Regan Brown
Compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles are becoming increasingly popular as they are an effective way to reduce CO2 emissions. However, fuelling a CNG vehicle is not the same as fuelling a conventional car. There are three types of CNG infrastructure: time-fill, fast-fill, and a combination of the two. Time-fill systems are typically used by fleets and vehicles with large tanks that refuel at a central location every night. Fast-fill stations are similar to diesel filling stations and are often used by light vehicles. The process for refuelling a CNG vehicle is almost identical to the process used at local gasoline stations, and most public CNG stations accept credit cards at the dispenser.
How to fuel a natural gas car
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of fuel | Compressed natural gas (CNG) |
| Type of fueling stations | Fast-fill stations, slow-fill stations, time-fill stations, and combination fill stations |
| Time taken to fuel | A few minutes to a few hours |
| Payment methods | Bank card or credit card |
| Staffing | Most stations are operated without support staff |
| Training | Training is required to operate the CNG-dispensing pumps |
| Environmental impact | Reduced CO2 emissions |
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What You'll Learn
- Compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles are an effective way to reduce CO2 emissions
- CNG stations are not one size fits all and require calculating the right pressure and storage
- There are three types of CNG infrastructure: time-fill, fast-fill, and a combination of the two
- CNG fast-fill stations deliver fuel quickly and use sensors to calculate pressure and GGEs
- Slow-fill stations do not require a storage tank and are mainly used by heavy vehicles
Compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles are an effective way to reduce CO2 emissions
CNG vehicles also offer cost savings through lower fuel costs when purchased in bulk, and CNG costs about 50% less than petrol. The use of CNG vehicles can also help reduce dependence on foreign oil sources, providing energy security benefits. The number of CNG stations is expanding rapidly, and there are currently over 23 million CNG vehicles in operation worldwide.
While CNG vehicles have gained popularity, there are some challenges to their adoption. CNG vehicles require more space for fuel storage than conventional petrol-powered vehicles. Additionally, the upfront costs of CNG vehicles, including equipment installation or conversion, can be higher than traditional vehicles. However, advancements in technology and increasing fuel costs are driving the adoption of CNG vehicles.
CNG vehicles also provide environmental benefits beyond reduced CO2 emissions. CNG emits less pollution directly than petrol or oil when combusted, including lower emissions of unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and particulate matter. CNG produced from landfill biogas was found to have the lowest greenhouse gas emissions of any fuel analysed, with emissions more than 88% lower than conventional petrol.
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CNG stations are not one size fits all and require calculating the right pressure and storage
CNG, or Compressed Natural Gas, is a fuel option for vehicles that has been gaining popularity worldwide. It is a fuel gas mainly composed of methane, compressed to a tiny fraction of its volume at standard atmospheric pressure. As a vehicle fuel, it is a cleaner alternative to petrol, diesel, and LPG, producing fewer undesirable gases upon combustion. It is also safer in the event of a spill as it disperses quickly due to being lighter than air.
When it comes to fuelling a natural gas car, CNG stations are not a one-size-fits-all proposition. The pressure and storage requirements can vary depending on several factors, and careful calculations are necessary to ensure efficient and safe fuelling. CNG is stored at ambient temperature but very high pressure, typically between 3000 and 4000 psi (205 to 275 bar), or 20-25 megapascals (2,900-3,600 psi; 200-250 bar) according to some sources. This pressure range is significantly higher than that of LNG (liquefied natural gas), which is stored at low temperature and almost ambient pressure.
The variance in pressure requirements at CNG stations is influenced by factors such as the type of vehicle being fuelled and the specific needs of the fleet. For example, a transit bus company may require a larger compressor capable of delivering 8 to 9 gallons per minute, whereas a refuse truck company can manage with a smaller compressor filling trucks at 3 gallons per minute. The number of vehicles, compressor size, and buffer storage capacity also impact the fuelling time, which can range from several minutes to many hours.
CNG stations can be designed with different filling options to cater to diverse needs. Fast-fill stations are suitable for retail settings where vehicles need to fill up quickly and randomly. These stations use on-site compressors to compress gas to high pressure and then store it in vessels for quick dispensing. Combination-fill stations offer both fast-fill and time-fill options, providing flexibility for fleets. Time-fill systems, on the other hand, do not have storage systems and compress gas directly into vehicle cylinders, typically overnight when electricity rates may be lower.
The design and cost of CNG stations are influenced by the specific requirements of the fleet or intended use. The pressure and storage calculations are critical to ensuring the efficient utilization of the station. The industry's growth has led to more affordable and reliable storage cylinders, making CNG a more viable option for vehicle fuel.
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There are three types of CNG infrastructure: time-fill, fast-fill, and a combination of the two
Natural gas vehicles (NGVs) are refuelled at compressed natural gas (CNG) stations. There are three types of CNG station infrastructure: time-fill, fast-fill, and a combination of the two. Each type caters to distinct vehicle fuelling requirements.
Time-fill systems do not have a storage system and typically compress gas directly into the vehicle's storage cylinders. This means that the heat of compression is less, resulting in a fuller fill than a fast-fill station. Time-fill stations are used primarily by fleets and are designed based on the intended use. For example, a transit bus company may need a larger compressor that can deliver eight to nine gallons per minute, while a refuse truck company may only need three gallons per minute. Time-fill stations are best suited for centralized refueling, where vehicles refuel at a central location every night.
Fast-fill CNG stations are best suited for retail situations where vehicles arrive randomly and need to refuel quickly. All public CNG stations have a fast-fill option. These stations receive fuel from a local utility line at low pressure and then use an on-site compressor to compress the gas to a high pressure. Once compressed, the CNG moves to a series of storage vessels so the fuel is available for a quick fill-up. The dispenser uses sensors to calculate pressure and measure the number of gasoline gallon equivalents (GGEs) delivered to the tank, taking temperature into account.
Combination-fill stations include both fast-fill and time-fill components in one system. This dual functionality allows fleets to optimize their infrastructure investments and generate additional income by offering fast-fill services to the public. However, combination-fill stations typically cost more to build than the other two types.
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CNG fast-fill stations deliver fuel quickly and use sensors to calculate pressure and GGEs
CNG fast-fill stations are designed to deliver fuel quickly and efficiently to natural gas vehicles (NGVs). These stations typically take natural gas from a utility pipeline, compress it, and then dispense it directly into the vehicles. The compression process involves forcing the natural gas into the vehicle's storage cylinders at high pressure, allowing for a quick refuelling process.
One of the key advantages of CNG fast-fill stations is their ability to utilise sensors to calculate and monitor pressure during the refuelling process. This ensures the safe and efficient delivery of fuel. The sensors measure the pressure at which the natural gas is dispensed, ensuring it meets the vehicle's specific fill requirements. By maintaining the appropriate pressure, the station can optimise the refuelling speed while ensuring the safety of the vehicle and its occupants.
Additionally, these sensors play a crucial role in calculating the Gas Gallon Equivalent (GGE). GGE refers to the amount of natural gas required to equal the energy content of a gallon of gasoline. By accurately measuring the GGE, the station can provide the necessary fuel to meet the vehicle's energy needs. This calculation takes into account factors such as the vehicle's engine size, fuel efficiency, and the energy content of the natural gas being dispensed.
The design of CNG fast-fill stations can vary, with options for single or multiple compressors, pipeline gas pressure configurations, and noise considerations. These stations are designed to cater to fleets of various sizes, offering flexibility in terms of public fueling options. The expansion of public CNG stations is ongoing, with an increasing number of locations becoming available, making it more convenient for NGV owners to refuel their vehicles.
In summary, CNG fast-fill stations offer a rapid and sensor-driven approach to fuelling natural gas vehicles. By utilising compression technology and precise pressure monitoring, these stations ensure a safe and efficient refuelling process. The calculation of GGEs further enhances the fuelling experience, providing vehicles with the necessary energy to meet their operational needs. As the network of CNG stations continues to grow, the convenience and accessibility of fuelling natural gas cars will improve, making it a more viable alternative to traditional gasoline pumps.
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Slow-fill stations do not require a storage tank and are mainly used by heavy vehicles
Slow-fill, or time-fill, stations are used primarily by fleets and are ideal for vehicles with large tanks that refuel at a central location every night. Unlike fast-fill stations, time-fill stations do not store fuel in high-pressure vessels. Instead, a fuel line delivers natural gas at a low pressure to a compressor on the site, which then fills the vehicles directly. While this method of refueling takes longer, it has the advantage of generating less heat during compression, resulting in a fuller tank than a fast-fill station. Additionally, fleet managers can choose to fill their vehicles during off-peak hours, such as at night, to benefit from lower electricity rates.
Time-fill stations are carefully designed based on their intended use. For example, a transit bus company may require a larger compressor capable of delivering 8 to 9 gallons per minute, whereas a refuse truck company can manage with a smaller compressor that fills trucks at 3 gallons per minute. A consumer application may need much less, such as less than a gallon per hour. The time it takes to fuel a vehicle at a time-fill station depends on the number of vehicles, the size of the compressor, and the amount of buffer storage.
Time-fill stations are generally less expensive to install and maintain since they require less equipment. They are often installed where there is already a natural gas pipe in the ground. While public CNG stations are currently limited, their numbers are expanding rapidly. Public/private fleet operators may also opt to install their own CNG fueling stations.
Heavy vehicles, such as semi-trucks and buses, are well-suited for slow-fill stations. For instance, a semi-truck refueling at Livonia's Consumers Energy station in Michigan can use Wright Express (WEX), Voyager, Fuelman, or FleetWide payment options.
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Frequently asked questions
Natural gas cars run on compressed natural gas (CNG) which can be obtained from CNG fueling stations. These stations are not the same as conventional gas stations.
There are three types of CNG infrastructure: time-fill, fast-fill, and a combination of the two. Time-fill systems compress gas directly into the vehicle's storage cylinders while it is parked, usually overnight. Fast-fill stations are similar to diesel filling stations and can fuel a vehicle in under five minutes.
Most CNG stations accept credit cards at the dispenser, similar to a gasoline pump.
Public CNG stations are currently limited but are rapidly expanding. You can use the U.S. Government Department of Energy's Alternative Fueling Station Locator to find the nearest public station.
Before using a CNG station, you may need training to understand how to operate the CNG-dispensing pumps properly. Most CNG stations are operated without support staff.
