White paper: Preliminary assessment of LNG vehicle technology, economics, and safety issues. Topical Report, April 1991-August 1991

Technical Report · Wed Nov 06 00:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:5741875

Powars, C; Luscher, D; Moyer, C; Browning, L

The objective of the study is to evaluate the potential of LNG as a vehicle fuel, to determine market niches, and to identify needed technology improvements. The white paper is being issued when the work is approximately 30 percent complete to preview the study direction, draw preliminary conclusions, and make initial recommendations. Interim findings relative to LNG vehicle technology, economics, and safety are presented. It is important to decide if heavier hydrocarbons should be allowed in LNG vehicle fuel. Development of suitable refueling couplings and vehicle fuel supply pressure systems are recommended. Initial economics analyses considered transit buses and pickup and delivery trucks fueled via onsite liquefiers and imported LNG. Net user costs were more than (but in some cases close to) those for diesel fuel and gasoline. Lowering the cost of small-scale liquefiers would significantly improve the economics of LNG vehicles. New emissions regulations may introduce considerations beyond simple cost comparisons. LNG vehicle safety and available accident data are reviewed. Consistent codes for LNG vehicles and refueling facilities are needed.

• Research Organization: Acurex Corp., Mountain View, CA (United States). Environmental Systems Div.
• OSTI ID: 5741875
• Report Number(s): PB-92-137603/XAB; CNN: GRI-5091-292-2153
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Sponsored by Gas Research Inst., Chicago, IL
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
03 NATURAL GAS
LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS
FUEL SUBSTITUTION
ACCIDENTS
BUSES
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
COST
DIESEL FUELS
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
GASOLINE
INFORMATION NEEDS
MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT
MOLECULAR WEIGHT
POLLUTION REGULATIONS
SAFETY ENGINEERING
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
TRUCKS
VEHICLES
ECONOMICS
ENERGY SOURCES
ENGINEERING
EQUIPMENT
EVALUATION
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GAS OILS
GASES
LIQUEFIED GASES
LIQUID FUELS
NATURAL GAS
PETROLEUM
PETROLEUM FRACTIONS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
REGULATIONS
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
330800* - Emission Control- Alternative Fuels
034000 - Natural Gas- Combustion