Written by 7:38 AM

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

« Back to Glossary Index« Back to Previous Page

Definition: Natural gas that has been compressed to less than 1% of its volume at standard atmospheric pressure, primarily composed of methane, and used as an alternative fuel source for vehicles and industrial applications.

Key Components:

  • Compression Process: Natural gas is compressed to high pressures, typically around 20–25 megapascals (2,900–3,600 psi), to reduce its volume for storage and transportation.
  • Storage Cylinders: High-pressure containers, often cylindrical or spherical, designed to safely store and transport CNG.
  • Fueling Infrastructure: CNG refueling stations equipped with compressors and dispensers to service vehicles.​

Use Cases/Industries:

  • Transportation: Fuel for light-duty cars, buses, and trucks as an alternative to gasoline or diesel.​
  • Public Transit: Municipal bus fleets adopting CNG to reduce emissions and fuel costs.​
  • Commercial Fleets: Delivery and service vehicles utilizing CNG for cost savings and environmental benefits.​

Advantages:

  • Lower Emissions: Produces fewer undesirable emissions compared to gasoline or diesel, contributing to improved air quality.
  • Cost-Effective: Often cheaper than traditional fuels, leading to operational savings.​
  • Abundant Supply: Utilizes existing natural gas resources, reducing dependence on oil.​

Challenges:

  • Limited Refueling Infrastructure: Fewer CNG stations compared to gasoline stations, affecting convenience.​
  • Storage Requirements: Requires high-pressure tanks, which can be bulky and heavy.​
  • Conversion Costs: Modifying existing vehicles to run on CNG can be expensive.​

Related Terms:

  • Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Natural gas that has been cooled to liquid form for ease of storage or transport.​
  • Biogas: Renewable natural gas produced from organic matter, which can be processed into CNG.​
  • Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs): Vehicles powered by fuels other than traditional gasoline or diesel.​

Example: A city transit authority converts its bus fleet to CNG, resulting in lower fuel costs and reduced emissions, thereby improving urban air quality.

Visited 1 times, 1 visit(s) today
Synonyms:
Natural Gas Vehicle Fuel
« Back to Previous Page« Back to Glossary Index
Close