Natural gas engines:questions answered

Natural gas engines: questions answered

Can a natural gas engine run on renewable gas?

• Absolutely. The option to run on renewable natural gas (RNG) is a big reason fleets switch to natural gas vehicles. Renewable natural gas is produced from various types of waste, which release methane when they decompose. It is captured and converted into RNG. Since methane is the primary component of natural gas, RNG is interchangeable and can be blended with natural gas derived from fossil fuels.

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Which performs better in cold weather — natural gas or diesel engines?

• While no engine is immune to cold-weather challenges, natural gas remains entirely gaseous regardless of temperature. This is thanks to the low boiling point of methane, the main constituent of natural gas.
• Additionally, natural gas vehicles don't require diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), which can freeze and pose handling challenges in cold climates. This makes them less susceptible to DEF-related issues compared to diesel vehicles.

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Can a diesel engine run on natural gas?

• The short answer is no. Diesel engines cannot run on natural gas due to their reliance on compression ignition rather than spark plugs. However, specially modified engines, such as bi-fuel or dual-fuel engines, feature two fuel systems, allowing them to switch between diesel and natural gas as needed. This makes them popular in applications like oil and gas drilling, where the availability of natural gas may vary.

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What are the benefits of renewable natural gas (RNG)?

• RNG offers remarkable environmental benefits. Depending on the energy source, the carbon intensity of renewable natural gas can be neutral or even sub-zero. RNG primarily derives from biogas, produced through the fermentation of organic waste in places like landfills or wastewater treatment facilities. Those treatment processes capture methane, preventing its release into the atmosphere and contributing to lower well-to-wheel emissions for vehicles.

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Are natural gas engines more economical?

• In many cases, yes. With reduced maintenance costs on after-treatment systems, natural gas is an attractive and economical fuel choice for many applications. Natural gas vehicle owners generally pay less for fuel than those who own diesel and gasoline vehicles. Its fuel cost is relatively stable, making it easier to forecast monthly expenses. However, the payback period for investing in natural gas vehicles depends on various factors such as application, driving patterns and fuel prices relative to diesel.

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