(Continued from Part 1.)
1st Backup Option: The Portable Engine-driven Generator
The portable engine-driven generator is the most common tool for power blackouts. It comes in a range of sizes and features with an accompanying range of prices. Often used on job sites where electric power is absent, these can be bought almost everywhere. It will make a very accessible backup for your fridge and freezer, even on a minimal budget. As is demonstrated by the news stories of generators being sold out, and of their theft during weather-related disasters, you’ll also need to think in terms of security for your generator. If it is not kept in a locking vented enclosure, then you need to at least chain and lock your generator to something immovable.
Owning a generator is a good first (and fast) way to have a power backup. With the addition of good quality heavy gauge electric extension cords and fuel storage it allows you to provide your basic needs. Don’t forget to include a plan of where you will place the running generator and how you will run the cords to the devices that you need to power.
I recommend calculating the voltage and current needed from the generator beforehand, working out how to deploy the unit, and putting together a manual for use in high-stress situations where you may or may not be home. The manual should include where to place the running generator (not in the garage!) where and how to fuel the generator, where the electric cords are, what devices need to be plugged in, what rotation between devices should be used, and how to secure it to avoid theft. Actually, you should have such a manual for any backup system you use.
If you decide to buy a mobile generator, whether as your primary backup or as a first step toward a more comprehensive plan, find one that matches your power and voltage needs, fuel storage abilities and your budget. I prefer, and own, one that runs on either gasoline or propane.
Advantages of many modern generators include smaller physical size, multiple voltage outputs, high quality, inverters that provide a cleaner electrical output for use with modern electronics, better mufflers, fuel-saving options if not used at full load, and multi-fuel versions that can use gas, propane, or natural gas.
Disadvantages are the need to ensure that you have access to enough good-quality fuel, the noxious and potentially dangerous exhaust fumes, the need to either wire teh generator to a transfer switch and your breaker panel OR the need to connect multiple electric cords from the generator to the various appliances, and the noise produced by the engine.
2nd Backup Option: Battery Options
Portable power stations are gaining in popularity. These combine a large battery and an inverter to convert DC power into AC. These are often called “Solar Generators”, but that is a misnomer. Unless they include PV panels that don’t generate power — they store it. These units are available in a wide variety of sizes and provide a wide variety of voltage and amperage capabilities. Typically, these units offer the ability to charge the battery from a variety of sources, often including 120 VAC from the grid or an engine-driven generator, 12 VDC from a motor vehicle, or a portable PV panel’s output. They are typically designed for mobile applications with carry handles but can be heavy, especially in more powerful models. JWR Adds: Prices vary widely, so shop carefully. Some of the smaller ones are little more than toys. But if you buy one with a beefy battery, then you will have a truly practical power source.
There are now many companies that offer these systems. I have limited experience with small units from two of these companies (Bluetti and Jackery), and have had a third that was recommended to me. Investigate them yourself.
Portable power stations provide a very nice way to power appliances and recharge electronics within an enclosed area with no noise or carbon monoxide. The PV panels and 12 VDC system input make quiet recharging possible while grid-based charging makes it easy to keep them topped off.
Recent-production portable power stations use batteries that are often Lithium-Iron rather than Lithium-Ion for greater fire safety. (Warnings about, and examples of, Lithium-Ion battery fires can easily be found.) These batteries are advertised as providing 2,000-3,000 recharge cycles. This provides five to eight years of pcatical use if daily charging is done, and much longer, with less frequent charging.
Advantages include portability, quiet operation, the ability to use to use a variety of power inputs (including PV solar panels), and built-in outlets for a variety of AC and DC voltage needs. This portability makes it possible to quietly run a variety of power tools away from your base system. For example, I use it to run an old electric limb trimmer for pruning apple trees.
Disadvantages include the weight of larger power stations and the need to connect the electric cords to the various devices being supported. Even in a larger and heavier size, they are usually not large enough for a whole-house backup. While some of these devices made for the European market can support 240 VAC equipment, they usually require two 120 VAC units and a combining unit to provide properly phased 240 VAC.
3rd Backup Option: The Mobile Engine-Driven Generator
A popular backup for larger applications is the large engine-driven generator, usually mounted on a trailer. Diesel versions are used by modern military organizations, and civilian versions are often used on construction sites. Trailer-mounting makes them mobile, given a sufficiently powerful tow vehicle.
These can be big enough to handle a whole house (or multiple house) electrical needs and are offered by manufacturers who will rent or sell them. Used units, including ex-military units, are often available. As with other engine-driven generators, you will need a sufficient supply of diesel with PRI-D fuel preservative to cover your anticipated needs.
Connection to your system will require an electrical contractor to install the transfer switch, grounding, and safety equipment. While more expensive installations can be set up with auto startup and switch over, these are really best suited for manual switch over and startup when used just for backup.
Advantages include the large available power and the ability to run off of the diesel fuel ( diesel #2 or dyed diesel) often used for tractors and other motor vehicles. The output is large enough to provide mid-sized to whole-house power backup. The dealer networks make it easy to purchase a unit that will meet your needs. Some companies offer remote monitoring and support.
Disadvantages include the mid-range cost, large physical size, outside installation, noxious exhaust, need for a secure and available fuel source, and the noise of the engine. You will need a contractor to provide the safe and effective connection to your electrical system instead of using extension cords. A manual transfer system is less expensive than an automatic transfer.
4th Backup Option: The Larger Mobile Solar-Driven Generator
Just as larger mobile engine-driven power generators are available, PV power backup on a trailer is also available for larger applications. Like the engine-driven units, they can be sized for larger power requirements.
These can be big enough to handle a mid-size system’s electrical needs. While they come set up to provide power via extension cords, they can be set up to provide power to a transfer system. As with other systems, proper disconnect and safety systems are required and are available from electrical contractors.
Mobility of your power source is a real advantage of this option. Store and use it at home and transport to your remote location when needed.
Advantages include lack of noise, no noxious exhaust, and mobility, plus the available midsized power levels means that the output can be large enough to provide essential power backup. Some systems come with built-in EMP protection. Another nice option is the availability of sun tracking by the solar panels for better power production per day.
Disadvantages include the cost for the nice features, plus portability means easier theft. You will need a contractor to provide a safe and effective connection to your electrical system instead of using extension cords.
5th Backup Option: The Permanent Engine-driven Generator
A popular backup for larger and more settled applications is the large, permanently mounted, engine-driven generator. Natural gas or propane versions are built and promoted by companies like Kohler, Onan, and Generac. These are sometimes offered through electricity co-ops.
They are big enough to handle a complete system’s electrical needs and are sold through contractors who provide installation with a warranty and almost instantaneous safe crossover from the grid to the generator power and back. Natural gas versions are often powered from the utility gas line to the home. But these can also be powered from a homeowner’s propane tank (if sufficiently large) to mitigate the potential failure of that source. Diesel versions will need a sufficient supply of diesel with fuel preservative to cover your anticipated needs.
Advantages include the large available power backup, access to a variety of experienced contractors, installation of a safe and automatic system, and support from a large established dealer network. The experienced dealer networks make it easy to size a system that will meet your needs. The computer-driven automation that controls them offers monthly testing, fast startup, system monitoring, and fault alarming. Phone apps are available for monitoring.
Disadvantages include the mid-range cost, the need for a secure and available fuel source and the noise of the engine. (Though these are generally quieter than portable generators.) You will need to find a reputable and honest contractor to ensure that it meets your needs and is properly supported. You should ask about EMP susceptibility if that is a concern. You should also ensure that the computer monitoring connection is as hacking-proof as possible.
(To be concluded tomorrow, in Part 3.)
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