Types of propane power generation

Propane can play a part in a variety of power generation applications and configurations. Here’s a summary of the different types of propane-fueled power generation with added perspective from Gavin Hale, director of product development and power generation at the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC).

Prime: Provides the primary source of power for heavy-duty commercial and industrial applications that are isolated from a central energy grid. Some examples include agriculture, mining operations and off-grid military bases. In locations that have access to electricity, the generator can make up the difference for needed power. If overloads to the grid occur, the prime power system can offset load demand. “If you were to look into prime power and CHP for buildings, the best place to start is with builders,” Hale says of opportunities for propane marketers.

Photo courtesy of Kohler

Standby: Provides residential and commercial customers with reliable backup power that kicks in almost instantly during power interruptions. PERC says today’s permanently installed units are quiet, efficient, clean and can operate for weeks. Hale says natural gas fuels about 90 percent of this generator type. “If you’re in an area that’s not well supported by conventional gas pipeline infrastructure, propane is a really good solution because you store the fuel on-site. It’s got infinite lifespan, easily serviced, easily accessed by the marketers to get product to [customers] when [they] need it, very clean and efficient,” Hale says.

Photo courtesy of Generac

Towable and portable: Mobile options meet temporary power needs, whether for tools and equipment on job sites or for homes and businesses after power outages. PERC underscores the opportunity for propane marketers in this category because the products offer a distinct advantage over diesel, which fuels about 95 percent of this generator type, and the propane products exist today. Propane models are cleaner, less expensive, quieter than diesel units and can store fuel for longer runtimes, the council says. Hale encourages propane marketers to promote these options in their service territories.

Micro-CHP: Combined heat and power (CHP) units create electricity for a home or business by using a built-in generator and then capture the heat from the generator to produce hot water. Micro-CHPs, designed to run indefinitely, are ideal for any building with a high thermal load. According to PERC, building owners can generate significant energy cost savings by generating electricity on-site through propane-powered micro-CHPs. CHP is a type of distributed generation, that brings energy closer to the point of consumption, Hale explains. He says PERC is working with a number of micro-CHP companies.

Microgrid: This system is a miniature power grid designed to efficiently distribute power to multiple homes or buildings, according to PERC. A microgrid still uses the main electrical grid as its primary power supply, but it also can operate independently should the main grid fail. It does this by using renewables like solar and wind to collect and store electricity as well as backup energy sources, including propane. “Love the idea of solar, love the idea of wind,” Hale says. “You’ve got a broad path to get this done, but it’s not always windy, and it’s not always sunny, so propane plays a role.”

Source: “The Ultimate Guide to Power Generation” brochure, PERC