This document discusses compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. It begins by explaining that CNG vehicles have been around for some time but are emerging as a leading alternative fuel option. There are three main types of CNG vehicles: dedicated, which run on CNG only; bifueled, which can run on CNG or gasoline; and dual fueled, which use a combination of CNG and diesel. The document then covers the basics of CNG fuel storage and delivery systems on vehicles, safety aspects, advantages over gasoline like lower cost and domestic production, and workforce training opportunities for CNG vehicle repair.

1. AUTOMOTIVE AND ALTERNATIVE FUEL
VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS VEHICLES

2. AN OLD IDEA
PERFECTED
• Most alternative fuels are not
that new
• As energy markets evolve so
does the demand for alternatives
• Natural gas is currently emerging
as a leading alternative fuel
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3. NGV BASICS
• Dedicated
• Runs on CNG only
• Honda Civic, Heavy-Duty
diesel conversions
• Bifueled
• Runs on CNG or
gasoline
• Dual Fueled
• Combination of natural
gas and diesel fuel
• LNG
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4. FORMS OF NG
Natural gas motor fuel
comes as one of two
forms:
• Compressed Natural Gas
(CNG)
created by high pressure
• Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
created by low temperature
Both are made almost
entirely of methane (CH4).
• Methane is a hydrocarbon.

5. Vehicle Categories – Choices Already Exist
Light
Duty
Medium Duty Heavy Duty
On Road
Heavy Duty
Off Road
CNG Options LNG Options
Heavy Duty
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6. WHY COMPRESSED?
• Natural gas stored on the vehicle at 3600
psi, a few 3000 psi systems are also still in
use
• Compressed gas is all about fuel storage
capacity onboard the vehicle
• By the time fuel is metered into the engine it
is running between 50 and 100 psi
• LNG must remain at about -260° F to remain
liquid, this further increases on vehicle
storage capacity
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7. CNG AND SAFETY
Natural gas is very safe
• Lighter than air
• Dissipates when released
High ignition temperature: 1,000°-1,100°F
• Gasoline ignition temperature: 495°
• Diesel ignition temperature: 410°
Limited range of air/fuel combustion ratio (5-15%)
Colorless, non-toxic substance
Does not leak into groundwater
Comprehensive fuel tank, vehicle and station
design/manufacturing codes & standards
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8. CNG BASICS
• Tank
• Specialized high
pressure vessel
• High-pressure lines
• Typically stainless
steel
• High-pressure filter
and valves
• Filtration and control
of high pressure gas
flow
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9. CNG BASICS
• Regulator
• Drops the pressure
from 3600 to about
75psi
• Low pressure filters
• One last filtration
• Injectors
• multiport
• Electronic controls
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10. BASIC CNG SYSTEM LAYOUT
Whether dedicated or Bifueled CNG systems
are not complex
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11. BASIC CNG SYSTEM LAYOUT
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12. CNG ADVANTAGES
• Cheap and abundant
• Burns clean
• Domestically produced
• Stable price
• Naturally high octane
• No after treatment required for
HD applications
• Limited processing required
after extraction
• Natural gas distribution is
widespread
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13. Source: AFDC 10/21/2012
U.S. Average Retail Fuel Prices
Natural Gas Consistently is the Lowest Price
U.S. Average Retail Fuel PricesCost per GGE
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14. CNG
Almost all U.S. CNG is domestic
CNG is stored indefinitely above or below
ground
• Tank farms in most metro areas
• May also be stored in wells
Delivered to consumers
• CNG pumps at gas stations
• Home equipment also available

15. NATURAL GAS PUMP

16. WHO WORKS
ON THESE
THINGS?
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17. WWCC AUTO
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18. WWCC AUTO
• AAS degree in
Automotive Technology
• Certificate in Automotive
Technology
• Certificate in Alternative
Fuel Vehicle Technology
• NGV
• Gas/Electric Hybrid
• Light-Duty Clean Diesel
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19. NGV
• Service and Repair
• High pressure
• Lines valves and
fittings
• Low pressure
• Computer controls
• Maintenance
• NFPA 52 Standards
• NGV 2 Standards
• EPA Standards
• Retrofit
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20. WWCC AUTO
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• Research and Testing

21. FOR THOSE THAT ARE
CURIOUS…
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• 2010 Chevrolet Suburban 2500 6.0L V8
• Gasoline: 244 HP, 291 lb-ft. Torque
• CNG: 207 HP, 247 lb-ft. Torque
• 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5.3L V8
• Gasoline: 235 HP, 206 lb-ft. Torque
• CNG: 206 HP, 222 lb-ft. Torque

22. WORKFORCE TRAINING
• Classes are customized to
meet the exact needs of
industry
• Compressed Natural Gas
Vehicles
• CSA America Testing
• CNG Fuel System
Function, Diagnosis, and
Repair
• Clean Diesel Technology
• Hybrid Vehicle Technology
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23. QUESTIONS? CONTACT ME
Tracey Hind (307)382-1881 thind@wwcc.wy.edu
Ken Patton (307)382-1869 kpatton@wwcc.wy.edu
Facebook: Western Wyoming Community College
Automotive
YouTube: wwccauto
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