Emergency power.

Convenience factor is a real draw... If I didn't already have a generator, I'd more than likely get one of these.. I have 4 different sized propane tanks (for bbq, for canning stove, and for camping) and the main house propane tank... I'd be great to be able to cycle through those when the power went out as I keep more propane on hand gallon-wise than I do gas.

I have 15-20gallons gas on hand... but I have about 50lbs or more plus the big tank of propane.

I suppose I don't really know if a gallon of gas = a lb of propane... I will go read!
 
well, google is fast...

5 gallons of gasoline would be equivalent to about 6.8 gallons of propane. (5x1.36) That would be about 28.8 pounds of propane.

Propane
1 gallon = 91,500 BTU
1 cubic foot = 2,500 BTU
1 pound = 21,500 BTU
4.24 lbs = 1 gallon
36.39 cubic feet = 1 gallon
 
Ok.. this is important.. especially considering most times I need to run the generator are freezing temps or near freezing:

The 20# grill tank is OK for testing, but will be severely pressed to supply your unit for more than an hour or 2, especially if heavily loaded and in cold weather. Even a 100 pound tank will not last more than a day, as evaporarive cooling will chill the liquid propane to the point that it will not give off enough gas to run the unit. A larger tank, or a tank heating arrangement will have to be made in order to supply the unit with the small tanks. Twnned 100s or at leas a 250# tank would be a better supply bet.


^ taken from www.smokestak.com


So maybe for warm states a bi-fuel would make more sense... Thoughts?
 
Passively heating the tank with solar is an option, You have to get well below zero before the cooling effect will make that much of a difference, -20C I would think. I used to have troubles with my propane powered pickup below -30C. If the tank was in an insulated box with a small heat source, say a 60w bulb, or the like, it would be more do-able.. I dunno, just tossing in solutions. Advantages to propane in the cold, no water contamination risk, especially in places with large temp wings.
 
For me, the choice would be gas or diesel. Gas is easier to find and the units cheaper. But diesel stores longer like kerosene.
 
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