Batteries or generator?

Question

Which is less polluting in a situation where mains power is not available: running an appliance on disposable batteries, or running it from a generator (2-stroke petrol engine)?

I know petrol engines are dirty and inefficient, and two-stroke engines especially so.

But batteries contain some horrible chemicals, they take a lot of energy to manufacture and distribute, and it doesn't look as though anybody actually recycles them; as far as I can work out, they just dump them in landfill and pay the fines.

Which is more environmentally-friendly ..... or at least, less environmentally-hostile?

Answer 1

If you mean regular flashlight batteries, I would go for the generator. You would need an impossibly large number of flashlight batteries to operate something like a refrigerator or TV. And of course most such devices require AC power and batteries only produce DC power, so you would need an inverter too. You could recycle the batteries, because there are places that accept them for recycling, and if you have a big load of them it would be worth the trouble to find such a place. But if you just have a flashlight or portable radio, you run those on batteries anyway, even when the main power is on, right? The amount of batteries used is so small it seems silly to take the trouble to seek out recyclers just to dispose of 2 or 4 batteries. But you would need more like 200 or 2,000 to replace main power for even one day, and that would DEFINITELY justify seeking out a recycling facility that could take them.

Answer 2

I think you cold go more "enviromentally friendly" choosing several options of "green energy": wind+solar+battery+Petrol generator.

I recomend to make a scoop on the net for:

- An Easy to Build and Operate Induction Generator

- Build Your Own 12 VDC Engine/Generator

- Fisher and Paykel Wind generator

- Chispito Wind Generator

- How I home-built an electricity producing Wind turbine

All those are homemade generators that couls save you some money.

If you have many options to get energy, then you are going to start the petrol engine less, and then, polute less.

Even the battery is built using a lot of energy, you are going to need a small one for any car, and some of those batterys are partially recicled for the builder.

hope you could fuond this usefull.

Saludos desde Argentina, Pablo

Answer 3

Yes battery is more harmful for environment when we think its making process.so a generator more preferable.

Answer 4

The generator is friendlier.  The batteries will have to be continuously replaced creating a lot of landfill.  The generator can be used over and over.

Answer 5

you don't say what type of appliances you are using. however, to get the best efficiency from your generator, run it with at least a 65% load, you get the best fuel economy and long life from it. it will depend on what you want to run, consider using rechargeable battery system, a smart charger, 3 stage and possibility solar panels. a generator running long hrs can get expensive. the solar panels will help reduce the generator run time. best of luck to you on your venture.

Answer 6

You would need a large number of batteries to give the output of a petrol generator.

But if you only have a small demand then a rechargeable battery system with renewable supply, and petrol back-up would be the best option.

visit centre for alternative technology http://www.cat.org.uk for info & ideas

Answer 7

Hi, I lost my first message, so here we go again. The generator will last you years and can be used for so many things throughout the year. The disposable batteries on the other hand are not recycleable also you are not supposed to put them in your dustbin. I have asked what one is supposed to do with them but as yet haven't found anyone on the coucil who knows. Good luck, Jan.

Answer 8

I think that the energy used (and emissions produced) from manufacturing and disposing of the batteries far exceeds the emissions you would create by using the 2-stroke generator.  But, check to see if you have battery recycling available in your area - if you do, that may negate the difference.

Answer 9

Depends on the size of "appliance" and the cost of batteries.

Assuming you already have the generator, there are convenience costs and economic costs.  If this is something you use for a short time, then turn of again, batteries are great. If you run it for lots of hours, then consider a bigger battery that you can recharge  with the generator.

The generator costs more than just fuel, so you might consider the real cost to be 1.5 or 2*cost of fuel and oil.

A side note- the gas generator should be used from time to time anyway. If you don't use up the fuel in every month or two, you should consider adding some fuel stabilizer to the tank, and especially to any stored petrol.

Answer 10

Chances are more energy (fuel) are being used in manufacturing the battery than you would burn in the generator. And then you still have to dispose of the battery....

Go 4-stroke if you can, or even better, solar panels charging a (rechargable) car battery.