Ethanol Generator
When choosing a generator to use in your home, garage or even your commercial space, there are several different factors you will have to analyze to find your perfect fit. First of all, what is it being used for? What is its exact purpose?
You will also want to take a look at the output needed and the space you will be putting it in to help determine things like size and shape. There are even different fuel options that you can choose from. It may seem overwhelming, but below, we discuss ethanol generators more in-depth so that you can start to figure out if this kind of generator is right for you and your personal needs.
What Is an Ethanol Generator?
An ethanol generator is exactly what it sounds like– it is a generator that runs on ethanol, rather than fossil fuels, and can still power appliances in your home or your electric vehicle, for instance. Ethanol generators do have some advantages over traditional generators. For example, they make use of a renewable and environmentally friendly fuel source.
When you use ethanol rather than fuel such as gasoline, you also help to cut down on emissions, which can be harmful to the environment and Earth’s atmosphere.
That being said, ethanol can be more expensive than gasoline– depending on a few variables such as the location it is being delivered to and current events that may make fuel prices rise and fall– so your choice of ethanol or other fuel sources depends on your priorities and your particular situation.
Related – How to get Gasoline Smell out of Your Garage
Ethanol Generator Considerations
Choosing ethanol as your fuel source has a few pros and cons, just as choosing fossil fuels would! Take a look at some of the considerations below and take them into account when deciding what option is the one for you.
Fuel Economy and Performance
There is more than one blend that can be used in an ethanol generator, and the performance of the generator itself depends on the blend you are using. The general rule of thumb is that the impact to the fuel economy lessens when the ethanol content in the blend decreases. These values are directly correlated.
In addition, ethanol possesses a higher octane number than gasoline. High octane blends can increase engine efficiency and fuel performance. A prime example of this is in race cars– many Indianapolis 500 drives, for instance, use high octane E98 fuel.
Energy Security
North America is already a large exporter of petroleum, though a large amount of it is also imported, which helps to balance out our supply and demand needs. By using alternative fuels such as ethanol, we can reduce fuel consumption and demand. It also helps to reduce transportation costs for businesses and consumers, since the transportation sector is responsible for a large part of energy needs and petroleum consumption.
Emissions
As we touched upon previously, ethanol fuel is a great way to cut down on emissions and lower your own carbon footprint. This is partially due to the fact that burning ethanol does not produce the same emissions, but also because growing feedstock crops to create ethanol captures carbon dioxide.
This captured carbon dioxide offsets the carbon dioxide that is released when ethanol is burned. When petroleum products are burned, though, none of these emissions are offset, unfortunately.
Job Impacts
Ethanol can also be a job creator! Choosing ethanol is therefore a great way for you to give back to the community while serving your own needs as well. The production of ethanol can create jobs in rural areas where job opportunities are especially needed. After all, the surplus of job opportunities tends to be in the big cities and more urban areas.
This should not be the only reason that you choose ethanol as a fuel source, but can be the icing on the cake if you are still hemming and hawing over the decision.
In Conclusion
Ethanol can be a great choice for a fuel source. Unlike other fuel options such as gasoline or propane– which are fossil fuels–, ethanol is a renewable fuel that can be domestically produced, too. It varies in potency from low level to high-level blends, which can be used for different purposes and to achieve different means.
Depending on what you are using the generator for, you may end up using a different blend from your neighbours, for instance! Ethanol has its own set of pros and cons, just like the other fuel options do. It is therefore important for you to do your due diligence and research your options thoroughly before you come to a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a generator run on ethanol?
Ethanol can be used to power a generator and help reduce emissions at the same time! It is a renewable and domestically produced resource, unlike fossil fuels, and can be used in both low and high-level blends.
Can a generator run on moonshine?
Technically, yes, a generator can be run on moonshine. However, it is important to note that it must be incredibly strong moonshine to sufficiently run a generator. It should be at least 150 proof, or 75% alcohol content. 190 proof moonshine will yield the best results here.
Is ethanol cheaper to produce than gasoline?
The price of production of ethanol vs gasoline can fluctuate and also depends on things such as location and current events. This is why it is important to do your research before making any big decisions! Generally, many will agree that ethanol is more expensive to produce than gasoline. However, it does also have the tradeoff of being more environmentally friendly, so your choice depends on your priorities.
How does ethanol generate energy?
To create ethanol, sugars from ingredients such as corn are first fermented into ethanol. Ethanol then proceeds to generate energy through a thermochemical conversion process. This process involves adding heat and chemicals to a biomass feedstock. It then produces syngas– a mixture that is comprised of hydrogen and carbon monoxide.
