Generators

DickR · 08-27-2025, 04:24 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, 05:09 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, 08:25 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, 04:24 PM	#1
DickR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 757 Thanks: 4 Thanked 259 Times in 171 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, 05:09 PM	#2
SAB1 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Tuftonboro Posts: 1,251 Thanks: 193 Thanked 334 Times in 242 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!