Questions About Propane

[40Kchicks]

I think a propane generator is a good way to go. They will be more expensive to run but it sounds like this is going to be for a backup system and not prime power. Chances are good that you won’t put that many hours on the generator each year. I have read somewhere that a propane generator will last a long time and is very easy on maintenance because the propane is so clean burning.

I agree with junkman that an automatic transfer switch is not needed for a home system unless someone or something in that home is depending on power for life and death reasons. Don’t get me wrong they are nice but I just don’t see that they are worth the extra cost. I have 85KW onan propane generator and 400 amp auto transfer switch for my chicken ranch but those bird lives definitely depend on constant power.

I think you will find that 500gal tanks are more standard than 1000 gallon tanks. We have 4 500 gallon tanks for the barns and one 250 gallon tank for the generator. If I remember right my big generator (using at 50KW) will run for about 50 hours on those 250 gallons. The rule of thumb for generators is about 1 gallon per hour per 10KW. Diesels are a little more efficient and gas a little less. What I’m getting to is that you will probably be fine with one 500 gallon tank. For added margin add a 250 gallon tank or if you want overkill get two 500 gallon tanks. Ideally they should be plumbed together with valving so that you can draw from either tank.

These are just some observations from my experience.

Eric

 

[bmac]

<font color="blue"> you could install a the gas line in a pvc casing. If your line were to develop a leak you could cut the line at one end pull it out make repairs or replace with a new line & reinstall the new line through the casing & reconnect it when you get to the other side </font>

Another good idea.

<font color="blue"> What size generator? water cooled or air cooled? </font>

Don't know yet as I haven't researched brands / models enough to comment. Size will depend on whether I decide to restrict power to critical things or power the whole house when the electricity goes out. I'm early in the planning stages so I have much homework to do.

Thanks for the PVC suggestion.

 

[bmac]

Thanks, Paul. Yeah, I know they are essentially the same. I've just never been in a position to check on whether or not there is anyone locally who delivers diesel fuel. Never had the occassion to ask.

 

[bmac]

Junkman and Don,

Using Junkman's figure of $85/yd and my rough estimate of 148 yds, that comes to about $12,500 in concrete alone. As Don points out, this will be labor intensive to form and float this much concrete and I imagine it could easily double the materials cost. So $25K to $30K may be a good estimate.

Last year, I talked to an asphalt man who gave me an off-the-record ballpark estimate of $10K for an 800 ft drive, but I seem to recall he figured this on 10 ft wide. I would like a 12 ft wide drive.

So, maybe if I combine the 2 materials I can get this done for closer to $15K to $18K.

Although my 14 year old son doesn't ride non-motoized vehicles very much anymore, my 8 year old daughter still has a few years of bike riding to do and a paved surface is obviously better for that. Once off the property, the county road would be too dangerous for bike riding. That is one feature of our subdivision I will miss - safe roads for riding bikes.

Also, though I don't worry too much about keeping the dust off my truck, my wife likes to keep her minivan clean. That would be difficult with a dusty gravel drive.

So, once again, I'll just let the budget decide. If we don't control costs in other areas, we'll have to make compromises in things like driveway, generators, etc. I'll remind my bride of this as she picks out flooring, tile, harware, lights, plumbing, etc. In all fairness to her, she has really tried to find ways to control costs in these areas. Its just more fun to blame her for cost overruns. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Junkman]

In the last 3 weeks, asphalt has gone up $10 per ton. If the oil prices don't stabilize soon, then they will be delivering asphalt by armored truck instead of dump trucks. Seems that everyone knows that inflation is back except the government. My take home pay won't even pay for enough gas to take me home... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[bmac]

As always, Junkman, you are right on top of things. I didn't even think about the petro-asphalt connection. Probably has doubled that estimate from last year. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif