Natural gas engines vs. diesel engines

Natural gas fueling station

From tractor trailers and transit buses to delivery trucks and terminal tractors, fleets have traditionally relied on diesel engines to provide the torque, reliability and durability needed by heavy-duty commercial applications. Natural gas engines, however, have emerged as a great alternative to diesel. Drivers, mechanics, and fleet managers appreciate natural gas engines for a variety of reasons.

Drivers find that natural gas engines have similar performance and drivability as diesel engines. The leading difference between natural gas and diesel engines is noise; natural gas engines are quieter.

Natural gas offers convenient refueling options

Natural gas also improves the refueling experience for many fleet drivers. In a world of several alternative fuel options for commercial vehicles ranging from natural gas to liquified petroleum gas (LPG); natural gas can be used in a vehicle in either compressed or liquefied form. For fleets with behind the fence refueling capability, natural gas refueling stations can be set up on site to ensure that each vehicle has a dedicated fuel hose. There are two basic types of fueling equipment: fast-fill and time-fill.

Fast-fill systems combine a compressor and a high-pressure storage system. The storage system, called a cascade, fills the vehicle's fuel tank in about the same time it takes to fuel a diesel vehicle. Compressed natural gas can’t spill during refueling and drivers never go home smelling of diesel.

Time-fill systems don’t have a storage system and typically compress the gas directly into the vehicle storage cylinders to refuel vehicles while they’re parked overnight. With time-fill systems, drivers pull into their designated space at the end of their shift, connect a fuel hose to their vehicle’s natural gas cylinder and go home. Drivers don’t need to wait for their turn at the diesel pump and don’t need to wait again until their tank is full. This saves them time and saves their company money.

Natural gas exhaust systems are cheaper and easier to maintain than diesel aftertreatment systems

There are no complicated exhaust gas aftertreatment systems on natural gas vehicles. Modern diesel trucks require a set of sensors, filters and converters to scrub pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and soot from their exhaust. Some converters consume diesel exhaust fluid, or DEF, a water-based reagent whose handling can be challenging in cold weather. Natural gas burns much cleaner than diesel, so few or none of these systems are required on a natural gas vehicle. All of the exhaust is run through a simple three-way catalyst, resulting in near zero NOx levels (0.02 g/bhp-hr NOx).

It is important to closely follow recommended maintenance intervals with natural gas engines, but with proper maintenance, it’s not uncommon for natural gas trucks to reach a million miles. And mechanics often find that maintaining a natural gas engine can be a more pleasant experience because of how clean they are.

Natural gas promotes cost savings

Besides enjoying savings in terms of lower maintenance costs and reduced maintenance downtime, fleet managers can also save big on fuel costs. In the United States, the retail price of compressed natural gas has been consistently lower than the price of diesel since the start of the shale gas boom in the early 2000s. It is also decoupled from the price of oil, and therefore has been quite stable. As a result, natural gas fleet operators don’t experience wild swings in fuel prices that other fleets must deal with whenever oil prices rise and the cost of diesel jumps. This comes in addition to all the other benefits natural gas engines offer for transportation applications.

Natural gas cuts greenhouse gas emissions

Natural gas has many sustainability benefits, including 13% – 17% lower well-to-wheel greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and 27% lower CO2 emissions than petroleum when using virgin natural gas. The benefits really shine when using renewable natural gas (RNG) made with biogas.

 

RNG can help fleets reach sub-zero GHG emission levels because producing RNG captures biogas like methane that would have otherwise been emitted into the atmosphere through natural decomposition. This biogas comes from the fermentation of organic waste such as animal manure in industrial digesters. Switching to renewable natural gas can be an effective way for these businesses to reach any greenhouse gas reduction objectives they may have. Many transportation businesses operating in agricultural areas have found ways to create win-win partnerships with local farmers willing to invest in a renewable gas production setup. Municipalities and refuse companies that own landfills are able to capture methane generated through waste decomposition and sell that to the RNG fuel producers, essentially offsetting their fuel costs.

If natural gas engines are relevant to your needs, don’t forget to also check our answers to frequently asked questions about natural gas engines. These answers cover topics such as cost, practicality, and feasibility of integrating natural gas into commercial fleets.

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Puneet Singh Jhawar

Puneet Singh Jhawar

Puneet Singh Jhawar is the General Manager of the global natural gas business for Cummins Inc. In this role, he is responsible for the product vision, financial management and overall performance of the natural gas business. Over his 14-year career at Cummins, Jhawar has cultivated successful relationships with a number of Cummins’ largest customers. Jhawar has extensive global experience, with roles based in the Middle East, India, Europe and the US.

Why you should become a Cummins Home and Small Business dealer

Cummins dealer smiling next to home generator

For more than 100 years, Cummins Inc. has been dedicated to making people’s lives better by powering a more prosperous world. As a company, we seek to be customer-driven, innovative, responsible, and trustworthy so that we can truly make a difference now and in the future.

But exactly what does Cummins do? At a high level, we create power solutions. You’ll find Cummins products and solutions for on- and off-highway engines, turbochargers, electronics, fuel systems, generators and power systems, and more. We’re not in this on our own, though. With a broad network of Cummins-authorized dealers in the home and small business power solution space, we count on our independent dealers and their local relationships. If you’re interested in becoming a Cummins-authorized dealer, keep reading to find out the benefits and how to get started.

Does Cummins make Home Generators and Small Business generators?

Yes, Cummins offers generators that are sufficient for residential homes and small businesses, including:

  • 13-20 kW air cooled emergency standby generators
  • 25-150 kW liquid cooled emergency standby generators
  • 9,500-watt portable, dual fuel heavy duty generators
  • 2,500-4,500-watt portable, lightweight inverter generators
  • 300-1,000-watt portable lithium battery powered power stations

In the midst of severe weather, increased blackouts, and aging power grids, generators are becoming more and more important. Consider this: 83% of power outages were the result of weather-related incidents from 2000 to 2021.

When these outages occur during extreme temperatures, generators are critical to keeping homes and businesses comfortable, safe, and operational. Families won’t have to worry about losing their heat or everything inside their refrigerators. Businesses won’t have to worry about the potential financial impact that comes with an outage—which can be as much as $12,500 a day for a small business. 

All of these reasons are likely why search terms like “Cummins generator dealers near me” are so popular on Google and other search engines. Local people are consistently looking for the right generator solution. Cummins-authorized dealers can help ensure they have the power they need, no matter what.

What are the benefits of being a Cummins Generator Dealer for Home and Small Business?

Of course, if you’re thinking about becoming a Cummins-authorized dealer, the fact that there’s a market isn’t the only perk. Here are eight more reasons why you should become a Cummins-authorized Home and Small Business generator dealer.

  1. You’ll be backed by the Cummins brand, a name that’s synonymous with support, reliability, and sustainability. Cummins generators are quality, trustworthy equipment that you and your customers can count on.
  2. You will receive state-of-the-start training. Cummins provides courses and the certification path required to become a Cummins-authorized partner and product expert. Our technical training and certifications provide knowledge on Cummins home generator service like installation, maintenance, and repair.
  3. You can connect to a robust network of Cummins resources. Our dealers have access to a world-class set of tools, including training, a dedicated account executive, an online portal, sales and training certifications, and so much more.
  4. You’ll receive “preferred parts” pricing. By becoming an authorized dealer, you’ll get the best parts pricing around so you can maximize your profits. You can also pass these savings on to your customers to ensure your pricing is competitive.
  5. You can capitalize on marketing support. Cummins regularly invests in brand-building and lead generating campaigns to drive customers to our dealers. 
  6. You have access to warranty claim submission. Warranties don’t have to be a hassle for you or your customers. As an authorized-service dealer, you can submit warranty claims on behalf of your customer to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty. 
  7. You can join the ChannelOne Partner Rewards Program. This competitive rewards program helps you maximize your earning power.
  8. You can list your company on the Cummins Parts & Service Locator. The Cummins service locator makes it easy for local customers to connect with your business, and it increases your overall brand visibility.

How to become a Cummins Dealer: It’s easier than you think

Stop missing out on all of the local online traffic searching for “Cummins authorized dealer near me,” and bring great products to your community! It takes just four simple steps to get started.

  1. Complete the online “Become a Dealer” interest form. A regional Cummins Account Executive will contact you to start the discussion.
  2. Share additional information about your business, your experience, and why you’re interested in becoming a Cummins dealer.
  3. Fill out and return the necessary paperwork to be processed by the Cummins team.
  4. Complete your required product training and become a Cummins Home and Small Business Dealer.

At Cummins, our company is dedicated to providing great products and services to customers throughout the world. If you’re ready to join our world-class network, get started now.

Cummins Office Building

Cummins Inc.

Cummins, a global power technology leader, is a corporation of complementary business segments that design, manufacture, distribute and service a broad portfolio of power solutions. The company’s products range from internal combustion, electric and hybrid integrated power solutions and components including filtration, aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, electric power generation systems, microgrid controls, batteries, electrolyzers and fuel cell products.

How do I calculate what size generator I need?

Customers talking to Cummins dealer

There are several great reasons why you might be considering a standby generator for your home or small business. In the event of a power outage (caused by severe weather, for example), having a standby generator helps ensure ongoing safety and comfort. And in the case of a business, the ability to reduce downtime and maintain operations is a significant advantage.

Standby generators—also known as permanent or whole-house generators—offer reliable and efficient backup power solutions for a wide range of applications. If you’re currently exploring your options, we imagine you have a few concerns. You’re probably looking for a generator that’s sold and serviced by a reputable company, and want to determine the right generator capacity for your needs.

In this article, we’re going to help you answer a key question: “What size generator do I need to run my house or small business in the event of a power outage?” Keep reading for an overview of how to find the perfect Cummins Inc. standby generator for your needs.

What is the rule for generator sizing?

When it comes to understanding generator sizing, one important rule to keep in mind is that the generator needs to be able to power everything requiring electricity, but it also needs to have additional capacity to account for various appliances’ starting wattage. Otherwise, you might find yourself in a situation where your generator simply won’t cut it, potentially leaving your home or small business without the power it needs.

Next, we’ll cover a basic framework for calculating your power needs.

How to Calculate Standby Generator Size

Here’s a simple, three-step process for assessing your needs and priorities, understanding generator sizes, and finding what size generator is going to work best. 

Let’s take a look at what this process looks like.

Step 1: Understanding Generator Sizes

Here’s a basic formula for how to calculate standby generator size:

  1. First, create a list of everything in your home or small business that would need to be powered by the generator in case of an emergency. This should include anything that requires electricity and isn’t something you would want to go without should you lose power. It’s important to not only consider running wattage, but starting wattage as well—since most appliances will require a few seconds’ worth of extra wattage to get started. There are several online sources for determining appliances’ wattage requirements.
  2. Add together each item’s running watts. When in doubt, err on the side of overestimating wattage requirements since it’s much better to have a little more power available than is needed as opposed to having to adapt to a generator that lacks sufficient power.
  3. Then, to roughly account for starting wattage, add the single-highest starting watts figure to the total.
  4. To ensure a margin of safety—and to account for potential future needs—you should multiply that figure by at least 1.25. The resulting number is the minimum generator capacity you should consider.

You can also use our home generator sizing calculator to estimate your power needs.

Step 2: Assessing Your Needs

It’s important to understand your priorities. While getting the right size and type of generator that fits your budget are important, it’s also important to consider how you intend to use the generator.

  • Will it need to be capable of maintaining enough power for your home or small business in case of an emergency?
  • Do you envision having a permanently-installed generator, or is portability important?

How you answer these questions should help provide context for the next step: exploring generator sizing and zeroing in on the perfect product for your needs.

Step 3: Finding the Right Generator

In addition to the generator size calculator, our online buyer’s guide to home generators is a great starting point for exploring your options. Cummins offers three main types of standby generators suited for a home or small business:

  • Permanently-installed 13-20 kW air-cooled home standby generators that can be powered up when needed. 
  • Permanently-installed 25-150 kW liquid-cooled home standby generators that can be powered up when needed. 
  • Heavy-duty, gasoline- or propane-powered 9,500-watt dual fuel portable generators that can provide backup power for a home or small business. 

Cummins: Reliable and Affordable Standby Power Solutions

At Cummins, we build versatile, high-quality standby generators for homes and small businesses. Don’t let their quietness fool you—they’re powerful and reliable. 

When you’re ready to explore your options, you can reach out to request an on-site assessment. One of our authorized dealers will help you assess your needs, evaluate different generator types and capacities, and understand how much a generator might cost to have installed.

Cummins Office Building

Cummins Inc.

Cummins, a global power technology leader, is a corporation of complementary business segments that design, manufacture, distribute and service a broad portfolio of power solutions. The company’s products range from internal combustion, electric and hybrid integrated power solutions and components including filtration, aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, electric power generation systems, microgrid controls, batteries, electrolyzers and fuel cell products.

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