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TruckWings are an aerodynamic device mounted on the back of the CNG tank cabinet that deploys panels to fill in the gap between the tractor and trailer. This improves aerodynamics and reduces drag, which helps improve fuel efficiency for hundreds of Amazon CNG tractors.
The TruckWings system is completely automated, opening at sustained highway speeds of 52 mph and closing when speed drops to 50 mph. Drivers should inspect the system during their pre- and post-trip inspections. The in-dash TruckWings controller switch should be in the down position, and the screen diagnostic information for DIST should say 'OK.'
How is CNG produced?
CNG is produced by compressing natural gas to less than 1% of its volume at standard atmospheric pressure. To provide adequate driving range, CNG is stored onboard a vehicle in a compressed gaseous state at a pressure of up to 3,600 pounds per square inch.
CNG is used in light-, medium-, and heavy-duty applications. A CNG-powered vehicle gets about the same fuel economy as a conventional gasoline vehicle on a GGE basis. One GGE equals about 5.66 pounds of CNG.
How is CNG distributed?
The United States has a vast natural gas pipeline system, which can quickly and economically distribute natural gas to and from almost any location in the lower 48 states. Gas is distributed using 305,000 miles of transmission pipelines (see map), while an additional 2.2 million miles of distribution pipes transport gas within utility service areas. The distribution system also includes thousands of delivery, receipt, and interconnection points; hundreds of storage facilities; and approximately 50 points for exporting and importing natural gas.
What are the Benefits of Compressed Natural Gas vs. Diesel
Carbon Footprint
CNG engines reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 20 percent compared to diesel engines. However, diesel engines have made strides in clean technology and fuel efficiency. For example, Freightliner’s Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and BlueTec® Emissions Technology were designed to ensure trucks exceed EPA standards by reducing pollutants, increasing truck performance and improving truck cost efficiency.
Maintenance Intervals
Cummins Westport’s natural-gas engines feature spark-ignited, cooled EGR combustion technology with a maintenance-free aftertreatment system and a three-way, passive catalyst. This means you don’t need to worry about particulate filters, regenerations or SCR equipment.
“Since CNG burns so cleanly, the maintenance intervals for changing the oil or air filters of our Freightliner 114SDs are much longer than in our trucks with diesel engines,” said Larry Humphries, fleet manager of the village of Downers Grove, Ill. “Instead of servicing our trucks four or five times a year, we service them only once or twice, and that’s mainly to put on or take off the snow plow equipment when the seasons change.”
Engine Noise
On average, natural gas engines are up to 10 decibels quieter than a comparable diesel engine. This reduction of truck noise helps to improve productivity by keeping drivers comfortable and neighborhoods quieter.
CNG, a fuel as safe as gasoline and diesel…. if not more!
Natural gas is lighter than air, dissipates rapidly and is harder to ignite than conventional fuels. It is the same fuel used to heat your home, cook your meals and dry your clothes.
Any fuel, including gasoline and diesel used in traditional vehicles, can be dangerous if not handled with care. Indeed, fuels contain a large amount of energy, which is released when the fuel ignites.
But as with all vehicle fuels, CNG can be used safely if the unique properties of the fuel are well understood and if handling procedures are followed to the letter.
However, natural gas has a very limited flammability range. It does not burn at concentrations below about 5% or above about 15% when mixed with air. In contrast, gasoline and diesel burn at much lower concentrations and ignite at lower temperatures. In some respects, CNG is therefore safer than conventional fuels.
Is fueling a CNG vehicle a safe process?
Yes!
In a compressed natural gas fueling station, the gas is at a pressure of about 3000 psi (3000 lb/in2).
Although the use of high storage pressures may seem dangerous, it should be noted that natural gas vehicle fueling meets stringent safety standards imposed by industry and government. Remember that high-pressure gases are used safely every day in industrial and medical applications.
What are some safety features of compressed natural gas vehicles?
Natural gas powered Vehicles are designed and built to be safe, both during normal driving and in the event of an accident. New compressed natural gas vehicles are subject to the same federal government crash tests as other vehicles.
Moreover, natural gas tanks installed on CNG vehicles have much thicker and stronger walls than gasoline or diesel tanks. Industry standards require durability that goes far beyond the risks of natural damage caused by the environment and normal use. CNG tanks are designed for a specific lifetime of 15 to 25 years and must be inspected periodically.
Key Components of a Natural Gas Class 8 Truck
Battery: The battery provides electricity to start the engine and power vehicle electronics/accessories.
Electronic control module (ECM): The ECM controls the fuel mixture, ignition timing, and emissions system; monitors the operation of the vehicle; safeguards the engine from abuse; and detects and troubleshoots problems.
Exhaust system: The exhaust system channels the exhaust gases from the engine out through the tailpipe. A three-way catalyst is designed to reduce engine-out emissions within the exhaust system.
Fuel filler: A nozzle from a fuel dispenser attaches to the receptacle on the vehicle to fill the tank.
Fuel filter: This filter traps contaminants and other byproducts to prevent them from clogging critical fuel system components, such as fuel injectors.
Fuel injection system: This system introduces fuel into the engine's combustion chambers for ignition.
Fuel line: A metal tube or flexible hose (or a combination of these) transfers fuel from the tank to the engine's fuel injection system.
Fuel tank (compressed natural gas): Stores compressed natural gas on board the vehicle until it's needed by the engine.
High pressure regulator: Reduces and regulates the pressure of the fuel exiting the tank, lowering it to an acceptable level required by the engine 's fuel injection system.
Internal combustion engine (spark-ignited): In this configuration, fuel is injected into either the intake manifold or the combustion chamber, where it is combined with air, and the air/fuel mixture is ignited by the spark from a spark plug.
Manual shut off: Allows the vehicle operator or mechanic to manually shut off the fuel supply.
Transmission: The transmission transfers mechanical power from the engine and/or electric traction motor to drive the wheels.
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