What are the reasons for high gas consumption in CNG vehicles?
4 Answers
CNG vehicle fuel consumption is related to the selected vehicle model, vehicle condition, and modification technical level. Under the condition of ensuring no gas leakage loss, excessive fuel consumption when using natural gas is related to improper installation and adjustment of the CNG pressure reducer. During the installation of the pressure reducing valve, it is required that the diaphragm plane is perpendicular to the ground; otherwise, the gravity of the diaphragm itself will cause the opening of the three-stage pressure reducing valve to become larger or smaller, affecting fuel consumption. The following are explanations for the related reasons: 1. Driving before the engine reaches operating temperature: The normal operating temperature required by the engine is 800°C to 900°C. In winter, many drivers start driving before the engine reaches the operating temperature, causing insufficient combustion of natural gas, which easily forms carbon deposits and also leads to higher fuel consumption. 2. Idling to warm up the engine: When the engine temperature is below the normal operating temperature, the engine will increase the fuel injection amount and adjust the ignition timing to maintain temperature. 3. Excessive carbon deposits and dirt in the intake tract: Changes in the cross-sectional area of the air passage cause the control unit to be unable to precisely control the idle air intake, resulting in an overly rich or lean mixture, leading to abnormal combustion or engine shaking after starting. 4. Sensors in various parts of the engine: If there are issues, it can also cause the engine ECU to be unable to accurately control the fuel injection amount.
I've been driving a CNG vehicle for a while and noticed a sudden increase in gas consumption, mainly due to my aggressive driving habits. During daily commutes in traffic jams, I often can't resist stomping on the accelerator and braking hard. Repeated acceleration increases the engine's gas consumption, especially with frequent stops and starts in urban areas. Additionally, I frequently speed on highways where higher wind resistance causes the same distance to consume significantly more fuel compared to driving at a steady speed. Another factor is that my car is overloaded—the trunk is always packed with tools, adding weight and affecting gas efficiency. I recommend learning from my experience by adjusting driving habits: anticipate road conditions better and maintain a stable speed, which helped me save nearly 20% on gas costs—economical and practical. Also, develop a routine of checking tire pressure regularly, as underinflated tires increase friction and gas consumption.
During the maintenance of CNG vehicles, I often encounter feedback from owners about high gas consumption, with the core issues usually stemming from the vehicle itself. For example, minor leaks in the CNG fuel system, loose gas tank valves or pipe connections leading to gas wastage; air filters that haven't been replaced for too long becoming dirty and clogged, restricting air intake and forcing the engine to consume more gas to operate; or improper engine tuning, aging spark plugs causing incomplete ignition, resulting in low combustion efficiency. Additionally, fuel control systems such as the ECU program may require optimization, and outdated systems not being upgraded in time can also increase gas consumption. It is recommended that owners regularly visit professional shops for system checks, especially cleaning related components every 5,000 kilometers and replacing parts to ensure sealing. This way, gas consumption can be reduced, saving money and ensuring safety. Simple maintenance can prevent major issues.
As an environmentally conscious individual, I believe the high gas consumption of CNG vehicles is often linked to technical issues, such as engine design and poor CNG conversion efficiency. Starting the engine in low-temperature conditions requires more gas to preheat the system, or improper adjustments during CNG system retrofitting can lead to unstable gas pressure, affecting combustion efficiency. Additionally, excessive use of air conditioning while driving increases the load, leading to extra gas consumption. I advocate for more energy-efficient driving practices, such as avoiding frequent short-distance starts and stops and scheduling regular maintenance and upgrades. This not only reduces gas consumption but also lowers carbon emissions, contributing to green mobility. Small adjustments in daily habits can save significant resources.
