Gas Genset Market: What to Know

Have you ever experienced a power outage and you need backup power? Genset can be a solution, but instead of using fossil fuels, you can utilize an unlimited source: natural gas.

Just like other power generators, gas genset can produce energy from other sources, which is natural gas. The combustion engine in the genset will mix gas and air and insert the mixture into a cylinder. Piston then will compress the fuel, while spark plus will ignite the gas. Finally, a rotor will spin and generate electricity.

Not only by using natural gas, this genset can also work on gasoline or propane. There are also dual-fuel generators with operating either on gas or diesel, or others. There are tri-fuel generators as well, where you can use three kinds of sources. But certain generators may only run on natural gas. Several items that can get power from this genset are TV, laptop, refrigerator, microwave, home security system, among others.

As gas generators are increasingly relevant to today’s needs, there is a growing demand for gas genset market. A research firm, GMI Research, noted that global gas genset market size would see substantial growth over the coming years.

Not only gas genset that has seen an increased globally, but there is also growing interest in Africa diesel genset. The growing demand is due to the need for multiple layers of backup power to ensure operation in various industries.

What are the Types?

Gas genset can be differentiated into three types, which you can choose based on your needs.

1. Prime

Prime gas generators can work without relying on any power thus they can run for long hours without facing any malfunction. This type of generator is suitable for places with no power and can operate non-stop without encountering any problems. However, they are not economically viable thus usually they are for commercial applications instead of residential utilization.

2. Standby

Different from prime generators, standby generators are more common, and the application not only limited to commercial purposes but also residential. This generator connects to underground gas pipelines, and it is always on standby in case there are power outages. When the main power is off, this generator will automatically generate power without you having to turn it on manually. However, as it only serves as a backup, it can only work in a limited time, otherwise it can encounter a malfunction.

3. Portable

If you do not want to get into trouble and spend money to install a bigger generator at home, you can go with a portable one. As the name suggests, you can carry around this generator easily. Usually, the portable generator is dual fuel, in which it can work both on liquid and gas fuel, making it even more flexible. However, this generator cannot generate a lot of power and is limited to only a few appliances at the same time. Nonetheless, as you can take them with you easily, it can be useful in case it is necessary for other needs in another places.

What is Good About It?

Gas generators are very useful, and they have multiple reasons why people need them.

1. Seamless storage

Over an extended period, diesel or oil may deteriorate as liquid fuel can accumulate sediments and stimulate fungal growth. However, natural gas can be usable anytime without any expiry date.

2. Eco-friendly

Natural gas is more environmentally friendly compared to fossil fuels, as natural gases produce cleaner emissions. Gas generators, therefore, will create less carbon footprint.

3. Cost-saving

In terms of volume, diesel is ten times the cost of gas. With gas generators, you just have to pay half of the cost of diesel to generate the same volume of electricity. In light of this fact, it is clear that gas generators will be much more cost-saving than diesel ones.

4. Flexible and adaptable

This generator also offers flexibility and adaptability. It can survive in any kind of environment, whether it is wet, hot, or cold, it can still work anytime. Also, in case you do not have access to diesel or gasoline, you can easily make the generator work by utilizing natural gas—which can be easier to get, making it more accessible when emergency incidents occur.

5. Quiet

This generator is also relatively quieter compared to generator that is run by diesel or gasoline, which can produce loud sound. In addition, this generator also is free from odors that makes it more convenient.

6. Obtainable permit

It is not difficult to receive a permit to use this generator. Users usually must comply with strict standards regarding the environment when using generators, particularly for commercial activities. Gas generators, on the other hand, produce less emissions, thus it will be easier to fulfill environmental compliance, whether for emergency or non-emergency utilization.

The Challenges

The utilization of gas generators, however, is not without any challenges.

1. High initial and maintenance cost

Even though gas generators can save more costs in terms of the fuel cost, it can offer higher initial costs for installation and for regular maintenance.

2. Can pose a danger

Gas can easily lead to explosion if it meets a spark or flame, compared to liquid fuels. Unfortunately, the generator comes with spark plugs that makes the risk of explosion can be even higher. It is important to run the gas generators in an area with adequate ventilation or outdoor space. You can also install a gas leak detector to prevent any gas leakage. In addition, even though gas generators can survive in rain or wet environments, it will be better if you keep the generator dry to minimize the risk of electrocution.

3. Lower output

Compared to generators that are run on diesel, gas genset will relatively produce less electricity.