Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is natural gas which compressed under the pressure form of 200-250 kg/cm2. CNG is a clear, odorless, and non-corrosive gas that remains less than 1% in the atmospheric pressure. It is also a cheaper, greener, and more efficient alternative to conventional petrol and diesel fuel vehicles. CNG is made up of methane (CH4), which contains hydrogen and carbon. The constituents of CNG differ from Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
CNG, in contrast to gasoline and diesel, is a fossil fuel that is produced from natural gas and essential sources hence the low carbon rating. It is stocked and transported in its liquid state when compressed for its purpose of use as fuel in vehicles and other uses.
CNG has received great acclaim as an environmentally friendly fuel in the market. It has reduced emission rates of several undesirable gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter lower than those of conventional fuel types. Therefore, it makes biofuel a preferred option for individuals and business people who want to contribute to the conservation of the environment.
How is CNG Produced?
CNG is an upgrading of the naturally occurring fossil fuel, which is natural gas, where it is compressed at less than one percent original volume per standard atmospheric pressure. Such a compression of the gas makes it possible to store it in high-pressure cylinders which are possible to incorporate in automobiles. The source of principal of natural gas is from ground reservoirs or renewable sources like biogas. It is then treated to refine it from other materials and compressed for storage or transportation after that step.
Why is CNG a Popular Choice for Automobiles?
CNG is gaining acceptance in automobiles because of the economic, environmental, and working benefits that it offers. Here are some key reasons why CNG is preferred for automobiles:
Environmental Benefits
CNG is accepted as one of the clean fuels which are used all over the world. CNG as a fuel is environmentally friendly since vehicles that use this fuel emit fewer greenhouse gases than those that emit fuels such as gasoline or diesel. Literature review indicates that CNG vehicles lower emissions of carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide by 30% and 85% respectively. They play a huge role in enhancing the quality of air and generally diminishing the pollution levels around towns and cities.
Cost Efficiency
CNG is cheaper than both gasoline and diesel for the most part. The cost per kilometer for CNG vehicles is lower than for vehicles using other fuels, indicating a good level of affordability for personal and commercial use. Also, because CNG is a clean-burning fuel, CNG vehicles do not have as much wear and tear as gasoline vehicles; as a result, less maintenance is required.
Abundant Availability
Natural gas is readily available throughout the world and there are plenty of untapped resources in the world. Most countries have invested heavily in supporting structures and stations for the use of CNG as an alternative fuel, as well as retrofit kits for vehicles.
Enhanced Engine Longevity
CNG has a higher combustion efficiency and leaves very little deposits on the engine. This leads to a cleaner burning process, which means less deposits of carbon and thus less engine wear. Drivers say they experience less vibration and lower maintenance costs in cars running on CNG.
CNG for Automobiles
The use of CNG in automobiles has revolutionized the transportation sector. Many vehicles such as automobiles, buses, trucks, and even three-wheelers have been successfully developed and converted for CNG. Now it is time to see how the use of CNG is possible in different types of automobiles.
Passenger Cars
Today most vehicle manufacturers have CNG factory options available on most car models. These cars have factory-installed CNG kits that ensure that the performance and efficiency of the car reaches the highest level of safety. For those who have gasoline automobiles, many contrasting aftermarket CNG kits can be purchased that enable you to use this earth-friendly fuel.
Commercial Vehicles
CNG is an optimal fuel source for various commercial vehicles, such as taxis and buses as well as delivery trucks. These vehicles are driven a lot every day and CNG is viable because of the cost savings that can be made. Compared to other fuels, CNG is environmentally friendly and many governments around the world offer tax incentives to various forms of public transport to encourage its adoption.
Two-wheelers and three-wheelers
However, in countries where two-wheelers and three-wheelers consume a large portion of the fuel, CNG becomes a preferred option. These smaller vehicles tend to take advantage of fuel efficiency and technology of energy saving, which helps in making CNG cities cleaner.
Safety Aspects of CNG
There is a concern while using CNG as a fuel as safety is of utmost importance. CNG is a flammable gas, which is less hazardous than gasoline or diesel due to the inherent characteristics of the substance. Here is why:
Lighter than air: CNG is lighter than air. For which, CNG gas easily vanishes in case of a leak and dissipates quickly into the atmosphere thereby avoiding fire/hazardous explosion.
High Ignition Temperature: CNG has a higher ignition temperature than gasoline and hence is not easily flammable or explosive in case of an accident.
Robust Storage Cylinders: CNG is stored in high-pressure cylinders for storage which have to conform to some highly adverse parameters. All these cylinders undergo various tests to ensure their safety.
Challenges of CNG Use
While CNG has many advantages, there are some challenges to its widespread adoption:
Limited refueling infrastructure: The use of CNG as a fuel is also hindered by the lack of many refueling stations in some regions.
High initial cost: This is particularly the case when aftermarket conversions are concerned, or where a factory-fitted CNG kit has been installed. Nevertheless, such costs are offset by future fuel and service consumption savings.
Less storage space: In some passenger cars that have trunk space for storage, installing a CNG cylinder may be a space limitation.
The Future of CNG in Automobiles
CNG remains a great source for future energy solutions as the world moves towards a more sustainable energy source in transportation. Technological development is the reason why CNG engines are becoming increasingly efficient and economical. However, the incorporation of renewable natural gas (RNG) derived from organic waste into the CNG value chain is improving its eco-friendliness.
Governments and industry are making efforts to expand CNG and provide related incentives. For example, most countries are developing measures to ban older model cars considered polluting and replace them with cleaner CNG vehicles.
