A Clear-Cut Guide On What Size Propane Tank For 20 Kw Generator

Did you just buy a 20kw generator but are confused about the propane tank size you need to get it running?

Well, this is just the apt concern when deciding to buy a tank because choosing the right size of the generator propane tank is indeed a critical and central point to be considered if you do not want to waste your propane investment.

Commonly, we’d say for a 20kw generator that is running the full house electronics; you should opt for a 250-500 gallon propane tank.

However, to know the exact amount and save yourself from the budget and costliness of energy bills in case of a need to refill, you must consider a few things other than the size of your generator.

Now lay back, and let this article take you through some clear-cut, precise, and detailed guide on what size propane tank for a 20 kW generator is required.

What Size Propane Tank For A 20 KW Generator Should You Opt For?

To decide what size propane tanks for generators is needed, one must determine a few factors, such as; the hours of power outages and the consumption per hour of the fuel, the number of appliances you want to run on the generator, temperature, humidity and other natural fluctuations which unexpectedly come into play.

Moreover, the company and the specific model will also have a say in the choice of your tank size. Let us look at a few questions which you must ask yourself before you choose a sufficient propane tank to run your generator.

The Fuel-Per-Hour Propane Consumption:

 This is a significant factor when choosing the size of the propane tank for a 20 kW generator.

How will you find out the per-hour fuel consumption of your 20kw generator?

Looking through the documents that came with your propane generator list the information regarding fuel consumption, electricity generation, etc.

But a 20kw generator will use 2-3 gallons of propane per hour.

The Hours Of A Power Outage And Propane Consumption:

Now that you know the consumption per hour, you need to find out the number of hours in a day, a month, or a year that you face a power shortage to be more precise on what size propane tank for a 20 kW generator would be required.

According to a general estimate, a short outage will take approximately 200-250 gal, whereas an extended outage will require roughly a 500 gal propane tank for a 20kw generator.

Natural Factors:

Despite knowing the estimated hours of power outage in your area, mother nature has a way of turning the tables.

The temperature in your city or wherever you reside must be considered before deciding what size propane tank for a 20 kW generator would be required.

 Warmer temperature: 100-200 gal propane.

 Colder temperature: 400-500 gal propane tank

 Logically speaking, the propane consistency contracts in cold weather, causing a loss of pressure and a slow flow to the gas burner.

Secondly, in case of a natural disaster such as heavy storms or hurricanes, etc., an extended power shortage may occur.

The Reliability Of Your Has Service Provider:

If your gas company takes 5-7 working days to provide you a refill on an emergency request, which is too long for an emergency case, you may have to reconsider about size propane tank for a 20kw generator you should buy.

Thus, you must opt for a tank large enough for extensive blackouts, 400-500 gal, depending on the per-hour consumption.

This would be a precautionary emergency measure in case of unexpected blackouts.

The Energy Consumption Of The Appliances:

To be even more exact with what size propane tank for a 20 kW generator you should buy, you have to find out the power consumption, such as BTU requirements and wattage, for instance, of the appliances, you intend to run on your propane generator.

The brand of your instrument will also be a determining factor in this case.

For example, if you want to condition a 2000 square feet area with an air conditioner that takes an estimated 20BTU per foot, then your propane consumption per day will be 10-11 gal.

Similarly, you can calculate the consumption of all the other appliances you intend to run on your propane generator.

Conclusion:

See More:

What Is The Function Of A Capacitor In A Generator
How Long Can A Natural Gas Generator Run Continuously

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