As the price of fuel at the pump continues to rise, truck fleets continue to look for a realistic alternative fuel option. One such option that has been gaining in popularity is natural gas.
Trucks and engine manufacturers have been coming out with additional natural gas models. More natural gas fueling facilities are opening across the U.S. and Canada, particularly along well-traveled corridors. More North American production is coming on line to help make natural gas a more readily accessible fuel.
There are several reasons why natural gas vehicles (NGVs) are increasing in abundance and popularity. To begin with, natural gas is an economic alternative to gasoline and diesel fuels.
"With the rising cost of diesel, the comparatively inexpensive price of natural gas reduces operating costs," says Greg Treinen, segment manager, distribution and services/alternative fuels product marketing for Freightliner Trucks. "Over the past five years, natural gas fuel prices have been consistently well below diesel fuel prices, and have been more consistent, avoiding the fluctuations in prices caused by speculation and the current geopolitical climate."
A vehicle using compressed natural gas (CNG) can reduce annual fuel costs up to 40 percent, assuming 25,700 miles per year driven, gasoline priced at $3.50/gallon and CNG at $2.09/gasoline gallon equivalent, according to Chesapeake Energy Corporation, the second-largest producer of natural gas and a Top 15 producer of oil and natural gas liquids in the U.S. This represents savings totaling as much as $1,500 per fleet vehicle per year.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
Due to the chemical composition of natural gas, it is the cleanest burning engine technology, Treinen says. That provides an environmental benefit as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are reduced by up to 20 percent versus comparable diesel engines.
"The deployment of natural gas vehicles are not only cleaning the air through reduced GHG levels, but also through the reduction in truck noise, which helps keep local neighborhoods and delivery locations quieter and helps with driver comfort, helping their productivity," he notes. "On average, natural gas engines run 10 decibels quieter than a comparable diesel engine."
Natural gas is very safe. Being lighter than air, in the event of an accident, natural gas dissipates into the air instead of forming a dangerous flammable pool on the ground like other liquid fuels. This also prevents the pollution of ground water in the event of a spill.
Another plus for natural gas is that it is a domestic fuel source. "In terms of future resource security, North America has an abundance of natural gas reserves, which helps reduce dependence on foreign oil, says Treinen.
FUEL FACTORS
With the right spec'ing choices, many truck fleets have the potential to realize significant reductions in emissions and fuel costs by specifying natural gas power, particularly if they're replacing trucks with older diesel engines, says Andy Douglas, Kenworth Truck Company's national sales manager for specialty markets.
A good starting point is two primary considerations, he says. The first is the type of natural gas available in a fleet's operating area: liquefied natural gas (LNG) or CNG. The second consideration is the operating range the trucks typically travel.
Before choosing CNG or LNG, it is important to take inventory of natural gas stations in your area and along their operating routes, he recommends.
"Currently, many local transit and government agencies use CNG to power trucks and buses, so that fuel source may be easier to find," says Douglas. "Meanwhile, the natural gas infrastructure available to the public is expanding at an accelerated rate across the United States and Canada along well-traveled transportation routes."
For example, in March, Chesapeake Energy announced a collaboration with GE to develop infrastructure solutions that will help accelerate the adoption of natural gas as a transportation fuel. As part the collaboration, GE will provide more than 250 modular and standardized CNG compression stations, also known as CNG In A Box, for NGV infrastructure.
Clean Energy Fuels Corp., the largest provider of natural gas fuel for transportation in North America and a global leader in the expanding natural gas vehicle market, is continuing development of its America's Natural Gas Highway. This is a network of LNG and CNG fueling stations at strategic locations along major trucking corridors to form the backbone of a national transportation fueling infrastructure.
The first phase includes 150 fueling stations with approximately 70 anticipated to be open in 33 states by year's end and the balance in 2013. Many will be co-located at Pilot-Flying J Travel Centers.
"It's amazing the amount of infrastructure activity that's happened in the past five years," Douglas observes. "It may not be too long before we'll see enough natural gas stations along key interstate corridors for trucks to be able to travel from Los Angeles to New York and back."
OPERATING RANGE
Along with checking the natural gas fuel availability on truck routes, it is important to take into account operating range, says Douglas. "In general, if your operating range is over 400 miles, it's usually best to go with LNG. Under 400 miles, CNG can be an option.
"CNG can be used up to 66,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (gvw), with some severe duty applications going up to 80,000 pounds gvw."
In addition to available fuel type, be sure to check each station's ease of truck accessibility and its capability to fill commercial truck volumes, he adds. Most CNG stations compress the gas into onsite storage cylinders which can then dispense the natural gas fuel into truck fuel tanks as quickly as diesel fuel.
"Drivers can refuel CNG-powered trucks without needing to go through special training," he notes. "LNG is a cyrogenic fuel and so those vehicles must be refueled by properly trained individuals."
ONBOARD FUEL TANKS
As far as fuel tank selection, there is sometimes a tendency to overspec when choosing natural gas tanks since operators are in the habit of carrying a two-to-three day supply of fuel on their diesel trucks, says Douglas.
"In many cases, it's often impractical to carry much more than a day's supply of natural gas. Natural gas fuel tanks also can be expensive, so consider carrying only enough fuel for a full-day's work, plus a 10 percent reserve."
He advises specifying Type 4 CNG cylinders, which are the lightest weight, but also the most expensive option. Type 4 tanks have a plastic core and are fully wrapped with a composite, such as carbon fiber.
Other less expensive options are Type 2 and Type 3 CNG tanks. These have a steel or aluminum core and are composite wrapped.
All CNG tanks are high-pressure vessels.
Kenworth, like other truck OEMs, offers a number of tank options for order on its natural gas trucks. Fuel tank placement depends on the type of truck, chassis configuration, equipment specification choices and how much fuel is needed to be carried.
"It's important to carefully consider the possible impact of tank placement choices on wheelbase length, weight distribution and turning radius," Douglas says.
ROI
The fuel savings, coupled with the longer trade cycles that some vocational operators already experience with their trucks, can make a positive return on investment (ROI) on natural gas-powered trucks attainable now, even without government incentives, says Douglas.
He says the Clean Cities Alternative Fuel Price Report can be a help in determining whether the savings from alternative fuels can provide a high enough ROI. The report, updated every three months, offers a comparison of CNG, gasoline, diesel and biodiesel fuels on a straight price comparison basis and an energy-equivalent basis.
Clean Energy, Navistar join for integrated natural gas fueling solution
Clean Energy Fuels Corp., the largest provider of natural gas fuel for transportation in North America and a global leader in the expanding natural gas vehicle market, in March, signed a strategic agreement with truck and engine manufacturer Navistar International.
The intent is to alleviate the higher initial cost of natural gas-powered vehicles through a novel leasing plan. The two companies will work to offer customers a quicker payback on the investment in these vehicles, plus added fuel costs savings.
Under the plan, fleet customers, for a five-year period, will be able to purchase natural gas vehicles from Navistar through lease arrangements that keep their monthly outlay the same as for diesel vehicles.
In addition, fleets will have access to natural gas at a network of Clean Energy's refueling stations around the country, using natural gas made available at a price that's discounted from market rates.
Company officials said the price of natural gas fuel under the leasing plan would be guaranteed to be 50 to 70 cents less per gallon of diesel fuel.
The leasing plan will start rolling out next year with medium duty trucks first. Heavy duty vehicles will be added later.
FCCC launches first LPG-fueled chassis for medium duty market
Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) has introduced its S2G chassis, the only factory-installed liquid propane gas (LPG) engine available to the medium duty truck market
Built on FCCC's S2 chassis, suitable for pickup and delivery, student transportation and municipal applications, the S2G has an 8L, 325-hp engine that provides 450 ft-lbs of torque at 4,400 RPM.
The engine is supplied by Powertrain Integration, a company that provides custom solutions for OEM engines and drivetrains from the General Motors product lineup.
The S2G has a gross vehicle weight rating of 33,000 pounds, and is equipped with an Allison 2300 automatic transmission with PTO provision.
A limited pre-production run of the S2G chassis is expected later this year, with full production slated for the first quarter of 2013.
Propane providers create strategic refueling approach, including safety training
By Stuart Flatow, Vice President of Safety and Training, Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)
Work trucks fueled by autogas (liquid petroleum gas) offer cost effectiveness and high performance, two reasons why many fleets across the country have adopted them.
Another reason is easy refueling, which can be done through on-site dispensing installed on a company's premises or at a public refueling location.
As fleets add vehicles fueled by autogas, they can work with propane providers to develop a refueling approach that meets their specific needs. Propane providers also train vehicle operators on safe refueling procedures.
ACCESSIBLE
Autogas is a readily available engine fuel, and propane providers across the country are available to help fleets develop a strategic on-site refueling approach. Propane providers make it easy to install on-site dispensing, as they provide information to fleet managers about the advantages of both owning and leasing infrastructure, allowing them to make an informed decision.
On-site dispensing systems, which include a large tank and a no-spill dispenser, are compact and easy to install in a central location. This makes refueling convenient for fleets by eliminating off-site trips for drivers.
A variety of tank sizes and dispensing pumps are available. On-site dispensing also can be upgraded as a fleet grows.
Propane providers will work with local municipalities and states to ensure installed infrastructure meets state and local regulations. Installation cost for an on-site autogas dispensing system is comparable to the cost of installing a gasoline or diesel station.
Depending on the infrastructure type, initial installation work may only take a few weeks.
SAFETY
After installing on-site dispensing, propane providers will train owners, managers and drivers on proper refueling safety procedures. They also instruct a fleet's on-site trainers on proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and share other safety materials.
Vehicle refueling is a straightforward process for fleet managers and operators who use appropriate refueling techniques and follow safety procedures. PERC advises vehicle operators follow these refueling steps:
Prepare:
- Always wear appropriate PPE, like gloves and eyewear. Inspect the vehicle's autogas fuel tank to ensure it is in proper working condition, and make sure the ignition is off.
- Set the meter to zero, and connect the motor fuel hose to the tank valve.
Refuel:
- Start the fuel pump and slowly open the valve at the end of the hose.
- When the overfill protection device stops the fuel flow, immediately close the valve on the end of the hose and shut off the fuel pump.
Inspect:
- Slowly disconnect from the tank by loosening the filler adapter and wait until autogas stops venting before completely disconnecting the adapter.
- Inspect the valve for leaks and replace the dust cap.
These steps should not be considered a substitute for safety training courses offered by a propane provider.
Stuart Flatow is the vice president of safety and training for the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). www.autogasusa.org. Authorized by the U.S. Congress in 1996, PERC's mission is to promote the safe, efficient use of odorized propane gas as a preferred energy source through research and development, training and safety initiatives.
Ryder prepares to roll out medium duty natural gas vehicles
Over the past several years, Ryder has made significant investments in natural gas-powered vehicles.
Since 2010, Ryder has acquired and deployed more than 250 CNG and LNG heavy duty tractors in select markets in Southern California, Arizona and Michigan.
It has entered into a large-scale public-private partnership to make heavy duty natural gas vehicles available for lease and rental in Southern California, and develop the supporting fueling and maintenance infrastructure.
Now, Ryder is getting ready to roll out medium duty natural gas-powered vehicles. The outsourced fleet provider is working with Navistar, Greenkraft - a manufacturer and distributor of automotive products - and Isuzu to offer natural-gas powered straight trucks and city vans for lease and rental.
COST REDUCTION
As fleets look for ways to defray the high cost of diesel, the interest in alternative fuels has continued to grow, say Ryder officials. On average, the gallon equivalent of CNG or LNG tends to cost 30 percent to 50 percent less than diesel fuel.
With the added benefit of significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, natural gas is a way for companies not only to reduce their transportation costs, but also to help meet their sustainability and carbon footprint reduction goals, they add.
Ryder's new medium duty vehicles, which will range in gross vehicle weight from 14,500 to 33,000 pounds, have been designed for a metro application across a variety of configurations. These vehicles will use dedicated fuel engine technology and will be 100 percent powered by natural gas with spark ignition.
Unlike heavy duty natural gas vehicles, which require fueling stations with combination commercial vehicle access, these lighter vehicles will be able to access much of the existing consumer retail CNG fueling infrastructure across the country, which will increase their usability in a greater number of markets, note the officials.
INCENTIVES
To make the vehicles more competitive for customers, Ryder will continue to seek state incentives for natural gas development, the company officials say. By partnering with local and state government entities that promote cleaner air, Ryder is able to acquire the vehicles at more competitive prices and pass these savings onto its lease and rental customers.
For its medium duty natural gas vehicles, Ryder will also offer its Flex-to-Green lease program, which makes it easier for companies to incorporate alternative fuel vehicles into their fleets. When companies sign a three-year Flex-to-Green lease on a traditional diesel vehicle, they can switch out that diesel vehicle after only one year for a comparable alternative fuel vehicle without incurring any penalties.
The Flex-to-Green lease was designed to give fleets the option of incorporating alternative fuel vehicles into their current fleet plans in anticipation of future infrastructure and natural gas vehicle development, explain Ryder officials.
What is the difference between CNG, LNG and LPG?
The following overview highlights the main differences of the CNG, LNG and LPG fuels.
- Compressed natural gas (CNG) - Natural gas under pressure. Natural gas comes from three types of wells (natural gas-and-condensate wells, oil wells and coal bed methane wells) or in conjunction with crude oil production.
Well-extracted natural gas requires a cleanup process before it can be used in vehicles or residences.
Consisting mostly of methane, CNG is odorless, colorless and non-corrosive. A sulphur-based odorant is normally added to CNG to facilitate leak detection.
Natural gas is lighter than air and, thus, will normally dissipate in the case of a leak.
- Liquefied natural gas (LNG) - Natural gas in its liquid form. Cooling natural gas to about minus 260 degrees F results in the condensation of the gas into a super-cooled (cryogenic) clear, colorless and odorless liquid that is neither corrosive nor toxic.
LNG systems operate at low pressure and can store as much as 2.5 times the fuel in the same space as conventional CNG systems.
LNG requires the use of vacuum-insulated storage tanks.
- Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), also known as liquid propane gas and autogas - Produced as a by-product of natural gas processing and petroleum refining.
At normal temperatures and pressures, LPG will evaporate. Because of this, LPG is stored in pressurized steel bottles.
LPG is colorless and odorless. A chemical is added to give it a distinctive and unpleasant smell, sometimes described as rotten cabbage, so that even a very small leak can be easily detected.
Heavier than air, LPG tends to settle in low spots and is more difficult to disperse than natural gas. This can cause explosion hazards if a leak occurs.
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