Is the gas refueling for small cars CNG or LNG?
3 Answers
Automotive natural gas refueling involves compressed natural gas, known as CNG, which is natural gas pressurized and stored in containers in a gaseous state. It shares the same composition as pipeline natural gas, with methane being the primary component. CNG vehicles typically have a driving range of up to 250 kilometers, making them suitable for small household cars, buses, and light-duty trucks. Applications of Compressed Natural Gas: Compressed natural gas is an ideal alternative fuel for vehicles, with application technologies that have matured over decades of development. It features low cost, high efficiency, no pollution, and safe, convenient usage, demonstrating strong growth potential. Natural gas refueling stations are generally categorized into three basic types: fast-fill, slow-fill, and a combination of both. Limitations of Compressed Natural Gas: While using CNG as automotive fuel reduces atmospheric pollution, natural gas itself is a resource with limited reserves and is already a primary energy source for urban living. Its application in vehicles further exacerbates its scarcity. This approach may not be as effective as fully utilizing the already scarce petroleum resources. For now, the reliance on petroleum as the primary energy source for vehicles may remain unchanged. Compressed natural gas contains significant amounts of methane, a greenhouse gas that also contributes to ozone layer depletion (O3, another greenhouse gas). Leaks can pose substantial hazards. Methane combustion produces water and carbon dioxide. While water is harmless, the chemical reaction generates considerable amounts of carbon dioxide, another greenhouse gas.
Last time, a ride-hailing driver buddy chatted with me about this: our small cars mostly run on CNG, just stuff the cylinder in the trunk. LNG needs to be stored at over minus 160 degrees Celsius, which regular family cars can't handle. At the gas stations, CNG nozzles have screw threads, while LNG nozzles look like oversized fridge plugs—totally incompatible. You’ll notice most commercial vehicles on the road carry blue tanks, refueling in three minutes for a 200-kilometer range, saving 30 cents per kilometer on fuel. But remember, the gas cylinder must be inspected every two years, and rubber seals must be replaced every five years—these costs can’t be skipped. In summer, don’t fill the tank to the brim; leave 10% space for gas expansion, and after refueling, stand by the car to check for any rotten egg smell.
During my environmental testing, I noticed an interesting phenomenon: CNG-powered cars are actually cleaner, with methane leakage rates about 15% lower than LNG. For private vehicles converted to gas, CNG systems are almost always the choice, with installation costing just 3,000 RMB. However, LNG delivered by tanker trucks is better suited for long-distance coaches, allowing a range of 800 kilometers per refill. Here's a cool fact: LNG absorbs heat during vaporization, causing the filling port to frost over—touching it bare-handed can cause frostbite. Gas station technicians all carry detectors on their belts that automatically alarm when methane concentration exceeds 20%. I recommend car owners open the hood monthly to inspect the pipelines—I've seen three cases where rubber hoses were chewed through by rats.
