Introduction. !! Propane is one of the world s most common engine fuels. !! U.S. imports about half of its petroleum

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2 Introduction!! Propane is one of the world s most common engine fuels!! Stations available worldwide!! High energy density!! Exceptionally safe!! U.S. imports about half of its petroleum!! Two thirds of petroleum is used for transportation!! Propane use offsets petroleum imports 2

3 Lesson 1: Introduction to Propane 3

4 Objectives!! Describe what propane (LPG) is and how to identify it!! Explain the basic history of propane!! Describe how propane may help public health and the environment!! Explain how propane may help stimulate the economy!! Describe what energy security is and how to use propane to attain it 4

5 Definition of Propane!! Propane is:!! Identified as an alternative fuel!! Colorless!! Odorless!! Product of natural gas production and crude oil refining Figure 1: Propane molecule. Source: NAFTC. 5

6 !! Propane usually contains:!! More than 90% propane!! Some butane!! Trace gases!! Easily converted and stored as a liquid under pressure!! Can produce fewer emissions than conventional gasoline!! Presents no immediate environmental threats 6

7 Chemical Properties of Propane!! Gas at ambient temperatures; liquid below -40 F or when under pressure!! One cubic foot of liquid = 270 cubic feet of vapor Figure 2: Propane tanks. Source: NAFTC. 7

Specific Gravity!! Specific gravity of liquid propane = 0.504 (half that of water)!! Specific gravity of propane vapor = 1.50 (one and a half times as much as water)!

8 Specific Gravity!! Specific gravity of liquid propane = (half that of water)!! Specific gravity of propane vapor = 1.50 (one and a half times as much as water)!! Leaked propane vapors will sink to the floor Figure 3: The specific gravity of liquid propane is less than water, and the specific gravity of propane vapor is greater than air. Source: NAFTC. 8

9 Propane Color!! Colorless liquid or vapor!! Produces pale blue flame when ignited Propane Smell!! Naturally odorless!! Odorants are added to aid in leak detection 9

10 Propane Identification!! Colorless, odorless; best identified by added odorants!! Highly volatile; burns twice as hot as conventional gasoline Forms of Propane!! Naturally occurs as a gas!! Liquid quickly evaporates!! Liquid is less flammable, less dangerous Figure 4: Propane flame. Source: NAFTC. 10

11 Propane Gas!! Heavier than air!! Tanks are usually pressurized up to around 300 psi or less Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)!! One gallon of liquid petroleum has about 75% as much energy as one gallon of conventional gasoline!! Liquid propane injection systems can return higher fuel efficiency than conventional gasoline ICEs 11

12 Basic History of Propane!! Used as an alternative fuel for more than 60 years!! Dr. Walter Snelling first discovered propane in 1910!! Propane was used for cooking as early as 1912!! First propane powered car introduced in 1913!! Original applications were mostly farm equipment Figure 5: Propane gas tank. Source: NAFTC. 12

13 !! Used as a fuel for indoor vehicles beginning in the 1950s!! RV industry relies on propane heavily!! Propane = $10 billion industry in the U.S. alone Figure 6: Propane warehouse equipment. Source: NAFTC. 13

14 Did You Know? Less than 2% of U.S. propane consumption is used as a transportation fuel. Source: AFDC,

15 Propane Today!! U.S. consumes more than 15 billion gallons of propane annually!! 8.1 million households in the U.S. depend on propane!! More than 270,000 vehicles in U.S. Figure 7: Ford E250 Roush CleanTech propane conversion. Source: AFDC. 15

16 !! Direct from the OEM, purpose-built vehicles utilize propane!! Conversion vehicles have been converted from gasoline to utilize propane as a fuel source!! Conversion kits are widely available for light-duty vehicles!! Propane may be used in conjunction with gasoline for bi-fuel applications 16

17 Comparison of LPG to Gasoline!! Propane is naturally gaseous!! Fuel economy is calculated in gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE)!! Propane = high octane fuel 17

18 Figure 8: Propane facts and figures. Source: NAFTC. 18

19 Energy Content!! Energy content is measured in British thermal units (Btu)!! Propane = 47% more energy by mass when compared to gasoline Octane Rating!! Indicates how well the fuel combusts, resistance to auto ignition!! Conventional gasoline octane rating = 87, 89, 93!! Propane octane rating = around

20 Auto-Ignition Temperature!! Propane s auto-ignition temperature = 855 F (457 C)!! Auto ignition requires between 2.15% and 9.6% propane in the air 20

21 Why Consider Propane?!! Can produce fewer emissions than conventional vehicles!! High energy output!! High octane = more complete combustion!! Propane generally costs about the same as gasoline and diesel 21

22 Figure 9: LPG compared to conventional gasoline. Source: fueleconomy.gov. 22

23 Propane Benefits!! Propane = domestic resource!! 90% of propane used in the U.S. is produced domestically!! Promotes energy security!! Established infrastructure!! Longer vehicle service life Figure 10: Propane production. Source: EERE. 23

24 Health Benefits!! Combustion can produce fewer harmful emissions like:!! Particulate matter!! Carbon monoxide (CO)!! Fewer emissions = less smog formation = less respiration problems 24

25 Environmental Benefits!! Propane vehicles can produce fewer harmful emissions!! Spills rarely occur!! If spilled, propane rapidly biodegrades in soil, water, air!! Not considered a greenhouse gas (GHG) Figure 11: Propane vehicle emissions. Source: EERE. 25

26 Economic Benefits!! Most accessible alternative fuel!! Generally costs less than conventional fuels!! Prices fluctuate seasonally generally higher in the winter months (October through March) 26

27 Energy Security Benefits!! U.S. imports more than 50% of its oil; two thirds is used for transportation!! 97% of propane consumed in the U.S. is produced in North America, 90% in the U.S. alone!! Propane use will help offset reliance on foreign oil supplies 27

28 Upon completing this lesson, can you:!! Describe what propane (LPG) is and how to identify it?!! Explain the basic history of propane?!! Describe how propane may help public health and the environment?!! Explain how propane may help stimulate the economy?!! Describe what energy security is and how to use propane to attain it? 28

29 Test Your Knowledge 1. Propane burns with what color flame? 1.! 2.! At normal temperatures, propane is a 2., but it can be liquefied under moderate pressure. 3.! True or False: Propane gas is lighter than 3. air. 4.! True or False: Propane has been used as a 4. fuel for home heating and cooking for decades. 29

30 Lesson 2: Propane Manufacturing, Infrastructure, and Sustainability 30

31 Objectives!! Describe what propane is made from!! Explain how propane is manufactured and produced!! Describe how propane is transported!! Explain how propane is distributed!! Describe the sustainability of propane its future and cost efficiency 31

32 Fuel Sources!! Propane = byproduct of refining oil or natural gas!! About half of the propane produced in the U.S. is from natural gas production, half is from crude oil refining!! Propane is captured during these processes 32

33 Manufacturing and Production!! Natural Gas Refining!! Propane, butane, ethane are removed from raw natural gas!! Natural gas = mostly methane; propane is heavier than methane!! Raw natural gas is chilled!! Propane condenses out of raw natural gas and is collected 33

34 Crude Oil Refining!! Propane is removed through cracking!! Oil is heated, lighter propane molecules evaporate and are collected!! Propane boils at -44 F (-42.2 C)!! One 42 gallon barrel of crude oil produces about 1.5 gallons of LPG 34

35 Figure 12: Propane as a percentage of refined crude oil. Source: DOE. 35

Transportation and Distribution!! Stored and transported in large pressurized tanks!! 56,000 miles of pipeline!! More than 6,000 retail locations!

36 Transportation and Distribution!! Stored and transported in large pressurized tanks!! 56,000 miles of pipeline!! More than 6,000 retail locations!! Portable tanks enable delivery beyond pipelines!! Can be transported via rail, pipeline, barge, truck Figure 13: Multiple propane storage tanks. Source: EERE. 36

37 Figure 14: Schematic of a typical propane distribution route. Source: EIA. 37

38 Transporters!! Placards and/or other markings are required for all bulk shipments!! Identified by number UN 1075 Figure 15: LPG transport placard UN1075. Source: USDOT, PHMSA. 38

39 Infrastructure!! Nearly every city and town in the U.S. has a propane fueling station/propane source!! Nationwide infrastructure is already in place 39

40 Figure 16: Propane fueling station. Source: AFDC. 40

41 Did You Know? As of February 2012, the total number of U.S. LPG fueling stations was at 2,670. This is more than the 2,512 E85 stations. Source: AFDC. 41

42 LPG Fueling Stations!! Many items are the same/similar to conventional fueling stations!! Most tanks are steel!! Certain materials must be used to prevent premature wear Figure 17: Propane Fueling Station. Source: NREL. 42

43 LPG Fueling Station Safety Systems!! Fueling station systems closely resemble conventional fueling stations!! Similar safety precautions/devices are in place National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Figure 18: NFPA 704 hazard placard for propane. Source: NAFTC. 43

44 Propane Sustainability!! Propane is derived from fossil fuels!! Propane can be utilized with minimal modification to vehicles!! Propane is better for the environment than conventional fuels!! Additional fueling stations must be built!! Bi-fuel vehicles will assist in this development 44

45 Did You Know? Propane is the only alternative fuel with fueling stations located in every state. Source: AFDC. 45

46 The Future of Propane!! Propane is the most widely used alternative fuel!! Propane prices are historically below prices for conventional gasoline!! Limited worldwide supply!! Investigations are underway into producing synthetic propane 46

47 Figure 19: Rising consumption of propane. Source: PERC. 47

48 Upon completing this lesson, can you:!! Describe what propane is made from?!! Explain how propane is manufactured and produced?!! Describe how propane is transported?!! Explain how propane is distributed?!! Describe the sustainability of propane its future and cost efficiency? 48

49 Test Your Knowledge 1.! Name two processes that are sources of 1. propane. 2.! True or False: Propane is the only 2. alternative fuel that has a fueling station in every state. 3.! Propane accounts for what percentage of 3. products refined from crude oil? 4.! True or False: LPG consumption is 4. predicted to rise over the next few years. 49

50 Lesson 3: Propane Vehicles 50

51 Objectives!! Explain the differences between propane vehicles and conventional vehicles!! Describe the basic evolution of LPG for vehicles and subsequent component technologies!! Describe the performance of propane vehicles!! Explain how to maintain propane vehicles!! Describe the propane vehicles used today 51

52 Differences Between Propane and Conventional Vehicles!! Attaining optimal compression ratio!! Compression ratio for most gasoline vehicles = 10:1!! Compression ratio best for propane vehicles = 11:1!! Propane sulfur content!! Propane vehicles contain many of the same components as conventional vehicles 52

53 Types of Propane Vehicles!! Dedicated!! Propane is the sole source of fuel!! Depending upon storage capacity, driving range may be limited when compared to conventional gasoline vehicles!! Bi-fuel!! Utilize propane or another fuel (typically gasoline) independently!! Are equipped with separate fuel tanks 53

54 Figure 20: Bi-fuel propane vehicle. Source: AFDC. 54

55 Propane Conversions!! Gasoline vehicles converted to utilize propane!! Majority of propane vehicles today are conversions!! Conversions are relatively simple!! Conversion kits may cost from $4,000 to $12,000 55

56 Propane Vehicle Components!! Fuel Management System!! Vapor injection vs. liquid injection!! Fuel is stored in liquid form at low pressure!! Older Vapor Systems!! Utilization of throttle bodies/carburetor systems!! Commonly seen in older forklift/stationary applications!! Liquid fuel is vaporized before injection 56

57 Regulator!! Determines how much fuel to sent to the engine!! May be combined with vaporizer in one device Vapor Injectors!! Multipoint vapor injectors!! Gaseous fuel flow properties vs. liquid fuel!! Available around the turn of the 21 st century Figure 21 Propane regulator. Source: NAFTC. 57

58 Newer Fuel Injection Systems: Liquid Propane Injection!! Produced since the early 2000s mainly for fleet applications!! Density of liquid fuel!! Nearly identical to gasoline multipoint injection systems!! Fuel is introduced into the intake in liquid form 58

59 Figure 22: Liquid propane fuel injection system on Chrysler beta vehicle. Source: NAFTC. 59

60 Fuel Storage System!! One or more steel fuel storage tanks!! Tanks are 20 times more puncture resistant than conventional gasoline tanks!! Tanks include manual shutoff for removal/ servicing 60

61 !! Tanks may be located in the vehicle s trunk, under a side panel, on the frame!! Will increase the weight of retrofitted vehicles Figure 23: Propane fuel tanks. Source: EERE. 61

62 Pressure Relief Valve!! All propane tanks are fitted with a pressure relief valve (NOT a pressure relief device)!! Only releases a certain amount of fuel, not the entire amount in the tank!! Must be vented to the outside of the vehicle Figure 24: Pressure relief valve. Source: NAFTC. 62

63 Solenoid Shutoff Valve!! Ensures that fuel does not flow when the vehicle is not in use Fuel Lock!! Stops the flow of fuel if contaminants are present in the fuel system 63

64 Propane Vehicle Modifications and Conversions!! Gasoline conversions may require state emissions certification!! Calibrations will need to be made by a trained professional!! Several companies offer aftermarket conversion kits 64

65 Propane Vehicle Performance!! Comparable performance with increased fuel economy!! 1.3 gallons of propane = 1 gallon of gasoline!! Larger fuel storage tanks may be required!! Vehicles designed to utilize propane do so most efficiently 65

66 Propane Vehicle Safety!! Tanks are built to withstand extreme pressures!! Tanks are designed to be filled to 80% capacity!! Tank explosion is highly unlikely!! Propane tank = 20 times more puncture resistant than a conventional gasoline tank 66

67 Propane Vehicle Maintenance!! Regular maintenance is required as with conventional vehicles!! Bi-fuel vehicles have two fuel systems to service!! Properties of LPG may help extend oil life 67

68 Propane Vehicles in Use Today!! Most propane vehicles are conversions!! Propane vehicles typically have lower maintenance costs!! Cold start problems may be an issue!! Heavy-duty vehicles available!! Currently used worldwide 68

69 Figure 25: Countries ranking highest in LPG-fueled vehicles. Source: EERE. 69

70 Upon completing this lesson, can you:!! Explain the differences between propane vehicles and conventional vehicles?!! Describe the basic evolution of LPG for vehicles and subsequent component technologies?!! Describe the performance of propane vehicles?!! Explain how to maintain propane vehicles?!! Describe the propane vehicles used today? 70

71 Test Your Knowledge 1.! List three types of propane fuel delivery 1. systems that have been used over LPG s history 2.! Propane tanks are normally filled to what 2. percentage of total tank volume? 3.! True or False: Propane fuel delivery systems 3. have evolved much like gasoline fuel delivery systems for conventional ICEs. 4.! 4. True or False: The U.S. currently leads countries in the use of the most LPG fueled vehicles. 71

THE U.S. AUTOGAS MARKET

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