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Whole house backup generator - liquid or air cooled?

This topic can be found at:
https://sigforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/320601935/m/1640000605

January 13, 2024, 06:45 PM
tatortodd
Whole house backup generator - liquid or air cooled?
quote:
Originally posted by sigarmsp226:
How long would a 10kw generator running at 50% load run on 200 gallons of propane?

I ask this because with propane costing about $2.50 a gallon, this would allow me to better understand the cost to run per day if the unit ran non-stop (summer) or 8-12 hrs a day if winter time.
Kohler's 10kW spec for liquid propane:




Ego is the anesthesia that deadens the pain of stupidity

DISCLAIMER: These are the author's own personal views and do not represent the views of the author's employer.
January 13, 2024, 08:12 PM
dave7378
Air cooled. I have an air cooled generac at my home on Long Island and an air cooled Cummins at my wife's upstate home. Both are great. My first generac, a 22kw, caught on fire during it's regularly scheduled weekly run. A problem with the fuel air mixer if I remember correctly. They replaced it with a 26kw at no cost to me and it has been without issue.


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January 13, 2024, 11:06 PM
bendable
I just watched some you tubes that address theses systems.

Seems the new "in" system is to back up the generators with $4000.00 worth of super high tech batteries.

With all kinds of precautionary safe guards for consistent voltage, wattage and amperage.





Safety, Situational Awareness and proficiency.



Neck Ties, Hats and ammo brass, Never ,ever touch'em w/o asking first
January 14, 2024, 03:08 AM
reluctantpaladin
A vote here for the air-cooled version. I am a big fan of my Cummins. Its longest run was for several days straight 24 hours a day during our area's tornado season this year. Hooked to a 500-gallon propane tank, auto on, auto off. You can program how long the power has to be off before it turns on as well as when the monthly auto test runs.
January 14, 2024, 04:47 AM
sigarmsp226
quote:
Originally posted by tatortodd:
quote:
Originally posted by sigarmsp226:
How long would a 10kw generator running at 50% load run on 200 gallons of propane?

I ask this because with propane costing about $2.50 a gallon, this would allow me to better understand the cost to run per day if the unit ran non-stop (summer) or 8-12 hrs a day if winter time.
Kohler's 10kW spec for liquid propane:


Thank you Tatertodd - Greatly appreciate this information and link. Reading and learning from this link.
January 14, 2024, 05:38 AM
valkyrie1
Air cooled 22kw Generac propane driven unit with an ATS panel. Just had it installed. Been used twice so far for short periods with no issues .
January 14, 2024, 06:44 AM
r0gue
quote:
Originally posted by P250UA5:
We got a couple air cooled Generac quotes last year Eek
Sticker shock for sure.
Part of it was the extra expense from our gas supply & elec panel being on opposite sides of the house & having to make a run through the attic.


I will select air cooled if I ever pull the trigger. Particularly since the period of power outage most concerning to me is the endless winter of western PA. Cooling it won't be an issue.

@P250UA5, I have that same issue and had noodled on that same solution.




January 14, 2024, 09:51 AM
tatortodd
quote:
Originally posted by sigarmsp226:
Thank you Tatertodd - Greatly appreciate this information and link. Reading and learning from this link.
You're welcome.

BTW, the Kohler I linked is a bit of a gas hog. For comparison:
  • 10 kW Kohler:


  • 10 kW Generac:


  • 10 kW B&S:


    It's not the case in all sizes as my 20 kW Kohler (2.3 gph) compares favorably with 20 kW Cummins Onan (1.9 gph) and 22 kW Generac (2.53 gph). Same thing in the largest air cooled with the Kohler 26 kW (2.4 gph) and Generac 26 kW (2.06 gph)



  • Ego is the anesthesia that deadens the pain of stupidity

    DISCLAIMER: These are the author's own personal views and do not represent the views of the author's employer.
    January 14, 2024, 09:58 AM
    sig 226
    Air cooled 20 kW with ATS utilizing natural gas. It's branded as GE but really a Briggs & Stratton engine.


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    9/11/01 Never Forget

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    January 14, 2024, 10:05 AM
    Jimineer
    Thanks, stoic-one and sigcrazy. Y’all answered my side question.