Using these figures, we can figure the estimated usage for any size engine.
For instance a 10hp engine used on a 5000 watt generator running at
FULL load should use no more than 100,000 btu's per hour and cost approximately
80 cents per hour to operate. At the usual 50% load (2500 watts output average)
the same engine should use no more than 50,000 btu per
hour and cost approximately forty cents per hour to operate.
To compare that to gasoline (110,000 btu per gallon) simply times the cost
of 1 therm of natural gas by 1.1
to arrive at the comparable value. For example, a therm of natural gas
at eighty cents times 1.1 would equal eighty eight cents per gallon.
So if you are paying over $0.88 per gallon for gasoline, you can save by
using natural gas.
To know your true cost of natural gas per therm use a past
gas bill that was sent to you during a period that you are most likely to use
your generator. In the northern regions this would probably be in the
winter months during the ice storms and blizzards season and down in the south
in Florida and other southern areas use a past bill during the hurricane
season. Take the total bottom line bill amount and divide that amount by the
actual terms used. This will take into account the fees and services
that are not part of the actual therm price. This is your true price per
therm used. Keep in mind that most natural as suppliers give better
rates for higher monthly usage so peak months that you use the most therms are
going to be your best per therm price.
For information on Pipe Size requirements visit the
Natural Gas Page.
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