Article | REF: BM2592 V2

Natural gas – Vehicle fuel

Authors: Richard TILAGONE, Bertrand LECOINTE

Publication date: January 10, 2015, Review date: October 1, 2020

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ABSTRACT

Natural gas is a fossil fuel occurring worldwide in large volumes and of which the proven resources are ever increasing. This energy source is used to fuel industrial applications, and also transportation. This article presents the technologies implemented today and their evolution in the near future, taking into account the constraints of using a gaseous fuel. The strengths and weaknesses of using natural gas in engines are presented as regards engine behavior. The effect of variations in gas properties on the post-treatment of pollutant emissions and engine control is addressed. Some aspects of gas storage are discussed, and information on regulations and tax issues is appended.

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AUTHORS

  • Richard TILAGONE: Head of IFPEN-Lyon Engine Technology Synthesis Department – IFPEN (IFP Énergies Nouvelles) - IFP School engineer – ENSPM, Engine option and Institut national des sciences appliquées (INSA-Lyon), Mechanical Engineering Construction department, France

  • Bertrand LECOINTE: Gas Engine Project Manager – IFPEN - Engineer IFP School – ENSPM, Engine option and Institut national des sciences appliquées (INSA-Rouen), Energy and Propulsion Department, France

 INTRODUCTION

Natural gas is a fossil fuel whose resources are substantial and whose proven reserves are steadily increasing. It has a natural place as a fuel for industrial and transportation applications. Whatever its field of application, this hydrocarbon offers specific advantages that make it a strategic alternative both in the search for viable energy diversification, and in expanding the supply of conventional liquid fuels.

This article looks at natural gas as an internal combustion engine fuel for land transport vehicles. Although they represent very important markets, marine, stationary and cogeneration applications, as well as railways, are not or hardly addressed, bearing in mind that the technologies discussed in this article are, for a large part, similar to those used for these applications. The aim, therefore, is to provide a sufficiently broad perspective to cover the main elements needed to estimate the potential of this gaseous fuel. For the sake of honesty, the advantages and disadvantages have been systematically presented, as this article is not intended to promote the natural gas vehicle sector, even if it does contribute to this, but, once again, to provide the most relevant elements for assessment.

Taking into account the constraints specific to the use of a gaseous fuel, this article, which presents an analysis of the various technological approaches currently in use and possible future developments, is a logical follow-up to the article by the same authors on the fossil fuel aspect of natural gas [BM 2 591] . The position of natural gas with regard to atmospheric pollution and the specific constraints of the natural gas engine are addressed here, as well as the impact of variations in the fuel's characteristics on combustion control and the post-treatment of pollutant emissions. The issue of storage is also briefly addressed. The normative and fiscal contexts will be partially addressed in the documentation.

This article also provides an overview of current approaches and technologies on the market.

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