Generators

ishoot308 · 08-27-2025, 02:42 PM

dpg, make sure you have a good sized propane tank as standby generators use a ton of propane when running depending on size. A 20KW generator will use at least 3 gallons per hour when running at full load!!

Good luck!

Dan

DickR · 08-27-2025, 03:24 PM

The size of the tank may be determined by either how many days of potential outage you want to cover or the minimum size needed for the generator capacity. The generator, operating at maximum output, needs a certain propane flow rate at some minimum tank pressure to support that output. Liquid propane in the tank must vaporize at the corresponding rate, and the heat absorbed by this vaporization must come from ambient air. The design condition is at some appropriate low winter temperature (perhaps zero F). The rate of heat transfer is proportional to temperature difference between air and boiling propane temperatures and to tank surface area. The generator vendor or propane provider can look up the minimum tank size needed easily.

SAB1 · 08-27-2025, 04:09 PM

Generator Connection did mine. All install and permitting as well. Mine is a Kohler. They did a great job and were reasonable with pricing. Agree with Dan they do chew thru propane but oh so nice when you do lose power!

ishoot308 · 08-27-2025, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAB1

Generator Connection did mine. All install and permitting as well. Mine is a Kohler. They did a great job and were reasonable with pricing.

Same here! Had them install a 20K Koehler. Also very pleased with their annual servicing! They have been fantastic thus far!

Dan

08-27-2025, 02:42 PM	#1
ishoot308 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Gilford, NH / Welch Island Posts: 6,373 Thanks: 2,423 Thanked 5,353 Times in 2,096 Posts	Propane Tank dpg, make sure you have a good sized propane tank as standby generators use a ton of propane when running depending on size. A 20KW generator will use at least 3 gallons per hour when running at full load!! Good luck! Dan __________________ It's Always Sunny On Welch Island!!

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08-27-2025, 03:24 PM	#2
DickR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 758 Thanks: 4 Thanked 260 Times in 172 Posts	The size of the tank may be determined by either how many days of potential outage you want to cover or the minimum size needed for the generator capacity. The generator, operating at maximum output, needs a certain propane flow rate at some minimum tank pressure to support that output. Liquid propane in the tank must vaporize at the corresponding rate, and the heat absorbed by this vaporization must come from ambient air. The design condition is at some appropriate low winter temperature (perhaps zero F). The rate of heat transfer is proportional to temperature difference between air and boiling propane temperatures and to tank surface area. The generator vendor or propane provider can look up the minimum tank size needed easily.

08-27-2025, 04:09 PM	#3
SAB1 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Tuftonboro Posts: 1,254 Thanks: 193 Thanked 335 Times in 243 Posts	Generator Connection did mine. All install and permitting as well. Mine is a Kohler. They did a great job and were reasonable with pricing. Agree with Dan they do chew thru propane but oh so nice when you do lose power!