CNG Compressed Natural Gas
Our nations energy is important. Energen in Alabama must concede to the CNG Compressed Natural Gas service that will be necessary for consumer's that own a CNG Auto esp. for their travels away from their homes. This CNG auto has a compressor available to CNG Auto owners which works at their home compressing Natural Gas during a fillup right at their homes. So far neither Alabama Gas nor Energen in Alabama have made available to these consumer's and their are very few CNG Stations having these pumps available and it is the absolute cheapest energy to invest in for consumer's.
Anything that can make my Honda CRX work better than its failing engine because the price to install a rebuilt engine is to expensive a consideration but I would not forget about it as it could make a good slow water pump engine one day and I would consider that until I got a better system to work with that produces enough electricity to do the task cheaper than gasoline and better for the environment. I just don't want to have to toss that transmission and computer out. Yes that BMW 6 Liter V12 H2 engine looked appealing. BMW Hydrogen 7 was the first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan (hydrogen fueled internal combustion engine). Jay Leno has one. With a few modifications to better the front end I might find it a possible choice but money is resting right now on CNG Compressed Natural Gas development, Alabama Gas and Energen are slow to recognize that there is a need for this fuel supply and home refill station development and I have trust in them to do a good job so I wrote Senator Shelby about this and hope he puts in some good words for it to Energen someday we could see some new pumps besides Ethanol which will be shortly because of the wood chip processors.
One company making Home Refill Stations for both Hydrogen and Natural Gas is FuelMaker and their site gives full details of there products which includes their Commercial CNG products, the Nitrogen Patented Dryer and Vehicle Refueling Appliances (VRA) Technology, dedicated to high standards, they have become the leading authority on Natural Gas Vehicle Refueling Appliance standards, NG Refueling Methods. Certified as an appliance by both The Canadian Gas Association, American Gas Association (International Approval Services) and other leading agencies around the world. They have a safety standard which will automatically shut-off and shut down the refueling process in the event of a leak, hose damage or inadvertent drive-away, or any abnormalities or faults are detected. FuelMaker Natural Gas Refueling and Hydrogen Refueling Stations supporting the Honda Hydrogen Fast-Fill Station idea which is a 3-bank cascade system here: (Image) and the Stuart Energy System which is VRA has been combined with their small-scale electrolysis package to provide Hydrogen VRA, complete with the compression, drying, controls, and electronics modules, for integration with their hydrogen generating system here: (Image). FuelMaker sells Home VRAs for Residential Use which are installed at a home.
Another company has a entirely new approach to refilling autos and commercial vehicles and it can be shipped via any shipper from Limnia Inc., Solid State Hydrogen Storage Cassettes which is a module based solution and is stated to be safer than the other form of refilling such that FuelMaker offers and has already endorsed several commercial businesses with the solid-state equipment, UPS, FedEx, and Kinko’s. Limnia’s 'GE Noryl Electrolyzer', is for Home Pack Uses, which makes hydrogen cheaper than any other method.
NEWS
Mitsubishi Backs Gas For New 380 Engine
published: 23 July 2007
Liquidfied Petroleum Gas
A World of Options
LPG vehicles can be designed as such by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), or converted from other fuel systems. A typical aftermarket conversion includes installing a new fuel tank, fuel pressure regulator, electric or vacuum-operated switches, and electronics. Until recently, the cost of an aftermarket conversion in the U.S. ranged roughly from $2,000 to $4,000. Such costs are rising, however, because of tougher emission certification requirements. Many OEMs offer LPG as an option—installed at the factory or converted at the time of purchase. In Europe, Volvo offers fully factory-assembled bi-fuel cars with equipment specifically designed and tested for Volvo. (Some of those cars also come with a compressed natural gas option.) Vauxhall Motors in the United Kingdom offers three models with a bi-fuel option. In the United States, a Ford bi-fuel pickup truck is available. Mitsubishi offers LPG passenger cars in Japan, where they are used primarily as taxis (95 percent of taxis in Japan use LPG). More common than dedicated LPG vehicles are bi-fuel vehicles, storing gasoline and LPG in two separate tanks. Fuel is pressurized to about 300 lbs./sq. in. in the tank—about twice the pressure as in an inflated truck tire. LPG’s lower pressurization requirement is sometimes cited as an advantage over other alternative fuel designs. Filling an LPG vehicle is similar to filling a gasoline vehicle, except that a tighter connection is made between the hose and vehicle tank to prevent the pressurized fuel from escaping. In most countries where LPG is a vehicle fuel, it is sold alongside gasoline and diesel at traditional fueling stations. LPG is also available at dedicated LPG fueling stations. Critical Mass According to the WLPGA, successful automotive LPG market depends on achieving critical mass in the LPG market. Critical mass is defined in several ways. The number of vehicles must be large enough to show fuel providers that LPG is a viable business. The fuel must be widely available and convenient to consumers. The market must be large enough to ensure an adequate supply of equipment and mechanics trained to convert and maintain LPG vehicles. And the market must be sustainable so that OEMs are willing to develop LPG vehicles. In many countries with large automotive LPG markets, government policies have been key to creating a market. France, for example, is one of Europe’s fastest growing LPG markets. That country allows LPG vehicles to operate during periods of high air pollution when driving restrictions are imposed on other vehicles. This scenario against pollution of the atmosphere can occur in any state that already has pollution air quality problems so expect that much in the future as grim as it may sound. South Korea is the world’s largest automotive LPG consumer. According to the Korea Gas Safety Corporation, more than 10 percent of all registered vehicles in Korea are LPG-fueled. LPG’s recent rapid market growth in South Korea resulted from a large excise tax advantage over gasoline and diesel (which the government recently decided to reduce). Japan, the world’s second largest automotive LPG market, offers grants for conversion or purchase of LPG vehicles and installation of filling stations.
See: Other Energy Considerations Abroad
LPG FAQ
BioMass & Ethanol
In Alabama
Auburn University (Alabama) has a new product which is a Mobile BioMass Unit to convert wood chips, switchgrass and other agricultural byproducts into gas, which can be used to generate electricity or converted into liquid fuel. Recently they were displaying their product in Washington (June 20, 2008) on the back of a truck near the National Mall. Steve Taylor, head of the university's bioenergy center, said the technology is still being refined but could soon be competitive in a variety of commercial uses. They intend to start production soon.Ethanol is soon to begin production in Livingston Alabama, Gulf Coast Energy plans to expand on the site with a $90 million commercial-scale plant, which it says will be capable of producing 45 million gallons of ethanol a year and guess who, Bioenergy and Bioproducts at Auburn University. The board chairman is Livingston lawyer Drayton Pruitt says that Corn grown for ethanol competes for land that could be used to grow food. Raising corn also involves the use of petroleum-based fertilizers and gasoline-powered machinery. And the process for converting corn to fuel, a form of fermentation, isn't as efficient as it is for other crops and using other technologies. Gulf Coast Energy is not alone in exploring the use of gasification on wood waste. The gasification process is not new, either, but has primarily been used on coal. Another company, Range Fuels, which is backed by Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, has begun construction on a commercial-scale plant in Soperton, Ga. Pruitt said Gulf Energy's process was designed by a Mississippi inventor and the demonstration plant was disassembled and moved from Aberdeen, Miss. He said the company won't disclose the identity of the technology's developer, saying only that he worked in the chemical industry and developed the technology using his own money and grants. But he is confident it will work on the larger scale.
A ton of biomass should have the equivalent energy content of 2.5 barrels of oil, Bransby said. With oil trading in excess of $120 a barrel, a ton of biomass, if you were able to efficiently extract the energy from it, should be worth $250. But according to Bransby, right now you can get wood at less than $50 a ton. That creates a financial incentive to achieve an efficient method of converting biomass energy into fuel. According to Steve Taylor, there are 4 million tons of logging debris, limbs and tops left on the ground under current timber practices that either rots or is burned. In addition, there are trees that are too small to be marketable, even as pulpwood. Auburn estimates that Alabama could provide almost 15 million tons of wood waste annually without increasing logging. Mark Warner, Gulf Coast's CEO, said he imagines a future in which small-scale biofuel plants make use of locally available sources to make fuel and supply a community in a 50-mile radius. Scott Z. Hazen, Gulf Coast's executive vice president for construction and engineering, said a realistic goal is that biofuels could provide 25 percent of the country's energy by 2025.
Perhaps some venture capitalists could agree with you as their investments depend on global something or other; some automotive esp. racing vehicles as many are foreign made and some aircraft and some Wind Turbines, esp., but the problem in essence is not really energy or alternative forms of energy, it has been and still is Global Warming, Wind Turbines can only help create a alternative but in the meantime the culprit is automobiles producing CO2 in abundance. To counter this problem electric automobiles would be necessary which produce Zero. A top Scientist for NASA, James Hansen, said that the situation that the world is facing right now against Global Warming and Climate Change has long passed acceptable levels. There are only a few decades remaining before the more massive effects of global warming start taking shape. These will be in the form of extinction, ecosystem collapse and dramatic rise in world sea levels. Coal Fired power plants which run without any carbon absorbing equipment are contributing greatly to Climate Change and should be prevented from running past 2030. That says a lot for the remaining resource available in Alabama if Sulfur cannot be removed it will be the next offensive pollutant. Scrubbers costs about half to equal the cost of the plant itself. The claim to go Renewable Energy Sources means dropping the Coal and Fuel Oil Power Plants Resource entirely, other resources are better alternatives like Solar, Geothermal, Hydro Electric, Wind, Natural Gas, and Hydrogen, so Renewable Energy Bills are a real asset now and in the future because of Global Warming.
Ethanol
The EFuel100 MicroFueler home-brews ethanol by fermenting a mix of table sugar and nutrient-treated yeast in the system’s 250-gal. tank. The resulting fuel, which is 99.9 percent ethanol, can either be stored in the unit or pumped into a gas tank through the 50-ft. hose. It takes 10 to 14 pounds of sugar to produce 1 gal. of ethanol, so the cost of fuel is only as cheap as the feedstock. Available in late 2008.
Production: Up to 35 gal. per week
Price: $9995
Compatibility: Flex-fuel vehicles; conventional cars if mixed with 90 percent gasoline
(Image)
Biodiesel
Powered by a 120-volt outlet, the FuelMeister II mixes used vegetable oil with lye and methanol to produce biodiesel. The process takes about 7 hours from start to finish—but only 1 hour involves hands-on work, such as connecting hoses, pumping methane and testing the final product. The fuel meets ASTM biodiesel standards and, unlike straight vegetable oil, can be burned in regular diesel engines.
Production: 40 gal. in 5 hours
Price: $2995
Compatibility: Any diesel-powered vehicle
(Image)
Algae Oil
Better yet is a new Crude Oil called Algae Oil and can be pipelined immediately says Jason Pyle of Sapphire Energy in San Diego, California. Green Crude is a fuel is similar in quality to naturally occurring crude oil produced as a by-product of photosynthesis by a genetically engineered strain of algae, housed in tanks of treated waste-water and exposed to sunlight. The tanks can be placed on non-arable land. More simply stated it's an emerald-green crude oil, produced by photosynthesis in algae, which could fuel cars, trucks and aircraft - without consuming crops that can be used as food. Yet another company named Aurora Biofuels (based in Alameda, CA), has begun a algae-to-biodiesel partnership with Oak Investment Partners, Gabriel Venture Partners and Noventi providing $20 million funding to scale up production of its algae systems. Two methods essentially possible open and closed pond systems. The open pond system is used to grow the algae, less expensive but harder to keep out weeds and the closed pond system works more like greenhouses, expensive to construct but it’s much easier to regulate the growing conditions. Aurora plans on developing technology to convert plant waste and energy crops into ethanol are all racing to scale up well into the tens of millions of gallons per year range, and move into production by 2009. The commercial venture is seeking to create Algae to Biofuel Companies everywhere. Tasios Melis, microbial biology professor is the developer says the technology can create biodiesel fuel with yields that are 125 times higher and have 50 percent lower costs than current production methods. Today, some refineries turn more than half of every 42-gallon barrel of crude oil into gasoline. Essentially, refining breaks crude oil down into its various components, which then are selectively reconfigured into new products. All refineries perform three basic steps: separation, conversion, and treatment.
Converting Vegetable Oil to Diesel
Primafuel Inc. to build a biodiesel plant that would make 60 million gallons a year of the alternative fuel. Their plan is to use 14 acres of port land along Industrial Boulevard in West Sacramento, the $60 million to $90 million facility would have nearly 10 times the production capacity of the largest existing biodiesel plant in California, must pass through state and local environmental reviews, which have frequently delayed biofuel projects elsewhere in the state. Permitting is expected to take at least six months, followed by up to 18 months for construction. The plant is expected to employ 70 workers. Nationwide biodiesel production in 2006 was 250 million gallons. By contrast, Americans burn about 60 billion gallons of petroleum diesel and 140 billion gallons of gasoline each year.
Methane
Methane Hydrate appears to have a future in producing energy according to The National Methane Hydrates R&D Program all part of the Federal Agency National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) efforts to understand its abundance on the Ocean floor. National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) is also concerned in the Siberian gas reservoirs of natural methane hydrate apparently remnants of past ice-ages. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that methane hydrate may, in fact, contain more organic carbon than all the world's coal, oil, and non-hydrate natural gas combined. The magnitude of this previously unknown global storehouse of methane is truly staggering and has raised serious inquiry into the possibility of using methane hydrate as a source of energy. More on the Program at (NETL).
Yet there is a future in Alabama also for Methane Hydrate as a fuel source and the Gulf has some and pipelines get clogged all the time with it so there is a fuel yet to harness. I am a scientific mind wondering about gyro technology making it possible to create a zero gravity furnace to burn Methane Hydrate which would make it last four times longer burning in zero G's but that would have to be a super fast rotating reactor furnace, is there a better avenue to create zero gravity? The best possible conclusion I think would be to fund a flight program that would use aircraft to fly as high as possible to achieve zero gravity then light the furnace and capture the energy created and then air drop the fuel cells back to the earth or use a robotic link up aircraft to make a midair transfer and then refuel the aircraft and return with the charged fuel cells. In some course of this NASA I believe has been endorsing a solution to provide energy from charging fuel cells in orbit and returning then to be exchanged then return to charge again and again and it could make NASA another business option besides launching satellites.
Another form of energy is capable of being created with NG and is truly a separate distribution category entirely. Therefore like Natural Gas, becomes CNG for vehicles in a mobile option for a homeowner and then once inside the vehicle it has a change to Hydrogen and Methane as I see this issue evolving and because of this a solution to creating a new form of energy can bring more energy use like Methane Pellets and a furnace or a vehicle engine that uses Methane Pellets to burn like a Hybrid and then the Hydrogen to create electricity which is also being created via solar photovoltaics to charge capacitance batteries which discharge if not used so instantly this must be collected and used to charge a battery without a loss. Methane Pellets firing off in a furnace is the ideal situation to create steam generation and then elecctricity is the outcome.
Methanol Basics
Methanol (CH3OH), also known as wood alcohol, is considered an alternative fuel under the Energy Policy Act of 1992. Today, most of the world's methanol is produced by a process using natural gas as a feedstock.
Methanol can be used to make methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE), an oxygenate that is blended with gasoline to enhance octane and create cleaner burning fuel. MTBE production and use has declined in recent years because it has been found to contaminate ground water.
As an engine fuel, methanol has similar chemical and physical characteristics as ethanol. For more information, see the Fuel Properties section.
Methanol ProductionMethanol is methane with one hydrogen molecule replaced by a hydroxyl radical (OH). It is predominantly produced by steam reforming natural gas to create a synthesis gas, which is then fed into a reactor vessel in the presence of a catalyst. This process then produces methanol and water vapor. Although a variety of feedstocks can be used to create methanol, today's economics favor the use of natural gas.
Methanol BenefitsMethanol's physical and chemical characteristics offer several advantages as an alternative fuel. Benefits include relatively low production cost and a lower risk of flammability compared to gasoline. In addition, methanol can be manufactured from a variety of carbon-based feedstocks, such as coal. Its use could also help reduce U.S. dependence on imported petroleum.
In addition, methanol can be made into hydrogen. Researchers are currently looking at ways to overcome the barriers to using methanol as a hydrogen fuel source for future fuel cell vehicles.
For more information on methanol, visit the Methanol Institute Web site.
NEWS
Methane Bubbles Make Global Warming Worse
published: 23 July 2007
Electric
The modular Envision Solar Lifeport can support up to 32 polycrystalline 200-watt photovoltaic panels, which can produce up to 6.4 kilowatts of electricity. The panels are wired to an inverter, and then through your home’s electric meter. With this configuration the panels will power your home, but DIYers can mod the Lifeport into a solar-powered carport by running electricity back to an outlet in the 23 x 23–ft. structure.
Production: Up to 6.4 kw
Price: $45,199 for a 4.8-kw-rated kit
Compatibility: Plug-in hybrids and pure EVs
(Image)
NEWS
Mitsubishi Motors Announces U.S. Electric Vehicle Fleet Test - 04/01/2008
Hydrogen
A mix of natural gas, air and water is catalyzed in the Honda Home Hydrogen Fueling Station reformer, creating a gas that is 40 to 50 percent hydrogen. A membrane filters out pure hydrogen gas, which is then compressed for fuel. There’s no storage tank, so your car slow-fills from the pump at night; it takes about 6 hours to reach max capacity—171 liters at 5000 psi. The catch: Hydrogen from gas isn’t emissions-free, and Honda says consumers still have a several-year wait.
Production: 50 standard liters per minute
Price: Not yet available
Compatibility: Hydrogen cars
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Genetic Engineered Flower Seed to Ethanol
My idea is to create a Genetic Engineered Flower Seed to grow Genetically Engineered Flowers which have the gene chain to create Cellulose Sugar during their growth and this is digested to yield a high Ethanol result. Limnia hydrogen fuel cells have a longer run time, no EMF, and no vibration. With this as a source for powering the large Genetic Engineered Facility for growing the Flowers overhead costs should be much lower and the modules easier to handle instead of waiting long periods for refills. Robots which would have a small Hydrogen Generator in them could use the modules much better than having to design a tank for refilling and this is a major safety issue. For a University to undertake Genetic Engineering of Seed variations - the sky is the limit to their success. Finding a facility is complicated, it would be wiser to build a Flower Processing Plant that locating a building and really it must be large to accommodate the massive potential it can yield and robots need to manage it since it could be mechanized but no Flower produced in the facility should be given to a Flower Salesman so to avoid price increases in the fuel product and of course this is better than relying on a corn crop which is eatable.
Wind Turbines
There are more abundant sources of Natural Gas and Hydrogen than Wind Speeds denote in any state, Alabama being a near the bottom of the chart for most of the year being averaged from 5MPH-20MPH. Actually Alabama is a +1 on the Wind Scale and that is very low. We sould consider what the Koreans have accomplished with their horizontal wind turbine, we might obtain more energy that way.
To soften this you would incorporate the use of Wind Turbines to create the electricity to convert Natural Gas to Hydrogen then fuel a Fuel Cell and then create Steam to run a Turbine Generator from the heat of that Fuel Cell (about 700 degrees) then use the electricity to charge batteries for use of the electricity during needed hours and specific times of the day for cooling or heating another asset of the Steam potential. While a Fuel Cell will also create water you would need a Cryogenic Control Chamber to support changing the Steam output to water and then restore the water or supply the water from a tank into the city water supply as purified water. Internal Thickened Glass piping is another product which would endorse this change of temperature and delivery. For a center the size of a football field to function as a power supply service for emergency vehicles it needs to be protected from tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. Emergency Vehicles capable of using Natural Gas can then in a stationary mode not mobile could be the main supply of electricity for work crews and City Services when needed for restoration and this is true for many major cities. Smaller versions will work in automobiles, trucks, and railroad train engines.
Propane
The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) promotes the safe, efficient use of propane as a preferred energy source. With the passing of the Propane Education and Research Act (PERA) in 1996 by the U.S. Congress. PERC receives funding by an assessment or “check-off†on each gallon of odorized propane gas sold. The assessment will collect five-tenths of one cent per gallon in 2006. The assessment is projected to collect $50.4 million dollars in 2006 to fund programs and projects.
Propane Education & Research Council
1140 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 1075
Washington, DC 20036
Telephone: (202) 452-8975
Fax: (202) 452-9054
info@propanecouncil.org
www.propanecouncil.org
New Technologies For Propane
Composite Cylinders
Composite cylinders approved for sale, closer to being accepted for indoor use Through PERC and NPGA initiatives, two composite cylinder manufacturers received U.S. Department of Transportation exemptions to sell composite cylinders. These highstrength, translucent, fiberglass vessels are lighter than conventional steel tanks.
Code Approval of Composite Propane Cylinders for Indoor Use (Docket 11643) tested the performance of composite cylinders in fires. Tests showed encouraging results that allowed the NPGA to propose language to the NPFA that may permit indoor use of composite cylinders in cabinet heaters.
Thermal Weed Control Technology
Thermal Weed Control Technology has begun in the UNited States, (Docket 10644) brought patent from Australia to the United States in a partnership with D. J. Batchen Pty. Ltd. and Delta Liquid Energy, the Batchen Stinger thermal weed control machine was demonstrated at the 2005 World Ag Expo in Tulare, California, and tested in vineyards in Washington and California after the Expo. The Stinger uses combusting propane fuel to superheat steam that kills weeds from the outside in without damaging drip irrigation systems. Propane steam weed control is effective and environmentally friendly, and has been accepted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program as a recognized organic production practice.
Market studies target key airport opportunities for propane-fueled vehicles
Airport Market Analysis: Survey (Docket 11204) identified domestic airports with the highest market potential and determined engine and vehicle technology needs to fulfill the most promising airport opportunities for propane-fueled vehicles. The study reported that current engines or certified aftermarket technologies can meet the majority of the ground service equipment market’s needs.
FAA Vision 100 Propane Airport Development (Docket 11463) began to develop a long-term, nationwide
propane airport implementation plan to raise awareness of available propane options for mitigating emissions under the Voluntary Airport Low Emissions Program (VALE).
Propane Engine Fuel Development Programs Successfully Collaborate with Manufacturers
Working in partnership with several original equipment manufacturers, PERC is pursuing the development, certification, and commercialization of propane-fueled engines for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles.
Heavy-Duty Low NOx Hino LPG Truck and Bus Engine (Docket 11553) pursued the development, certification, and sale of a propane-fueled truck engine for the U.S. market. The engine will comply with the EPA’s 2010 emissions standards.
Hino Motor Sales USA Inc., a mediumduty truck manufacturer that is part of Toyota Motors, issued a letter to PERC expressing their interest in commercializing the engine after the development program is successfully completed. The 260-hp engine can provide up to 565 ft.-lb. of torque.
Development of Propane Light-Duty Vehicle (Docket 11942) will design and develop a modified production light truck based on Ford Motor Company’s F-150 pickup truck platform. The truck will use liquid propane injection to meet government regulations and consumer requirements for a practical vehicle that uses propane fuel.
Development and Commercialization of a Propane Blue Bird School Bus (Docket 11943) will develop, test, and market a dedicated propane version of Blue Bird Corporation’s Vision series school bus. The 72-passenger bus represents the model and size with the largest market potential, as identified in PERC’s 2002 study of propane school buses.
Manageable
Propane can be derived from Natural Gas or Oil, It is one of the Liquefied Petroleum Gases (LP-Gas or LPGs) that are found mixed with natural gas and oil. Propane Molecular (C3H8) and other liquefied gases, including ethane and butane, are separated from natural gas at natural gas processing plants, or from crude oil at refineries. The amount of propane produced from natural gas and from oil is roughly equal. Like all fossil fuels, propane emits water vapor and carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. Propane and Butane can be change into Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LP-gases or LPGs) at higher pressure or lower temperatures, it becomes a liquid, mixes of propane, ethane, butane and other gases that are produced at natural gas processing plants and refineries. Other plants, called fractionation plants, separate the liquids from each other. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), is used in many fleets, Knoxville, TN Trollies, Fork Lifts, More information is available at Propane Vehicle Council, Propane Education & Research Council..
Propane Infrastructure Development
There is much to consider when building propane (also known as liquefied petroleum gas or LPG) fueling infrastructure. This page provides resources to help you start. Check this site for more information ... Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center: Propane Infrastructure Development.
Getting Started
Availability of infrastructure is the driving force behind acceptance of any fuel. Fleets depend on being able to locate fuel within a reasonable distance at a competitive price. States with abundant propane resources can offer a sound business case for installing propane infrastructure to service their fleets. The City of Austin, Texas, for example, operates a fleet of more than 200 F150 propane trucks that fuel at the city's six fueling yards. Surrounding Travis County operates 80 propane F150 trucks. In addition, the Texas State Highway Department operates numerous grass cutting machines that run on propane for highway maintenance.
The capital structure needed for production, storage, and bulk distribution of propane already exists. Additional infrastructure investments may be required for automotive use to accommodate the higher throughput. The majority of incremental infrastructure costs, however, relate to the expansion of the distribution network.
Additional investment is required to adapt existing fueling station infrastructure to dispense propane, including the installation of underground tanks. The cost of installing the necessary equipment for dispensing propane (tank, pump, and metering equipment) is less than that for dispensing compressed natural gas, which requires dedicated supply lines, high-pressure compression, storage cylinders, and special dispensers.
Infrastructure costs and operating expenses are discussed in Fleet Economics, on the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) Web site. The page contains information on infrastructure costs, capital costs, and operating costs.
How to build your alternative fuel vehicle fleet.
LPG—A liquid gas? Sometimes it is a liquid, and sometimes it is a gas. The benefits of LPG stem largely from its ability to change between the two phases. LPG is a gas at normal temperatures and pressures (the boiling point of pro-pane at atmospheric pressure is about -45°C, for butane it is about -2°C). When subjected to modest pressure or cooling it becomes a liquid. The pressure in a storage tank keeps LPG liquid, and it becomes gas when released from the tank. The liquid form has an energy density 270 times greater than the gaseous form, making it efficient for storage and transportation as a liquid, while giving the benefit of a clean, gaseous fuel when burned.
Benefits of Propane at Use Propane.
NEWS
Mitsubishi Backs Gas For New 380 Engine
published: 23 July 2007
Birmingham Zoo in Birmingham, Alabama
The Birmingham Zoo Express and the Red Diamond Express are two-foot gauge zoo trains operating at the Birmingham Zoo in Lane Park. Both trains operate on the zoo's 4,200-foot rail circuit. Train rides cost $2.25 per person. Riders purchase tokens at a kiosk that are handed to the conductor before boarding. The current conductor is Joe Meadow. See history here. The "Birmingham Zoo Express" went into service in 2001. It consists of an propane-powered engine and four open passenger carriages totaling 88 feet long with a seating capacity of about 65-75 people. (Photo). The train, called the Red Diamond Express, was bought and donated by Red Diamond Coffee and Tea. Since its opening nearly 50 years ago, the train has given 2 million rides. The Zoo added a second train named African-themed train on May 2008 also propane-fueled and is to run the same loop through the Zoo's woods. Both trains will run during peak hours and on free days and other special events. Foster said the African theme in a 3-D effect is a preview for the planned $15 million Trails of Africa exhibit, which will soon launch a new fundraising phase. That exhibit is designed to be a 14-acre naturalistic showcase for African animals, including Elephants, Kangaroos, Wallabies, Wombats, Bearded Dragons, Blue-Tongued Skinks, Cane Toads, Huntsman's Spiders, Vibrating Tiny Lorikeets, Gawky Pink Flamingos, Hairy-Backed Camels and Poisoned Dart Frogs. The zoo houses about 750 animals of 250 species, including endangered creatures from six continents. Currently theres 86 acres left to develop, the zoo occupy more than 122 acres. The zoo has 100 undeveloped acres, is set to open in 2010.
Other Energy Considerations Abroad
Countries leading the way in the use of automotive LPG include South Korea, Japan, Australia, Turkey, and Italy. Also ranking in the top ten, according to the WLPGA, are Mexico, the United States, Poland, the Russian Federation, and the Netherlands. Nearly 6 percent of cars in the Netherlands run on LPG.
Australia imported its first LPG cylinders in the late 1930s, and it secured a domestic supply from oil and gas production in the late 1960s. With only 19 million people, Australia has become a world leader in automotive LPG. Its 550,000 LPG vehicles represent 4 percent of the country’s fleet and account for approximately 8 percent of total fuel consumption.
Australia’s automotive LPG industry has flourished largely because of the fuel’s exemption from an excise tax that applies to gasoline and diesel. LPG conversion kits were tax exempt until 2000, and the commonwealth and state governments have offered grants for conversion or purchase of LPG vehicles. If its tax advantage over gasoline and diesel is maintained, according to the WLPGA, demand for automotive LPG is expected to continue growing by 4 percent per year.
Italy, with a population of about 60 million people, is home to more than 1.2 million LPG vehicles and accounts for 45 percent of Europe’s automotive LPG consumption. Italy is also a leading producer and marketer of LPG-related equipment.
Regulations and fiscal policy make LPG an attractive option in Italy. In an effort to reduce harmful emissions, gasoline and diesel have been restricted. LPG vehicles, meanwhile, are allowed to operate during smog alerts that limit operation of conventional vehicles. Automotive LPG has an excise tax advantage over gasoline and diesel. The government subsidizes LPG conversion of buses, taxis, and some private vehicles. More information about Propane is available at the World LP Gas Association.
LPG Auto Gas Component Gases: propane (C3H8) and butane (C4H10)
Autogas is colourless, odourless and heavier than air. A sulphur based chemical (ethyl mercaptan) is added to give it a smell, so that even a very small leak can be easily detected. LPG Autogas burns readily in air and has an energy content similar to petrol, which makes it an excellent fuel for automotive use.
From the 14 August 2006 the Federal Government has provided grants for purchasing a new LPG vehicle $1,000) or converting an existing vehicle to LPG ($2,000) for non-business use. See Government Grants.
Australia Sources:
Bass Strait (1,050) kilotonnes (kt))
Cooper Basin in Central Australia (410 kt)
North West Shelf (810 kt)
Kwinana in Western Australia (330 kt)
Surat Basin in Queensland (16 kt)
Australia Production:
Refinery production is from seven refineries, Bulwer Island (BP) and Lytton (Caltex) in Queensland, Clyde (Shell) and Kurnell (Caltex) in New South Wales, Altona (Exxon Mobil) and Geelong (Shell) in Melbourne and Kwinana (BP) in Western Australia.
Australia produces currently about 3,300 kt of LPG annually. Of these volumes, 80% is naturally occurring (i.e. extracted from oil and gas production) and 20% is extracted from crude oil in the refining process. Australia's production of LPG is projected to grow to 5,024 kt by 2020.
Standing Arguments For LPG AutoGas
Autogas is typically at least 50 per cent cheaper than other automotive fuels. LPG Autogas prices move in a similar manner to petrol prices. The price fluctuations reflect the highly competitive nature of the industry.
LPG Autogas powered vehicles emit significantly fewer greenhouse gases and other pollutants than petrol-powered equivalents. LPG typically has around 20 per cent less ozone forming potential (a measure of the tendency to generate photochemical smog), between 10 and 15 per cent lower greenhouse gas emissions and only one fifth air toxics emissions.
LPG Autogas vehicles operate even more relatively cleanly when the engine is cold. Given that most urban-use vehicles are often used for very short journeys this means a significant reduction in “real world†emissions.
LPG Autogas is also much cleaner than diesel. The dirty black smoke that we see coming from diesel vehicles is particulates – a known cause of sickness and deaths. By replacing a diesel engine with an LPG Autogas-powered equivalent, over 90 percent of this particulate matter would be eliminated.
Last year the Federal Government recognized the environmental benefits of running motor vehicles on Autogas by announcing the fuel would remain excise-free until 2011.
Even after that date, excise will be gradually applied in annual increments of 2.5 cents per litre until it reaches a ceiling of 12.5 cents per litre in 2015.
In comparison, the current excise on petrol in 38.143 cents per litre.
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- On Autogas, torque is available at lower engine revs, which aids driveability – particularly in stop/start city driving. In some cases total torque is actually increased.
- The power output of engines with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) is, when converted to run on Autogas, usually only slightly lower than on petrol. Where possible, the Autogas system is interfaced with the original EFI computer. While top speed may be marginally reduced and acceleration times cut by fractions of a second, most drivers would be unlikely to detect the difference.
- The fuel economy of Autogas-powered vehicles depends on a range of factors but on average, late model vehicles running on Autogas use approximately 30 percent more fuel than petrol-powered equivalents. However, some high consumption petrol vehicles may in fact use only 20 percent more autogas. Remember, however, that this is more than offset by the much lower cost of Autogas, which is typically half the price or less of unleaded petrol. The introduction of improved performance Autogas injection systems will see this 30 percent figure reduced even further.
- Most vehicles will run effectively on Autogas but you must ensure that the equipment installed is suitable for your vehicle. New vehicles that are fitted with Autogas systems adhere to strict guidelines and any conversions should only be performed by a licensed installer.
- You can enjoy the performance and low running costs of an Autogas engine system secure in the knowledge that Australian standards governing the safety of such systems is the most stringent in the world.
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- Almost all unleaded petrol-fuelled vehicles can (subject to space limitations) be converted to LPG Autogas operation at a reasonable cost. Systems range in price from about $2,500 to $4,500 installed, depending on the type of vehicle, type of system and additional options. A KIT Listing of suitable vehicles is now available. (Note: This is not a complete list and will change as we receive more information from LPG equipment suppliers. Use this list only as a guide and consult your installer/equipment supplier for the most up-to-date information.)
- The much lower cost of Autogas compared to unleaded petrol (typically half the price or less) means the cost of conversion is quickly paid back. For example if over the course of a year Autogas averaged 70 cents per litre, while unleaded petrol averaged $1.40 per litre, a six cylinder car driver traveling 25,000 kilometres a year on Autogas would save $1,942 – the equivalent of $37 per week. Assuming the system cost $2,500 to install, it would take just 16 months to pay for itself. To work out how long it will take to recoup the cost of converting your vehicle to Autogas, use our Payback Calculator on the right hand side of the page. Calculations exclude the benefits of Federal (and State) Government grants (rebate).
- Autogas systems fitted by an installer after new vehicle purchase are generally warranted by the installer and the equipment supplier. The terms and conditions of the warranty vary so you should check these before purchase. Extended warranty period options are now available through some installers.
- The Industry Association (LPG Australia) has issued a Code of Practice for fitting LPG equipment to a motor vehicle and you should ask your installer if he follows the principles set out in the Code. To find an installer near you click on installer link at right. Other installer lists are available by clicking on the following state links - WA - QLD .
- Dual-fuel Autogas systems allow the vehicle to operate on either LPG or unleaded petrol. This can almost double the vehicles range. The petrol tank still remains in the car and the driver can switch from gas to petrol or vice-versa.
- Running your engine on Autogas is beneficial to your car. LPG is a cleaner burning fuel than petrol, so engine life is actually extended. Engine oil and spark plugs need changing less often when running on Autogas, so service intervals can be increased.
- The time taken to install an Autogas system varies depending on a number of factors including tank options, the number of cylinders and so on. A typical family sedan with a single boot-mounted tank should take one to two days, whilst a large four-wheel drive with multiple tanks might take two to three days.
- Your insurance company should be informed of the modification to Autogas, and you should ask them to revise the sum insured to reflect the cost of the system.
- In addition to the long term savings the Federal Government now offers grants for private motorists of $1,000 for purchase of a factory-fitted LPG vehicle and $2,000 for conversion of a new or used vehicle to LPG. For more information go to Govt Grants for LPG
- In addition the Western Australian State Government has recognised the benefits of Autogas by also offering a $1000 rebate for vehicle conversion or purchasing an Autogas vehicle. For more information go to the WA DPI Web Site
- In the ACT, the government gives a 20 per cent concession on your registration if you have an Autogas vehicle. For more information go to the ACT Registration Web Site
Operators of commercial vehicles and buses weighing 3.5 tonnes or more, may be eligible for assistance for the purchase, conversion, or upgrade of vehicles to operate on Autogas under the Alternate Fuels Conversion Program.
Administered by the Australian Greenhouse Office, the program provides up to 50% of the costs of:
- converting conventionally-fuelled vehicles
- upgrading existing Autogas fuel systems
- the difference between the purchase price of a new Autogas-fuelled vehicle and the price of a conventionally-fuelled vehicle
The aim of the program is to significantly reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions in the transport sector. For more information about the program, contact the Australian Greenhouse Office or go to www.greenhouse.gov.au
You should note that any vehicle compliance-plated after December 2003 that is converted to run on Autogas must be fitted with a system that has passed current emissions test standards. For a list of emission tested systems click on the vehicle logos at the top of this page. An alternative to converting an existing vehicle is to buy a factory-fitted or dedicated LPG vehicle. See Purchasing a New Vehicle.
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NEWS
LPG Auto Gas Australia
A video at YouTube regarding the Korean Horizontal Wind Generator. Shinyeon Magnet and Wind Systems, Shinyeon Energy Research Center of Korea has three videos. Inductive Wind Force Generator (.24 min) is a introduction, and the installation of the Inductive Wind Force Generator (.54 min) shows construction of it, another video shows their Maxforce Engine (4:57 min) use of magnetic force of permanent magnet and magnetic action. Their work looks appealing for states which have low Wind Speeds, and their Patent Work is nicely accomplished. A related project of the Shinyeon Energy Research Center in Seoul Korea is the Kedron Electromagnetic Generator that uses two Permanent Magnet Energy Gain made of neodymium, headed by Kenneth C. Kozeka, Ph.D. at Kedron.
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