Energy in Action: How Propane Power Works [infographic]

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Propane is a popular fuel for everything from your backyard grill to industrial-level machinery, but most people don’t fully appreciate the journey it makes to power appliances and machines. Let’s take a closer look at how propane power works in the average home!

Energy in Action: How Propane Power Works [infographic]

  1. Storage – Propane is stored in pressurized tanks, which can be located above or below ground. When it’s in the tank, propane is actually in liquid form, and the pressurization keeps it safe and stable until it’s ready to be used.
  2. Distribution – Fuel companies can deliver propane to homes via direct pipelines from the facility or transport it in trucks for storage in home tanks. This helps ensure you always have plenty of propane when you need it.
  3. Appliance Connection – Propane can power several appliances, including stoves, ovens, water heaters, and furnaces. The appliances have special burners that are specifically designed to burn propane.
  4. Ignition – When you turn on a propane-powered appliance, the propane flows through the system and is ignited with either a pilot light or an electronic ignition system. This ignition process ensures the propane burns cleanly with maximum energy output and minimal waste.
  5. Energy Generation – As the propane burns, it releases energy in the form of heat, and you can harness the heat to do things like cook meals or heat your home. Because propane has a relatively high energy content, meaning that it produces a significant amount of heat per unit, it is an efficient choice for many home applications.
  6. Exhaust & SafetyPropane combustion produces carbon dioxide and water vapor, which need to be vented outside. If the propane does not burn correctly, it can also produce carbon monoxide, so ensuring you have proper ventilation and safety measures like carbon monoxide detectors are critical.