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generator for a gas station with 8 pumps could easily be $10-$20k. that doesn't shock me at all. a whole house generator can run $10k or $15k, depending what size you get.
how often does this happen, is the key question...why would any gas station owner invest in the generator? their margins on gasoline are thin as it is.
Whether you have a generator for home or business when it is under water it won't work so well anyway. Why invest in something that will not work when you need it the most.
Would YOU invest that much money for something that won't work during a situation like the current one?
Whether you have a generator for home or business when it is under water it won't work so well anyway. Why invest in something that will not work when you need it the most.
Would YOU invest that much money for something that won't work during a situation like the current one?
Helloooooo.... Most gas stations were NOT under water. They just didn't have power to run the pumps!
A typical pump uses 3 phase (277-480v), equipment powered with 3 phase runs more efficiently than single phase (120v) or 2 phase (220v). Typical gas generators only produce two phase power. So while the pumps may not need a lot of voltage to operate, they need 3 phase power. On the other hand, you can pick up a 6 Kw 3 phase generator for $3,500. With a panel lockout, I see no reason why any gas station can't be powered by a generator in an emergency.
Helloooooo.... Most gas stations were NOT under water. They just didn't have power to run the pumps!
HELLO, I'm just saying IF cripes already. I've only seen photos and news stories online. Just because it did NOT happen this time does NOT mean it won't ever happen. Those stories have not shown EVERY part of the area that is underwater just bits and pieces. Since I don't live there I have no way of knowing and it is just a "what if" scenario.
A typical pump uses 3 phase (277-480v), equipment powered with 3 phase runs more efficiently than single phase (120v) or 2 phase (220v). Typical gas generators only produce two phase power. So while the pumps may not need a lot of voltage to operate, they need 3 phase power. On the other hand, you can pick up a 6 Kw 3 phase generator for $3,500. With a panel lockout, I see no reason why any gas station can't be powered by a generator in an emergency.
You are forgetting a few things.
They need to have a fuel tank to run it off of. They can't use the in ground service tanks due to state laws regarding weights and measures. It needs to be a separate fuel facility. Second, they need to have it installed. It requires a master electrician. They aren't cheap. It needs to have a concrete slab poured to secure it to, you can't just put one of those on dirt or asphalt. It has to be placed on the opposite side of any structure from air intakes--there needs to be space to accommodate this and generally prior to applying for permits, the station operator would need to have someone develop a CAD drawing plan of the facility. And permits need to be pulled. None of this is free.
And again, most stations are leased. No one in their right mind is going to spend that type of money to permanently affix something to the station that they don't own.
HELLO, I'm just saying IF cripes already. I've only seen photos and news stories online. Just because it did NOT happen this time does NOT mean it won't ever happen. Those stories have not shown EVERY part of the area that is underwater just bits and pieces. Since I don't live there I have no way of knowing and it is just a "what if" scenario.
Look at this map and you'll get a clearer vision of where the power is out and how far most of it is from the shore before you respond again. FirstEnergy Storm Center
how often does this happen, is the key question...why would any gas station owner invest in the generator? their margins on gasoline are thin as it is.
As I pointed out, they can charge up to 10% more and not violate the NJ Price Gouging law. Station owners typically make a few cents a gallon, but if they can now charge 36 cent a gallon (10% of $3.60 per gallon of gas), that's quite a jump in profits. Price gouging yes, but perfectly legal price gouging. If i was a station owner, I'd buy a generator and keep it at my house. This way I have use of it, but can still run it over to the station if I need to run the pumps in an emergency. I'm sure you can run several pumps with a portable 6kw 3 phase generator, and when those tanks are empty, move the power to other pumps.
Last edited by TechGromit; 11-05-2012 at 08:15 AM..
They need to have a fuel tank to run it off of. They can't use the in ground service tanks due to state laws regarding weights and measures. It needs to be a separate fuel facility. Second, they need to have it installed.
A portable generator needs to be installed? I'd like to see the regulations on that. Plenty of other business are up and running on portable generators, why do gas stations have special requirements?
Quote:
Originally Posted by annerk
It requires a master electrician. They aren't cheap.
Yes they are, BUT the Electrical Code allows Homeowners to do there own electrical work so long as it's to code. you don't NEED an electrician if you know how to do it yourself. I would imagine business owners have the same rights.
Quote:
Originally Posted by annerk
It needs to have a concrete slab poured to secure it to, you can't just put one of those on dirt or asphalt.
A portable generator needs to be on a poured slab? As for permits, I'm sure any town would be happy to wave the permits during an emergency that is currently occurring.
When I got gas yesterday, the pumps were running very slowly. My tank took something over 9 gallons, and the process probably took about ten minutes. I THINK the gas station was in a section that had power and that it wasn't running off of generator power, but because all pumps were going, perhaps it was slow. I can't swear to that, though.
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