. This reduces potential waste and plays a part on reducing methane emissions that are released into the atmosphere. The stranded natural gas that is harvested is used to run the portable natural gas generator and can be used to power equipment.
Mobile Cryptocurrency Mining Containers
Recently, natural gas generators are also used in a larger portable trailer that houses cryptocurrency miners. These trailers house a natural gas generator, along with high powered cryptocurrency mining rigs, and set up with a series of pipes that can harvest stranded natural gas pockets that are released during crude oil drilling operations. The natural gas generator powers these cryptocurrency miners to enable a cheap method of electricity vs attempting run a similar operation on the local utility grid.
And more…
While these are some of the major industries using natural gas generators in specific applications, there are other reasons why some users may choose to go with a natural gas generator. With some bigger reasons including a deregulated energy market by creating a power to grid solution or a simple reason such a preference, there are always considerations to be made before deciding.
If you’re looking to find out more on natural gas generators or looking to purchase a generator for your business or facility, please reach out to us at Woodstock Power Company!
610-658-3242
Or fill out our Contact Form
THE WOODSTOCK POWER COMPANY EXPERIENCE
We have industry experts that focus on commercial generator sets, with in-depth industry knowledge to help you choose the right generator that fits your needs.
We are industry leaders in buying and selling used generators to fit the needs of many businesses, including commercial, industrial, medical, agricultural, and university. This includes facilities like hospitals, better living centers, nursing home, airports, hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail centers, manufacturing, production, and more.
Our experts are ready to assist you from answering any questions you may have about power generator sets to helping you find the best selection in our inventory based on:
- Peak & Average Power Requirements
- Fuel Preference (Natural Gas or Diesel)
- Portability & Stationary Power
- Prime & Standby Generator Requirements
- Available Space & Exhaust Restrictions
We carry only the most top rated new, used, and surplus power generator sets for sale, providing you with a great value generator that will fit your budget.
Our generators have been thoroughly inspected, serviced, and verified, which ensures that you will be buying a quality generator that you can depend on. If a generator is not up to par with industry standards, we make all necessary repairs or modifications, and fully test every generator before we sell. This ensures a full turnkey generator that’s ready to fire up and go!
Due to our wide selection of generator sets, we’re confident that we can find the model that best suits your operational needs and budget.
We also buy used generators in good quality, if you have already upgraded and you’re looking to sell your older model.
Feel free to contact us with any questions, concerns, or inquiries to learn more about the Woodstock Power Company experience and the quality level of products & services we provide.