Compressed Natural Gas as an Alternative Fuel

for Automotive Vehicles

Flores, Arvin Christian

Ornopia, Elvin
Lazam, Billy Caleb A.

Chapter I
Introduction
1.1 Overview/ Background
In the recent years, the world is moving from traditional gas to natural
gas, particularly Compressed Natural Gas or CNG, to combat the increasing
levels of pollutants and carbon emissions in the atmosphere (Panchal et al.
2014). One of the main targets of these environmental programs is to reduce
the high levels of carbon emission coming from the smoke belchers of the
country the transport sector using Compressed Natural Gas for vehicles
instead of the traditional gasoline which can account for the rapid increase of
harmful gases in the atmosphere (Camp 2013, par. 2). For this reason, the
ability to acquire and to use Compressed Natural Gas as an alternative gas is
significant for the environment because Compressed Natural Gas emits
cleaner smoke than other traditional gases and, thus, has the ability to
dramatically

lessen

the

increasing

carbon

footprints

present

in

the

environment.
Compressed Natural Gas used as an alternative gas, has the ability to
dramatically reduce and slow down the increasing levels of pollutants and
carbon footprints in the atmosphere (Camp 2013, par. 7); it has more
advantages for both user and the environment compared to other fossil fuels
moreover, it has a great potential of becoming the primary source of energy
for vehicles in the future.
Natural gas is primarily composed of methane; the main products of
combustion of natural gas are carbon dioxide and water vapor: same
compounds that are exhaled when breathing. Coal and oil are composed of
much more complex molecules with higher carbon ratio and higher nitrogen
and sulfur contents (Brinson 2012). When combusted, coal and oil release a

higher level of harmful emissions that are dangerous to the environment.

Coal and fuel oil release ash particles on the environment that are substance
that do not burn, instead it was carried into the atmosphere and contributes
to the pollution. Burning natural gas releases a very small of those gasses
that are harmful for the environment and contributes pollution to the
surroundings.
1.2

Statement of the problem

The pollution has been the cause for many problems encountered

globally. The levels of carbon emission in the atmosphere have been

increasing due to the rampant burning of fossil fuels brought by the
increasing population and needs of humanity. The reduction of greenhouse
gas and carbon emission in the environment has become the primary focus
of most environmental programs in countries around the world. Burning of
fuels is the main cause of the pollution and using alternatives such as
Compressed Natural Gas would lessen the pollutants produced from the
industry.
1.3

Objectives
1.3.1 Main Objective
- To compare the fuel economy and emissions of Compressed Natural

Gas from Gasoline.

1.3.2 Specific Objectives
To conduct test that will burn fuels using an automotive vehicle.
To determine the fuel economy from using CNG and Gasoline.
To determine the amount of carbon produced from burning
Compressed Natural Gas and Gasoline
- To determine the amount of carbon reduce by using compressed
1.4

natural gas compared to fossil fuels(gasoline)

Significance of the study

The ability to acquire and to use Compressed Natural Gas as an

alternative gas is significant for the environment because Compressed
Natural Gas emits cleaner smoke than other traditional gases and thus, has
the ability to dramatically lessen the increasing carbon footprints present in
the environment.

1.5

Scope and limitations

The researchers focused mainly on the amount of carbon produced

from the Compressed Natural Gas and Gasoline. Other substances produced
from the burning of fuel process was not tested in the conducted study. The
test results will show figures based on the amount of carbon produced from
each fuel. The performance analysis of the fuel in the vehicle will not be
considered. The comparison of the gasoline and compressed natural gas as
source of fuel is only limited to the effect on the Environmental concerns and
Transportation economy.

Chapter II
Review of related literature
2.1 Natural Gas and the Environment
As evidenced in the Environment Protection Agency (2010), Natural gas as
the cleanest fossil fuel was used in many ways to help reduce the emissions
of pollutants into the environment. Burning natural gas than other fossil fuels
emits fewer harmful pollutants and increase the reliance on potentially
reduces emission of those many harmful pollutants. The use of natural gas
does not significantly contribute in the formation of the smog as it emits
lower nitrogen oxide and doesnt have particulate matters. It is use to
combat smog formation to those areas where the air quality is poor.
Natural gas usually needs to be processed before it can be used. When it is
extracted, natural gas can contain a variety of elements and compounds
other than methane. Water, ethane, butane, propane, pentanes, hydrogen
sulphide, carbon dioxide, water vapor, and occasionally helium and nitrogen
may be present in a natural gas well. In order to be used for energy, the
methane is processed and separated from the other components. The gas
that is used for energy in our homes is almost pure methane. Like other fossil
fuels, natural gas can be burned for energy. In fact, it is the cleanest-burning
fuel, meaning it releases very few byproducts. When fossil fuels are burned,
they can release or emit different elements, compounds, and solid particles.
Coal and oil are fossil fuels with very complex molecular formations, and
contain a high amount of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur. When they are burned,
they release high amounts of harmful emissions, including nitrogen oxides,
sulfur dioxide, and particles that drift into the atmosphere and contribute to
air pollution.

In contrast, the methane in natural gas has a simple molecular make-up:

CH4. When it is burned, it emits only carbon dioxide and water vapor.
Humans exhale the same two components when we breathe. Carbon dioxide
and water vapor, along with other gases such as ozone and nitrous oxide, are
known as greenhouse gases. The increasing amounts of greenhouse gases in
the atmosphere are linked to global warming and could have disastrous
environmental consequences.
Although burning natural gas still emits greenhouse gases, it emits almost 30
percent less CO2 than oil, and 45 percent less CO2 than coal.

2.2 Fueling Safely with Compressed Natural Gas

According to the California Energy Commission (2006), CNG was a
flammable gas but has a narrow flammability range making it an inherently
safe fuel. It means that the concentration of CNG will be mixed in the air and
became flammable if its between five to fifteen percent natural gas. On the
other hand, if the mixture is below five percent natural gas, it will not ignite
and if its above fifteen percent natural gas, it doesnt have enough oxygen
to allow it burns. CNG vehicles can be safe as a gasoline-powered vehicle by
strict safety standard. It is a non-toxic gas that even it spill or accidentally
release it will not affect its surroundings. It also rises and disperses and
minimizes the ignition risk similar to the gasoline. Natural gas is lighter than
air and it will not be pool as a liquid or vapor on the ground. Leaks from
indoors may be form a flammable mixture in a vicinity of an ignition source.
CNG is primarily methane which greenhouse gasses could contributes to the
global climate change if it leaked. CNG was stored in a thick-walled steel,
aluminum or composite tanks built to last more than twenty years. CNG
being a gaseous fuel is mixed in the air easily and evenly.
2.3 Is Natural Gas Cleaner Than Petroleum and Coal?

Coal has been used as a fuel for hundreds or even thousands of years,
and coal fueled steam engines in trains long before the liquid fuel-powered
engines of todays cars were in use. Coal is the most abundant fossil fuel in
the United States, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Its cheap, readily mined domestically, and generated almost half of all
electricity in the country in 2009 as well as more than 40 percent of
electricity produced globally. Coal is also the source of countless mining and
transportation accidents and steady supply of greenhouse gases. Like all
fossil and biofuels, all coal produces carbon dioxide when it is burned.
However, coal quality varies substantially based upon where it is mined.
Some coals can produce more energy per pound, and each source of coal
has naturally-occurring pollutants that can be released when the coal is
burned or stored, including radioactive materials and toxic metals like
mercury.
Humans have known about petroleum, or crude oil, for centuries, but
the substance wasnt considered terribly interesting until the mid 1800s,
when it was distilled into kerosene and found to be a good, cheap alternative
to burning whale oil in oil lamps. Today, more than two-thirds of U.S.
petroleum consumption is used for transportation. In 2009, petroleum fuel
was the single largest source of energy in the United States, with 18,690,000
barrels per day providing 37 percent of energy. Petroleum use contributed 43
percent of 2009 energy-related carbon dioxide emissions, according to the
U.S. Energy
Information Administration. The most direct derivatives of petroleum
include diesel and jet fuel, and gasoline.
During the 19th century, some types of lamps ran on natural gas,
usually along city streets. In 1885 Robert Bunsen invented the Bunsen
burner, which mixes gas with air to produce a steady flame for heat or
cooking. Today, natural gas is a popular fuel for heating homes, cooking, and

powering clothes dryers, as well as for power plants and industries. Some
vehicles are powered by natural gas as well. Like petroleum, natural gas is a
starting material for many other goods like plastics, chemicals, and even
hydrogen. Natural gas is an especially efficient fuel when burned in
combined-cycle power plants, where electricity is produced in two stages.
The combusted natural gas itself runs gas turbines, and then the leftover
heat is used to heat water for steam-turbines.
Natural gas is a product of animal and vegetable material, and other
biodegradable things (Martin 1996 - 2003). Other forms of source of energy
such as Petroleum and coal are example of non-renewable resources in the
environment. The process of extracting coal and petroleum is too risky
because it can pollute the environment. In every process there are leakages
that we cant escape that is very dangerous to the community near its
plantation. After the process, the natural gas will go to the factory or power
plant to generate energy to their work. As they use natural gas for their
energy in their work it produces carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides that
causes pollution but it produces small amount. Based on the statistics
written on the article of Melanie J. Martin on the National Geographic
website, Natural gas produces 43% fewer of carbon emissions and 30% less
than petroleum. Therefore, natural gas is more eco-friendly, efficient to use
and cleaner than coal and petroleum.
2.4 Environmental Effects
Climate change on a global scale has been attributed to increased
emissions of carbon dioxide (CO 2), a greenhouse gas. A global average
temperature rise of only 1C could have serious implications. Possible
consequences include melting of polar ice caps; an increase in sea level; and
increases in precipitation and severe weather events like hurricanes,
tornadoes, heat waves, floods, and droughts. Indirect effects include
increases in infectious disease, weather-related deaths, and food and water

shortages. All these effects put a stress on ecosystems and agriculture, and
threaten our planet as a whole.
Other atmospheric effects of air pollution include urban smog and reduced
visibility, associated with ozone-forming nitrogen oxides and volatile organic
compound emissions. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides combine with water
in the atmosphere to cause acid rain, which is detrimental to forests and
other vegetation, soil, lakes, and aquatic life. Acid rain also causes
monuments and buildings to deteriorate. (2011).

2.5 Cars Emission and Global Warming

According to the article of Linda B. Brinson in the website of How Stuffs
Work, pollutants from cars contribute to various types of air pollution. When
hydrocarbons and NOx combine in sunlight, they produce ozone. High in the
atmosphere, ozone protects us from the suns ultraviolet rays. When holes in
the atmosphere's ozone layer allows ozone to come closer to Earth, it
contributes to smog and causes respiratory problems.
Air pollutants emitted from cars are believed to cause cancer and contribute
to such problems as asthma, heart disease, birth defects and eye irritation.
Emissions from cars increase the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. At normal levels, greenhouse gases
keep some of the suns heat in the atmosphere and help warm the Earth.
That said, many scientists believe that burning fossil fuels such as gasoline
causes greenhouse gas levels to spike, leading to global warming.
2.6 CNG busses compared with Diesel buses
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Renewable
Energy Laboratory (NREL) commissioned this survey to collect and analyze

experiential data from U.S. transit agencies with varying degrees of

compressed natural gas (CNG) bus and station experience. This information
helps DOE and NREL determine areas of CNG transit bus success and priority
areas for which further technical or other assistance might be required to
enable success.
Clean Vehicle Education Foundation (CVEF) staff and subcontractors
developed a battery of questions and identified 10 transit agencies to
represent all U.S. transit agencies that use CNG buses, accounting for the
diversity in characteristics such as fleet size, management system, station
ownership and operation, and geographic location. The survey was
conducted onsite.
The study found that the average fuel economy in CNG buses is
approximately 20% lower than in diesel buses, although there is reason to
believe that this gap will be narrower for new CNG and diesel engines. Based
on a recent 12-month periodand after adjusting for energy content, bus
fuel efficiency, station maintenance and power costs, and fuel-cost subsidies
the average CNG cost was $1.06 per diesel gallon equivalent. (2009-2010)

Chapter III
Theoretical consideration

Fuel is the power source of an engine which when burned, the fuel will
be converted to mechanical energy that will let the vehicle move at the
drivers will. The byproducts of the combustion process causes pollution.
3.1 Carbon Dioxide Emission
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the primary greenhouse gas emitted through
human activities. In 2012, CO2 accounted for about 82% of all U.S.
greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. Carbon dioxide is naturally
present in the atmosphere as part of the Earth's carbon cycle (the natural
circulation of carbon among the atmosphere, oceans, soil, plants, and
animals). Human activities are altering the carbon cycleboth by adding
more CO2 to the atmosphere and by influencing the ability of natural sinks,
like forests, to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. While CO2 emissions come
from a variety of natural sources, human-related emissions are responsible
for the increase that has occurred in the atmosphere since the industrial
revolution.
The main human activity that emits CO2 is the combustion of fossil fuels
(coal, natural gas, and oil) for energy and transportation, although certain
industrial processes and land-use changes also emit CO2. The main sources
of CO2emissions in the United States are described below.

Electricity. Electricity is a significant source of energy in the

United States and is used to power homes, business, and industry.
The combustion of fossil fuels to generate electricity is the largest
single source of CO2 emissions in the nation, accounting for about
38% of total U.S. CO2emissions and 31% of total U.S. greenhouse
gas emissions in 2012. The type of fossil fuel used to generate
electricity will emit different amounts of CO2. To produce a given
amount of electricity, burning coal will produce more CO2than oil or
natural gas.

Transportation. The combustion of fossil fuels such as gasoline

and diesel to transport people and goods is the second largest
source of CO2 emissions, accounting for about 32% of total U.S.
CO2 emissions and 27% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in
2012. This category includes transportation sources such as
highway vehicles, air travel, marine transportation, and rail.

Industry. Many industrial

processes emit CO2 through fossil
fuel combustion. Several processes
also produce CO2 emissions through
chemical reactions that do not
involve combustion, for example,
the production and consumption of
mineral products such as cement,
the production of metals such as
iron and steel, and the production of
chemicals. Fossil fuel combustion
from various industrial processes
accounted for about 14% of total
U.S. CO2 emissions and 12% of total U.S.greenhouse gas emissions
in 2012. Note that many industrial processes also use electricity
and therefore indirectly cause the emissions from the electricity
production.

Carbon dioxide is constantly being exchanged among the atmosphere,

ocean, and land surface as it is both produced and absorbed by many
microorganisms, plants, and animals. However, emissions and removal of
CO2 by these natural processes tend to balance. Since the Industrial
Revolution began around 1750, human activities have contributed

substantially to climate change by adding CO2 and other heat-trapping gases

to the atmosphere.
In the United States, since 1990, the management of forests and nonagricultural land has acted as a net sink of CO2, which means that more
CO2 is removed from the atmosphere, and stored in plants and trees, than is
emitted. This sink offset about 15% of total emissions in 2012.
3.2 Emission and Trends
Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the United States increased by about 5%
between 1990 and 2012. Since the combustion of fossil fuel is the largest
source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, changes in
emissions from fossil fuel combustion have historically been the dominant
factor affecting total U.S. emission trends. Changes in CO2 emissions from
fossil fuel combustion are influenced by many long-term and short-term
factors, including population growth, economic growth, changing energy
prices, new technologies, changing behavior, and seasonal temperatures.
Between 1990 and 2012, the increase in CO2 emissions corresponded with
increased energy use by an expanding economy and population, and an
overall growth in emissions from electricity generation. Transportation
emissions also contributed to the 5% increase, largely due to an increase in
miles traveled by motor vehicles.
Going forward, CO2 emissions in the United States are projected to grow by
about 1.5% between 2005 and 2020.

Graph 3.2
U.S. Carbon Dioxide Gas Emissions, 1990-2012

Note: All emission estimates from the Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas
Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2012.

The Table 3.1 shows the CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions coefficient of
natural gas, gasoline and kerosene. It shows that using natural gas, there is
less emission of CO2.

Chapter IV
Methodology
4.1 Flowchart of the Processes
The Diagram 4.1 is s flowchart that shows the step-by-step process
being followed by the researchers. Basically, it is the summary of the
research.
Get two samples of fuels:
natural gas and gasoline

fill the tanks with the same

volume of fuel

Burn the Fuel using the Car

engine in a close area

Gather samples of the

released byproduct of the
substance
Collect samples of the
byproducts using Air quality
tester
compare the amount of
substances released from
the combustion.

Diagram 4.1

Table 4.1

Type of
Fuel

Amount of Produced Pollutants from

Combustion

Carbon Dioxide

Carbon Monoxide

Gasoline

Compressed
Natural Gas
Table 4.1 will show the data collected after following the processes stated on
Diagram 4.1

4.2 Materials/ Equipment

The following are the materials to be used in this research:
1. Air Quality Tester
Measures carbon dioxide (CO2),
temperature, humidity, dew point, and
wet bulb.
Features:
Checks for Carbon Dioxide
(CO2) concentrations
Maintenance free dual
wavelength NDIR (non-dispersive infrared) CO2 sensor
Measurement ranges: CO2: 0 to 6,000ppm Temperature:
-4 to 140F (-20 to 60C) Humidity: 10 to 95%RH
Continuous (20,000 sets) or manual (99 sets) datalogging
Data hold, Max/Min with Time stamp, and Alarm
Auto Power Off
Easy calibration in fresh air
Source: https://www.instrumart.com/categories/5901/indoor-air-qualityiaq-meters

2. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

CNG is a readily available alternative to
gasoline that's made by compressing
natural gas to less than 1% of its volume
at standard atmospheric pressure.
Source: www.cngnow.com/what-is-cng

3. Gasoline
Crude
oil based petroleum product used
to power internal
combustion engines. The liquid is
highly flammable and evaporates as
the engine uses it. Due to
increased demand for gasoline and
crude, auto-manufactures have
started building cars that either do not need gasoline or rely very
little on the product.

4.3 The conversion of vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

You may know by now that you dont need to buy a new CNG-powered car to
start using clean and safe CNG and reduce your carbon footprint. Any vehicle
running on gasoline and diesel can be converted to CNG. But do you know
how CNG conversion is accomplished and how it works?
At Action Alternative Fuels we will install compressed natural gas (CNG)
components to your existing vehicle. These components make CNG the
primary fuel for your vehicle with gasoline as the back-up fuel. Once
installed, the engine will automatically switch between CNG and gasoline;
however, a fuel selection button will be installed that will allow the driver to
manually select either CNG or gasoline. CNG storage cylinders will be

installed in the bed of the pickup truck in most cases, or in the trunk for cabs
and other cars. Stainless steel tubes and lines will transport the CNG to the
regulator in the vehicles engine compartment to reduce the pressure. The
CNG will then pass through a fuel-air mixer on its way to the intake manifold
to be introduced for combustion.
Having a dual fuel system will ensure adequate fuel reserves in between
natural gas fills. Compared to having only a gasoline engine, this additional
fuel reserve will extend the vehicles driving range. Drivers can switch from
CNG to gasoline even while driving, idling or parked. Some CNG systems will
automatically switch to gasoline when the natural gas level reaches a preset
low pressure setting.
For an inside look at how a CNG/gasoline bi-fuel system works, here are the
step by step details:

CNG is fed into the high pressure cylinders through the natural gas
receptacle

When the engine needs natural gas, CNG leaves the storage cylinders
and passes through the master manual shut-off.

CNG enters the engine chamber via the stainless steel high pressure
line.

The regulator accepts the CNG and reduces its pressure from 3,600 psi
to approximate atmospheric pressure.

The natural gas solenoid valve lets the natural gas flow from the
regulator into the gas mixer or fuel injectors. This same solenoid valve
also shuts off the natural gas when the engine is stopped.

CNG mixes with air and flows down through the carburetor or fuel
injection system and enters the engines combustion chambers.

References
California Energy Commission (2006 - 2012), Compressed Natural Gas
(CNG) as a Transportation Fuel. Retrieved from
http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/transportation/afvs/cng.html
Camp, J. (2013, February 6). The Importance of CNG Vehicles in Reducing
Pollution. Retrieved from http://dzhingarov.com/the-importance-ofcng-vehicles-in-reducing-pollution/
Compressed Natural Gas (Cng) As A Transportation Fuel. (n.d.). Retrieved
from
http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/transportation/afvs/cng.html
Compressed Natural Gas. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.bglgas.com/cng.html
Green, C. (n.d.). Natural Gas Vehicle Safety. Retrieved from
http://www.ehow.com/about_5455641_natural-gas-vehiclesafety.html
Natural Gas and the Environment, (2004-2011), retrieved from
http://www.naturalgas.org/environment/naturalgas.asp
Natural Gas and the Environment. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.naturalgas.org/environment/naturalgas.asp#emission
United States Environmental Protection Agency (2002), Clean Alternative
Fuels: Compressed Natural Gas. Retrieved from
www.afdc.energy.gov/pdfs/epa_cng.pdf
Leanardo Academy Program (2013), Cleaner and Greener. Retrieved from
http://www.cleanerandgreener.org/resources/air-pollution.html

Brinson, L. (n.d.). How Stuffs Work, How much Air Pollution comes from
cars? Retrieved from
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/air-pollution-from-cars.htm
http://naturalgas.org/environment/naturalgas/
http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy10osti/48814.pdf
http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/encyclopedia/naturalgas/?ar_a=1
http://burnanenergyjournal.com/petroleum-natural-gas-and-coal/