Rajan Wilcox
Natural gas vehicles (NGVs) are powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG). They are considered safer, cleaner, and less expensive than traditional fuels. Natural gas burns cleaner than gasoline, producing fewer greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants. CNG vehicles are also proven to be safer than gas-powered vehicles as their fuel systems are sealed to prevent spills and evaporative losses. In the US, there are about 175,000 NGVs on the roads, with more than 1,700 public and private NGV refuelling stations available. This article will discuss how to fuel natural gas cars.
How to Fuel Natural Gas Cars
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) |
| Fuel Source | Natural gas is a fossil fuel composed mostly of methane |
| Fuel Cost | Generally less expensive than gasoline or diesel fuel |
| Fuel Efficiency | Natural gas cars have a shorter driving range compared to gasoline or diesel cars |
| Fuel Storage | CNG is stored in high-pressure tanks (cylinders) typically located in the trunk or under the car; LNG is stored in cryogenic cylinders |
| Fuel Range | LNG offers greater energy density and fuel range than CNG for long-distance travel |
| Fuel Availability | Limited availability of CNG/LNG fueling stations; 1,700+ public and private NGV stations in the US |
| Fuel Dispenser | A nozzle from a fuel dispenser attaches to the receptacle on the vehicle to fill the tank |
| Fuel Injection | Fuel is introduced into the engine's combustion chamber and ignited by a spark plug |
| Fuel Regulation | A pressure regulator reduces the pressure of the fuel to a level compatible with the engine's fuel injection system |
| Fuel Safety | CNG vehicles are safer than gasoline-powered vehicles due to sealed fuel systems and stronger fuel storage cylinders |
| Fuel Emissions | CNG vehicles produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions and lower levels of nitrogen oxides and VOCs |
| Fuel Maintenance | Reduced maintenance costs compared to gasoline or diesel vehicles |
| Fuel Infrastructure | Widespread distribution infrastructure in the US; existing gasoline stations can install CNG fueling equipment |
| Fuel Models | Limited models available for CNG/LNG vehicles; some automakers offer bi-fuel vehicles that run on gasoline and CNG |
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What You'll Learn
Refuelling at home with a natural gas home appliance
Refuelling a natural gas car at home is a safe, affordable, and environmentally friendly alternative to refuelling at a gas station. Compressed natural gas (CNG) is a proven, road-ready technology that is safer to use than gas-powered vehicles, with a lower risk of accidental ignition or combustion.
There are several options available for those interested in refuelling natural gas cars at home. One option is to purchase a home refuelling appliance, such as the "Phill" appliance developed by FuelMaker Corp. of Toronto, which is expected to cost around $3,500. Incentives and funding are available from organizations such as AQMD and MSRC, which can help lower the cost of the unit. The installation of a unit typically costs an additional $1,000 to $2,000. FuelMaker also offers a leasing plan for new buyers or existing owners of a Honda Civic GX.
Another option for home refuelling is to purchase a small slow-fill CNG compressor unit from companies such as gasfill. These units are designed to operate at any home or office and are ideal for car or light van users. The gasfill HOME unit can refuel a car or van in under 10 hours at a rate of 2.0 m3 of compressed natural gas per hour, providing a range of over 195 miles on a full fill.
It is important to note that before installing a home refuelling appliance, consumers will need to be trained on the use of CNG operations. The process for refuelling is similar to the process used at local gasoline stations. To refuel a CNG vehicle at home, the engine must first be turned off, and the vehicle's dust cap and fueling nozzle must be removed. The arrows on the nozzle should be aligned and then placed over the fuel receptacle and pushed on. Finally, the lever is rotated so that the arrows point away from each other to lock the nozzle in place.
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How to find a public CNG refuelling station
There are a few ways to find a public CNG refuelling station. One option is to use the Alternative Fueling Station Locator, which allows users to search for public and private CNG and LNG fuelling stations. This tool also enables users to suggest new natural gas stations for inclusion through a 'Submit New Station' form. The US government's Department of Energy also provides an Alternative Fuel Station Locator to find the nearest public station.
Another option is to use a map, such as the one provided by The Transport Project, to locate Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) stations. These stations are becoming more widely available on US highways and interstates. The map includes advanced filters that allow users to select the fuel type (CNG or LNG) and click on the RNG box to locate the nearest station.
In addition to the above options, some companies, such as SoCalGas, provide information on public CNG station locations on their websites. SoCalGas requires customers to set up a PG&E account in advance of fuelling and provides a contact number for payment card and station information.
It is worth noting that there are three main types of CNG stations: fast-fill, time-fill, and a combination of the two. Fast-fill CNG stations are commonly used in retail situations where vehicles need to fill up quickly, while time-fill stations are more suitable for fleets with central refuelling capabilities and the ability to fill up overnight. All public fuelling stations offer a fast-fill option.
When considering the construction of new CNG stations, it is important to work with local utilities to determine factors such as gas pressure, quality, and flow, as well as to consider the safety guidelines and infrastructure requirements outlined by organisations like the National Fire Prevention Association.
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The benefits of CNG over LNG
Natural gas is an increasingly popular fuel choice for vehicles, with over 175,000 natural gas vehicles (NGVs) in the United States and 23 million worldwide. There are two types of natural gas fuel: compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG). While LNG offers a greater fuel range, CNG has several benefits over LNG for fuelling natural gas cars.
Firstly, CNG vehicles are proven, road-ready technology. They function similarly to gasoline-powered vehicles, with spark-ignited internal combustion engines. CNG is stored in a fuel tank or cylinder, typically at the back of the vehicle, and the high-pressure gas is transferred through fuel lines to the engine's fuel injection system. This technology is well-established and reliable, making CNG a safe and familiar choice for vehicle fleets.
Secondly, CNG offers comparable performance to gasoline and diesel vehicles. The horsepower, acceleration, and cruise speed of CNG-powered vehicles are on par with their conventionally fuelled equivalents. This means that switching to CNG does not compromise vehicle performance, which is essential for fleets that require high-performance vehicles.
Thirdly, CNG has lower emissions than LNG, reducing the carbon footprint of vehicles. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, CNG vehicles can reduce non-methane hydrocarbon emissions by 50 to 75 percent. They also contribute to energy independence by reducing reliance on imported oil and increasing energy security, as domestic natural gas reserves can meet demand for over 100 years.
Lastly, CNG is more readily available and accessible than LNG. CNG fuelling stations can receive natural gas through pipelines and compress it onsite, making it similar to traditional gasoline or diesel fuelling. In contrast, LNG has unique fuelling requirements due to its super-cooled state, which can be less convenient for fleets.
In conclusion, while LNG may offer a greater fuel range, CNG provides a more environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and accessible alternative. CNG vehicles have the potential to reduce emissions, improve energy independence, and provide comparable performance to gasoline and diesel vehicles, making them a favourable choice for commercial fleets.
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How to convert a gasoline-powered car to CNG
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is a clean-burning and cost-effective alternative fuel source for traditional gasoline and diesel engines. CNG vehicles emit fewer greenhouse gases, contributing to a reduction in the carbon footprint and mitigating the impact of climate change. CNG is also a domestically available resource, reducing dependence on foreign oil imports and promoting energy security.
To convert a gasoline-powered car to CNG, you will need to purchase and install an aftermarket CNG kit. This process can be complex and is typically done by a qualified professional or system retrofitter. Before purchasing a kit, it is important to verify that your vehicle is compatible with CNG fuel, as older cars may not be suitable. You will also need to obtain government approval and update your car's registration certificate with the new fuel type.
The CNG tank is typically installed in the trunk or under the vehicle, depending on the make and model. The conversion kit includes components like gas injectors, regulators, and an electronic control unit (ECU), which must be carefully integrated into the vehicle's existing fuel system. This integration requires precise calibration and programming of the ECU to ensure optimal performance and fuel efficiency.
After installation and integration, the converted system undergoes rigorous testing and calibration. Technicians will run diagnostic tests, monitor the system's performance, and make necessary adjustments to ensure optimal fuel delivery, engine performance, and emissions compliance.
It is important to note that converting to CNG may affect your vehicle's performance and fuel economy. CNG has less calorific value per litre than petrol or gas, so you may experience a reduction in engine power. To compensate, you can adjust the fuel mix to run the mixture "rich", but this will further reduce your fuel economy. Additionally, CNG fuel may have negative effects on the engine over time, leading to higher maintenance costs and more frequent checks.
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The safety benefits of CNG vehicles
Compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles have several safety benefits over gas-powered vehicles. Firstly, CNG fuel systems are sealed to prevent spills and evaporative losses, which means there is no risk of fuel spillage during refuelling. In contrast, gasoline can pool on the ground, creating a fire hazard. In the unlikely event of a CNG leak, the gas would dissipate harmlessly into the air as it is lighter than air. CNG is also non-toxic, so it will not contaminate groundwater in the event of a spill or leak.
CNG storage cylinders are much stronger than typical gas tanks and provide better crash protection. This makes accidental ignition or combustion unlikely. CNG has a narrow flammability range of 5%-15% and a higher auto-ignition temperature, so it is less likely to catch fire than petrol. CNG also burns cleanly, which increases the life of lubricating oils and reduces the need for engine maintenance.
CNG vehicles can reduce the carbon footprint by 25-28% compared to gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles. They also potentially reduce non-methane hydrocarbon emissions by 50-75%. This makes them a more environmentally friendly option, which can help to improve air quality and reduce the impact of climate change.
CNG is widely available in the United States, with about 86% of the natural gas used in the country sourced domestically. This reduces reliance on imported oil and increases energy security. CNG vehicles are a proven, road-ready technology that can provide similar fuel range support to gasoline-powered vehicles, making them a viable alternative for high-mileage fleets in urban areas.
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Frequently asked questions
The process for refueling a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicle is almost identical to the process used at local gasoline stations. You can pay directly at the pump with a bank card or credit card. Compressed natural gas fueling stations differ from conventional gas stations. There are two main types of CNG service stations: rapid fueling stations and slow fueling stations.
You can pay directly at the pump with a bank card or credit card. Alternatively, you can use a fleet card.
Filling a vehicle ranges from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the type of station. Rapid fueling stations are similar to diesel filling stations and can fuel a vehicle in under five minutes.
Compressed natural gas vehicles are an effective way to reduce CO2 emissions. They are a clean and efficient fuel source.
