ALTERNATIVE FUEL ENGINES FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Alternative Fuel Engines.

What are Alternate or Alternative Fuels?

Alternate or Alternative Fuel has been a buzz word in the transportation field for many years, but it has only been in the last few years that it has come into the limelight. Simply stated, any fuel used to operate a motor vehicle besides traditional gasoline and diesel fuels is an alternate fuel.

An alternate fuel can be as simple as alcohol blended with gasoline. However, with the Clean Air Act, the term has been redefined to suit government standards. There are two areas of concern with respect to alternative fuels. One is that alternate fuels should burn cleaner with fewer, less harmful by-products. The other is that alternate fuels should reduce the United States' dependence on foreign oil.

The more common alternate fuels are Compressed Natural Gas or CNG, Propane, Methanol blends and Ethanol.

CNG and Propane thus far seem to be the most popular choices for fleets who are mandated by several governmental regulations to convert a percentage of their vehicles to some form of alternative fuel engines. The cost of conversion will be more than offset by the savings in fuel over the life of the vehicle. Propane conversions involve similar technology and equipment as that found in CNG conversions but are less expensive to perform. Propane and CNG are both clean burning and contaminate engine oil less than gasoline but do burn at much higher temperatures.

What are the requirements of The Clean Air Act?

The Federal Government has passed two pieces of legislation affecting the use of alternative fuels. The first is the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAAA) and the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT). Both of these acts are designed to promote the use of alternate transportation fuels and alternate transportation vehicles. CAAA requires private and governmental fleets to use clean fuel vehicles in specified non-attainment areas beginning with the 1998 model year. Requirements for federal fleets began in 1993 and those for state fleets began in 1995. EPACT requires the use of alternate fuel vehicles for light-duty fleets with 50 or more vehicles located in metropolitan areas with populations greater than 250,000. In addition, many states are enacting requirements that exceed the mandates of federal legislation.

How are Alternative Fuel vehicles refueled?

A CNG refueling station stores natural gas at pressures between 2400 psi and 3600 psi. Storage at 3600 psi is becoming the norm because a greater concentration of fuel can be stored in the same size area. Fuel is then pumped into the vehicle in much the same manner as traditional gasoline or diesel fuels. Compressed Natural Gas vehicles have two fueling options. A fast-fill takes three to five minutes while the slow-fill takes six to twelve hours. The slow fill does not require as large a compressor as does a fast fill and is therefore less expensive. Slow fills are generally used by fleets whose vehicles are stored in a central overnight facility.

Is a natural gas vehicle safe?

Natural gas vehicles are safe from several standpoints...

• Fuel tanks are built to rigorous safety requirements.
• Since natural gas is lighter than air, if a leak developed, the fuel would dissipate into the air rather than form a flammable puddle.
• The combustion temperature of natural gas is higher than that of gasoline- 600 degrees Fahrenheit higher - so it will ignite much less easily than gasoline.
• Handling natural gas is safe since it is neither toxic nor corrosive.
• Because of its specific air to fuel ignition range, the use of natural gas minimizes the chance of an explosion.
• Is there a loss of engine power with Alternative Fuel Engines?
• With the direct fuel injected engines and the onboard computers of today's vehicles, most people don't even realize when the vehicle switches from one fuel to the other. With older model vehicles there may be a slight loss of power when switching from a traditional to an alternate fuel. This power can be recovered, however, through additional engine modifications and by operating strictly on natural gas or LP through what is termed a dedicated vehicle. With our conversion experience, JASPER Alternative Fuel Engines can help fleets select a system which best fits their particular needs.
• The benefit to the customer is a more efficient engine that will last longer. These systems may be the best alternatives in that they offer long-term economic advantages and meet governmental mandates on air quality.

How does a vehicle converted to Alternate Fuel operate?

Most vehicles converted to run on an alternate fuel such as CNG or Propane operate in a similar manner. There are a few differences, however. Here's an example of how a vehicle converted to CNG (compressed natural gas) operates:

• Natural gas is compressed and enters the vehicle through the natural gas fill valve.
• Natural gas flows into high pressure cylinders located in the vehicle.
• Natural gas goes through the high pressure fuel line and enters the engine compartment.
• Natural gas enters the regulator which reduces pressure from up to 3,600 psi to atmospheric pressure.
• The natural gas solenoid valve allows natural gas to pass from the regulator into the gas mixer.
• Natural gas mixed with air flows down through the gasoline carburetor fuel injection system and enters the engine's combustion chambers.

How do I select a conversion system?

There are several conversion systems on the market. Some are designed to work only with select vehicles while others will work with a broad range of cars, vans and trucks. Conversion system costs vary as does the time it takes to install a system. A JASPER Alternative Fuel staff member will be happy to discuss the options available and help you select a system that is best for your particular needs and application.

Please contact our Alternative Fuel Engine Division at 1-800-827-7455 extension 2046.