I agree with 12voltinstalls. The OP may be trying to solve a problem that does not exist. Try it first the easy way, a single small tank, and see if you have a problem. If you do have a problem, then address it. Above ground propane tanks are very common around here and it get a whole lot colder than 0F on a regular basis. I have seen reduced propane flow at extreme temperatures, like -30sF, but it does not seem to be a big problem. Just give it a shot. If it works, great. If it does not work, what have you lost?Propane boil might be better than you think. Try it it with one and see how it goes?
(FWIW my propane heat was fine at -39*F)
buy one
Then plumb it from where they can be ~25’ of hose with direct burial copper and a brand new regulator.
They’ll charge you pretty expensively to fill it but probably not more per gallon than a refill station. I have a 100gal and I pay about 10-cents more per gallon than getting a 30lb cylinder refilled per gallon. But it lasts most if not all of the winter and I don’t have to bring a tank to refill. So it’s worth it.
Just got a new inverter generator and want to run only on propane after initial break in. Worried about cold climate use of propane at 0ºF. Based on some power and propane evaporation tables at motor snorkel (ttps://motorsnorkel.com/propane-consumption-rate-2/), looks like I need the following:
5kw generator at 50% load uses: 50k BTU per hour
40# propane tank puts out 12.6K BTU per hour at 0ºF
50k/12.6k= 4 - 40# propane tanks in parallel
This will give me enough evaporation at 0ºF to run my 5kw generator at 2500kw for charging. Is this correct? If so where the hell do I get a 4 propane tank parallel connector..lol.
In my experience it's not that hard to freeze up portable propane tank when even a 8kW generator is running at anywhere near full load. We've been know to point the exhaust of the gennie at the tank to resolve this issue.I've had a 20 lb propane tank freeze up running a 7.25kW generator at about 32*F, that's why I plumbed it to the 500 gallon tank. I'm sure there are a number of variables at play.
Regardless, the OP will need to discover what works for their temps and fuel draw.
Haaa , now that’s a good idea…In my experience it's not that hard to freeze up portable propane tank when even a 8kW generator is running at anywhere near full load. We've been know to point the exhaust of the gennie at the tank to resolve this issue.
This joins 2. You can then daisy chain. Wouldn't do it long term, but emergency should be fine. Also, try a local RV dealer.If so where the hell do I get a 4 propane tank parallel connector..lol.
Wimps. That’s not that uncommon here in Vermont.They can't get their vehicles up the main road grade which is about 10-14 degrees, steeper up my drive to house which is around 12-20 degrees
The feet of drop will or may make too much pressure imho@jimf909, just for example at moderate temperatures, if I run the regulator that came with the generator off a 40lb tank and through 40ish feet said the CSST or hard copper to the generator bellow using a quick connect or something, it would work? I’d have the required pressure?
Think outside the box.This joins 2. You can then daisy chain. Wouldn't do it long term, but emergency should be fine. Also, try a local RV dealer.
- The premade hoses will start to run into some $ and may be a bit messy.Think outside the box.
You can take cast iron nipples and Tees and make a manifold with gas shutoffs for each tank’s stub.
Everything does not come premade.
Those will do. $260 seems like a lot, imho. The two-tank automatic valve / regulator on my camper cost me ~$45 new at an RV place so $260 hurts my headFound a simple kit to use with up to 3 20/30/40#
Yeah. I just want something that will allow me to have at least three. Still looking a building something like others mentioned.Those will do. $260 seems like a lot, imho. The two-tank automatic valve / regulator on my camper cost me ~$45 new at an RV place so $260 hurts my head