geez, what do you do with 36k acres? That would be my dream come true.
On 8/29/2011 11:01 PM, G Mann wrote:
Some items to consider in generator selection for use in a real disaster.
1. If it's an earthquake disaster, Gas lines will be broken, or as a
precaution all main supply valves will be shut off until safety can be
ensured via inspection for the whole area. During that time, your NG
generator will be without fuel, you will be without electricity.
2. If it's a hurricane, with damage on even small scale, homes will be blown
away ripping out the gas line connection which will once again require
shutting down the main supply to the gas grid system for the entire area.
Result, you are out of gas and electricity with no fuel source for the
"backup generator"
3. Nuke attack.... Let's don't go there. However, presuming you survive,
will the gas mains?
Size selection is a matter of calculation of electrical load for "necessary"
function. Easy enough to do with a bit of thought and work.
Fuel choice: Gasoline doesn't store well, goes stale with time, and
presents a real fire hazard for storage. Diesel has fewer flash fire
issues, lasts much longer with simple biocide treatment to keep alge growth
in control. It is hydroscopic so should be sealed against water intrusion.
Cost: Gas generators large enough to run a house systems can be in the "less
than a 1000 bucks range. Diesel gensets cost more [$1500 to $10K about].
lasts longer in useful hour life span, aren't available in smaller sizes
[3500 Watt is about the low end size].
Propane fueled generators use more fuel than either gas or diesel simply
because propane [or natural gas] has less BTU per comparable volume of fuel.
Propane stores pretty well, as in independent source from the vulnerable NG
grid , as a third option. However, you may have local permit issues with a
large propane tank in your yard.
My personal experience: I live on a remote 36,000 acre ranch [that's 35 sq.
miles] in western Arizona. The nearest power pole is 42 miles away, so for
me, "normal" is your "emergency". I have all the electrical items [likely]
that you have and the order of electrical generation works for me like this.
1. Solar system , 4.5 KW system.. Primary. normal house things, computer,
lights, refrig.
2. Diesel Generator, 7.5 KW system... Secondary.... 120/240, 3 phase
available
3. Diesel Generator. 3.5 KW system... Secondary backup. 120/240...
4. Gas Generator, 3.5 KW system.... Reserve secondary backup, mobile rig
120/240 with welders on trailer, also wired to run well pumps.
5. Gas Generator, 1.2 KW system.... House system backup reserve, [dedicated
to refrig/deep freeze and lights. [phased usage required since it's to small
to handle start loads on all the items at one time.
6. Numerous 12 volt solar panels dedicated to small battery banks to run
things like the electric entry gate, security cameras, electrified fences,
communication relays, etc.
As you may guess, I'm a great fan of not depending on public services [since
there are none where I am].... respectfully suggest that in a real emergency
you quickly find yourself in the same situation.
Grant...
On Mon, Aug 29, 2011 at 8:07 PM, OK Don<okd...@gmail.com> wrote:
Thanks for putting the "generator hat" on!
I ran a crude spreadsheet calculation against the propane generators on
Amazon, and found this one - almost too good to be true --
http://www.amazon.com/Sportsman-GEN7000LP-7000-Watt-Portable-Generator/dp/B004BKI0ZM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314673188&sr=8-1
It produces 8.86 watts/$, vs. a Generac 7kW at 3.89 watts/$.
On Mon, Aug 29, 2011 at 7:52 PM, LWB250<lwb...@yahoo.com> wrote:
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