Gasoline vs. diesel generators

It doesn't matter if you are a small business owner or an individual looking for a generator to power your workplace or home. Proper knowledge of generators will help you make an informed purchasing decision. The two most common types that will come into the generator market are diesel and gasoline.

Since gas and diesel are readily available everywhere, most first-time generator buyers choose between the two. This article aims to help everyone know the difference between gasoline and diesel generators. We will also tell you the pros and cons of each type of generator.

Diesel generators

Diesel generators - also called diesel gensets - generate electricity using an electric generator and diesel engine. Several brands in the market sell high-end and sophisticated diesel generators, such as BISON.

Diesel generators are known for their long life, low maintenance, and high durability. Purchasing from a reputable brand mentioned above will ensure fewer blackouts and more power.

Many people prefer diesel generators because diesel burns much less intensely than gasoline. This reduces heat production and, consequently, the load on the engine. Other advantages are efficiency, affordability, and a high power-to-cost ratio.

Let's take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of diesel generators.

Advantages of diesel generators

Diesel generators are highly safe and reliable. So, if these two are your top criteria, look no further. In addition to producing significantly lower temperatures, diesel generators use compression instead of spark plugs to ignite the fuel. This means there is less stress on the engine, thus reducing the chance of breakdowns.

Diesel engines use less fuel than their gasoline counterparts, allowing them to run for longer periods of time while exerting the same amount of power. Compared to gasoline generators, some diesel generators use only half as much fuel.

Additionally, diesel is known to degrade over time. Less use of generators means less fuel storage for refills, avoiding deterioration due to long-term storage.

Finally, since diesel generators rely on compression to burn fuel, they are easy to start even in cold weather. Other advantages have already been mentioned, such as durability, lower maintenance costs, and longer life.

Disadvantages of diesel generators

 

Unfortunately, all good things come at a price, and diesel generators are no exception. These heavy-duty generators are more expensive than their gasoline counterparts. Additionally, the heavy-duty construction means that spare parts are also quite expensive.

How does a diesel generator work?

A diesel generator uses diesel fuel to power its engine. An engine usually consists of a cylinder, a piston, and a fuel injection system, which works by spraying a fine mist of diesel fuel into the cylinder at the right time. The fuel burns due to the heat generated by the compression of the air inside the cylinder, creating pressure that drives the piston and generates electricity through an attached generator.

Diesel generators can also be equipped with additional features, such as automatic start and stop systems, which can automatically turn the generator on and off based on the presence or absence of a power grid signal.

Gasoline generators

Gasoline generators—gas generators—are the most common type and are popular with homeowners. The easy availability of gasoline is the reason for the popularity of gasoline generators.

If your power requirement is lower, these generators are the best choice. This means they are ideal for workplaces, homes, campsites, and other purposes. These generators are also relatively compact and affordable, making them suitable for construction jobs. However, all could be better when it comes to these generators. Let's consider the advantages and disadvantages of gasoline generators.

Advantages of gasoline generators

Fuel-powered generators are affordable and reasonably portable. They are perfect for homeowners and small company owners searching for a long-term, dependable, and efficient generator. Additionally, gasoline prices are consistently low and readily available, meaning gasoline generators are cheaper in the long run.

Additionally, gasoline generators are quieter than the majority of diesel generators, which is advantageous when put in homes or other enclosed areas without soundproofing. They are also very lightweight and portable, enabling users to move them as needed.

Disadvantages of gasoline generators

The major disadvantage of gasoline generators is that they use more fuel than diesel generators. This requires the owner to store large quantities of gasoline in his home or workplace, which is a safety hazard.

Additionally, since gasoline burns more intensely than diesel, the heat output is significantly higher. Excessive heat production stresses internal components and calls for frequent maintenance.

Finally, gasoline generators also have higher emissions than other generators, which harms the environment. You must also deal with the unwanted and annoying noises gasoline generators make.

How does a gasoline generator work?

An internal combustion engine transforms fuel into electrical power in a gas generator. A spark plug ignites a mixture of air and fuel inside the cylinder of an engine, which is normally made up of a cylinder, a piston, and a crankshaft. The resulting explosion creates pressure that drives the piston, which rotates the crankshaft and generates electricity through an attached generator.

Gas generators are usually started using a pull cord or ignition switch. They may be equipped with additional features, such as automatic voltage regulation, which helps ensure a stable power output.

Gasoline vs. diesel fuel

Diesel generators are better choices than gasoline. Let's start with looking at gasoline fuel.

Consider storage. Gasoline is more flammable than diesel. Diesel is a safer option because there is no risk of accidental igniting if you will be keeping your fuel in an area with open flames or high heat sources (such as a garage with a workshop).

Diesel also has a longer shelf life than gasoline. Under suitable conditions, diesel fuel will last six to 12 months without additives. On the other hand, gasoline has a shelf life of about three months without additives. The shorter shelf life means that gasoline must be treated and used at rates two to four times higher than diesel. This usage requirement can add significant costs to owning a generator.

Another advantage of diesel fuel is that it is likely more obtainable than gasoline in an emergency. Since most vehicles and small, portable generators run on gasoline, fuel competition will increase when power is out. However, diesel fuels fewer cars and generators. This means you'll spend less time waiting at the pump when you need to refill your tanks.

Diesel engine noise and gas engine noise

Older diesel engines are notoriously noisy. But contemporary models are not. Except when idle, they run as quietly as a gasoline engine.

When running full throttle, gasoline engines can make more noise than diesel. To produce enough power, gasoline engines must run at a higher RPM than diesel engines. Thus, they have more noise. Most small gasoline generators run at 3,600 RPM. Diesel typically runs around 1,800 RPM.

Diesel vs. gasoline generators: Maintenance and longevity

Compared to gasoline engines, diesel engines require less maintenance. There are no spark plugs to replace the diesel and no carburetors to maintain and replace. A 1,800 RPM water-cooled diesel can run for 12,000 to 30,000 hours without significant maintenance. A comparable gasoline generator will run for 6,000 to 10,000 hours before requiring primary care.

One of the reasons diesels last longer is that diesel engines burn cooler than gasoline. Excess heat causes wear on gasoline components. Another reason diesel engine systems last longer is that diesel fuel emissions are not as harmful as gasoline engine emissions.

Comparing diesel and gasoline generators for extended use

Finally, diesel engines are better for long-term use than gasoline engines. Most large diesel generators are liquid-cooled, while smaller portable generators are air-cooled. For extended use, liquid-cooled models have an advantage as air-cooled models can overheat when used for long periods, especially with high ambient temperatures.

Diesel engines are also designed to operate under heavy loads for extended periods. They perform better under heavy loads than under light loads, so when you need them, they perform best when running. Gasoline generators are designed for intermittent use only. They are intended for something other than significant power outages.

Ensure zero downtime

If you want unbeatable performance and long life for your generator, periodic maintenance is key.

Follow these five simple tips to keep your generator in tip-top condition:

• The best preventative medicine for your generator is to follow your operator's manual detailing routine generator maintenance.

• If your generator operates in hot or dusty conditions, perform maintenance tasks more frequently.

• Remember to log the maintenance you do and the hours the generator runs. This helps optimize the life cycle and provides a basis for supporting warranty claims.

• You should choose the best generator repair professionals to maintain, repair, or replace emission control equipment and systems.

• No matter what work you need to do, always contact a certified dealer or certified technician for advice.

No matter which fuel generator you choose, remember to follow a scheduled maintenance plan to keep your machine up and running at all times. Never let an outage ruin your business profitability.

 

FAQs

1) Why is diesel more powerful than gas?

Compared to gasoline, which has 33.7 megajoules/liter of energy, diesel fuel is denser and has 39.6 megajoules/liter. This shows that more energy is transmitted to the piston each time diesel fuel is burned, increasing the torque on the crankshaft.

2) Why choose a diesel generator?

Compared to gasoline, Diesel fuel has a higher flash point, making sparks or fires less likely. It also has a higher boiling point than water and is a stable, heavy liquid that evaporates slowly. The price of diesel at the pump is also more durable and does not fluctuate like gasoline.

3) Can a diesel generator run 24 hours?

A typical large-scale diesel generator set can run continuously for 24 hours or more, typically requiring refueling after 8-12 hours of continuous operation. However, the actual running time will depend on the size of the generator set, the load it supplies, and the fuel tank's capacity.

4) How long can a gasoline generator run continuously?

How long a portable generator can continuously produce electricity depends on the fuel source you purchase, size, and model: gasoline-powered portable generators can run for about six to 16 hours.

5) What is the lifespan of a diesel generator?

The lifespan of a generator depends on several variables. As long as the machine is used and well-maintained, it can typically last up to 30,000 hours. However, a generator can last around 10,000 hours or even less without proper maintenance and attention.

6) Is a gasoline generator good?

Gasoline generators are popular among owners of private houses and summer houses. Also, they are used in small industries, construction sites, picnics, and emergencies. The device can work continuously for 4-11 hours a day. Therefore, experts suggest using gasoline generators during power outages.

7) Why don't diesel generators have inverters?

Diesel generators are designed to produce high power levels, with large fuel tanks for increased power output.

Inverter generators are designed to produce energy using less fuel, making them more energy-efficient but less powerful. They are better for low power and not suitable for diesel generators.

Conclusion

Recent improvements in diesel and gasoline generators mean that the efficiency gap has narrowed significantly. Today, diesel-fueled generators emit far less pollution than their predecessors, and many gasoline generators can meet operating needs previously met only by diesel generators.

Choosing between these two types of generators is easiest when working with an experienced power expert who understands how these recent developments affect generator performance.

At BISON, our experts can help you understand which generator is best for you based on location, industry, power needs, and budget. Call our team for immediate assistance if you need help choosing a generator.