Monday, November 30, 2009

First State Cap-and-Trade Plan Released

SACRAMENTO -- The California Air Resources Board (CARB) developed a version of cap-and-trade regulation last week that would establish a cap covering approximately 85 percent of the state's greenhouse gas emissions, Truckinginfo.com reported. If passed, it would be the first cap-and-trade program in the country, and would take effect Jan. 1, 2012.
Under the proposal, the first compliance period would address electricity generation and large industrial sources, which would be required to cut emissions starting in 2012. Industrial fuel combustion, commercial and residential fuel combustion of natural gas and propane, and transportation fuels would have to comply starting in 2015, according to the report.
According to California law, greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced to 1990 levels by 2020, the Web site reported.
"As world leaders prepare for another conference at which no new international treaty will be signed, it is important that the public understand that progress in reducing emissions continues," Mary Nichols, CARB chairman, said in the report. "By releasing the first draft of a cap-and-trade system that California will put into effect in 2012, we are demonstrating the state's determination to push ahead, continue to work with other states in the U.S. and abroad, and invite others to join us."
CARB is still undecided on whether or not to include home fuel and transportation in the first cap-and-trade compliance phase, but the legislation would likely include clean vehicle regulations, according to the report, which cited Reuters.
"I look forward to a program in California that achieves our environmental goals and boosts our economy and I applaud the California Air Resources Board for laying the groundwork in developing a program with flexibility to achieve emission reductions at lower costs," Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said in the report.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Fleet Managers: Learn How to Go Green to Save Green at the Green Truck Summit 2010

FARMINGTON HILLS, MI - Jack Roush, chairman of Roush Enterprises and CEO/co-owner of NASCAR team Roush Fenway Racing, will be one of the keynote speakers at the Green Truck Summit 2010, March 9-10, 2010, the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) and CALSTART announced. Roush's address with Roy Willis, president and CEO of the Propane Education and Research Council, will be one of 25 sessions on clean technologies and alternative fuels for work trucks presented at the Green Truck Summit.

The Green Truck Summit is the industry's leading educational forum on green initiatives for work trucks. It is held in conjunction with The Work Truck Show 2010 and 46th Annual NTEA Convention at America's Center in St. Louis, MO. The Work Truck Show 2010 runs March 10-12.

"The Green Truck Summit provides vocational fleet managers with the information they need to make sound business decisions about green technology for their operations. Upfitters will also find the Summit to be the ideal forum to connect with the technologies and suppliers their customers need," explains Doyle Sumrall, NTEA senior director of business development. "Implementing a successful green fleet program involves much more than simply writing purchase orders for new hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles. At the Green Truck Summit, fleet managers learn how to match the appropriate clean technologies to their fleets' drive cycles, control fuel consumption, reduce vehicle emissions, obtain state and federal assistance to pay for green technology, and compare the various alternative fuel sources currently available. Attendees hear from industry leaders, including representatives of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, California Air Resources Board, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and U.S. Department of Energy, as well as equipment manufacturers, upfitters and fleets who share their real-world experiences."

The Summit begins with welcoming remarks at 8:30am on Tuesday, March 9. A keynote address (speaker to be announced) and five general sessions run until 3:00pm. Attendees may then choose from three sets of five breakout sessions. At 5:00pm, Summit attendees can mingle at a welcome reception on-site.

Roush and Willis kick off day two of the Green Truck Summit with "Propane: An Alternative for Clean Energy Independence" at 8:00am on Wednesday, March 10. Roush Enterprises, parent company of Roush Fenway Racing, is a leader in the development of alternative fuel vehicles, including both electric drive and propane-powered internal combustion engines. Following this keynote address are three general sessions about natural gas, biodiesel and electric drive applications for work trucks. Day two of the Green Truck Summit wraps up at noon.

The Green Truck Summit covers all current "green" power sources for work trucks, including hydraulic hybrid (HHV), hybrid electric (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV), natural gas hybrid (NG-hybrid), renewable natural gas, hydrogen fuel cell, propane, biodiesel and electric drive.

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Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Alfa Romeo LPG-Powered MiTo Released To Much Excitement

Alfa Romeo LPG Powered MiTo

The Alfa Romero MiTo is already an incredibly popular brand of car in Europe, but the Alfa Romeo LPG-powered MiTo may take that popularity to a whole new level. Powered by liquid petroleum gas, which is a hydrocarbon fuel that emits 19 percent less carbon dioxide than oil, the new model seems to be the answer to many environmentalist’s dreams. The dual-fueled LPG model has a 1.4 liter engine and thanks to the LPG-fuel feature, it benefits from being tax exempt in most European countries.

The LPG-fuel model reduces carbon dioxide emissions down to an amazing 131 g/km, while at the same time keeping the sexy look and speed that made the other models so popular. The Alfa Romeo LPG-Powered MiTo has 120 horsepower and can reach 100 km/hr in only 8.8 seconds.

What makes this vehicle so amazing is that it can run, non-stop, for an unbelievable 1,200 kilometers thanks to the 39-liter LPG reservoir that sits in the spare tire well. Not too bad for a vehicle that has the top speed of 198 kilometers per hour!

Currently priced at Euro13,900, but keep in mind that the vehicle is tax-exempt because it is environmentally-friendly and helps to fight global warming. The LPG model was made in conjunction with Landi Renzo, which is a company located out of Italy that produces autogas and compressed natural gas kits for cars.

The Alfa Romero LPG-powered MiTo is helping to break apart the image that to have an environmentally-friendly vehicle, you need to drive a van powered by manure. The world is changing and car manufacturers in Japan and Europe are seeing this. Now vehicles that are both sexy and fast can be environmentally-friendly as well. The Alfa Romero LPG-powered MiTo does not sacrifice anything in order to be environmentally-friendly.

Hopefully manufacturers elsewhere in the world, especially the United States, can see the example that the Alfa Romero LPG-powered MiTo has set and learn from it.

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Monday, November 23, 2009

New range of vehicles to enter local market

Despite the current financial downturn, commercial vehicle company Iveco South Africa is experiencing good sales and also has a range of new vehicles that will enter the South African market in the future, Iveco South Africa MD Eddy Chvatal tells Engineering News.

Iveco South Africa’s bus range is the company’s current best seller, with 277 units sold in 2008 and 320 sold this year. The company continues to experience good sales from its 3,5-t to 6,5-t Daily panel van range, as well as its heavy-duty, 480-hp Stralis range.

Where new products are concerned, the company intends to distribute its new European Daily vehicles early next year.

The Power Daily range, which was presented to the public at the Johannesburg International Motor Show, last year, is set for distribution in South Africa during the first quarter of 2010.

These 16- and 19-seater minibuses, available in both right- and left-hand drive, have met with great success in the Middle East and Northern Africa, says the company, and will also be distributed to South Africa’s neighbouring countries. The Power Daily is being manufactured in China as a joint venture between Nanjing Motor Company and Iveco, using European design and engineering.

While some companies regard Asian products with suspicion, Chvatal does not believe that all Asian products are unreliable. “The public needs to learn that a Chinese product does not necessarily equate to a cheap product. We have proof of that in the Power Daily range, which is not a cheap product, but is built to European standards, yet is less expensive,” he says.

Iveco South Africa does not view cheaper, less durable products in the industry as competition. “There has not been any significant loss in sales to these brands. There is room for cheaper products in this market, but they do not replace sophisticated products,” explains Chvatal.

Meanwhile, green products are growing in this industry, and Iveco South Africa reports they are very active in this sector. The company’s new Electric Daily prototype, based on a double cab Daily 55C, has been introduced in Brazil. This zero emission vehicle runs off recyclable, maintenance-free Zebra Z5 sodium, nickel and chloride batteries. The suitability of using electricity to power this light commercial vehicle is being tested.

Still on the global front, Iveco has a number of commercial vehicles on offer that can be powered by compressed natural gas (CNG), such as its Eurocargo range (from 12 t to 16 t) and the Stralis range (from 18 t to 26 t). However, South Africa will have to wait for these vehicles to enter the local market, as CNG stations are not available in the country.

“Unfortunately, we cannot bring the sophisticated Euro 4- and Euro 5-compliant engines in the Iveco range to South Africa either, because the available fuel in the country is not compliant. Iveco is working hard to help change South Africa’s perspectives on pollution and to bring CNG-powered trucks and buses to the country.

“We need government and the oil industry to invest in changing plants to produce the right fuels. “Otherwise, the fuel will have to be imported, so that we can use more environmentally friendly engines,” says Chvatal.

He suspects that there will be significant changes to the use of biofuel, CNG and electric engines in South Africa, within the next seven to ten years.

Meanwhile, Chvatal says that the South African automotive industry sales have decreased by 48%, while Iveco South Africa has experienced a 42% decline in truck sales. Fortunately, the company has been sustained by the growth in the bus and the spare parts industries of 20% and 10%, respectively. This, reports the company, places them in second position for the sales of buses in South Africa.
Chvatal explains that the growth of spare parts is a welcome surprise, as entire fleets may be idle during a financial crisis, when vehicles are therefore not maintained. Iveco was, however, able to make good progress with its key accounts, as these companies could afford to repair their vehicles. He admits that while government is encouraging local manufacturers to avoid retrenchment, government also needs to encourage banks to relax their hold on credit, as this tight grip is financially crippling to many customers.
Chvatal says that after the recession, improvement will not come quickly for the automotive industry, “Iveco agrees with the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa, that there will be an improvement from 7% to 10% in truck sales in 2010. We intend to set higher targets to cross the 5% overall market share and hope to reach above 15% in some segments,” he concludes.
To view a video clip in which IVECO MD Eddy Chvatal discusses market expectations and new company developments, go to www.engineeringnews.co.za, click on ‘Multimedia’ and then on ‘Video Clips’.

Friday, November 20, 2009

CLEAN ENERGY VEHICLE PROJECT ARRIVES IN TEDA

Recently Tianjin Huanjie Auto Energy Co., Ltd. was approved to be established in TEDA and obtained its business license for enterprise’s legal person.

The company will engage in refittng fuel-driven vehicles into gas-driven ones, involving buses, refuse collection vehicles, taxis, state-financed vehicles, mobile machinery shops, etc. On the basis of the compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) technologies of China National Petroleum Corporation and China National Offshore Oil Corporation, the company will propel the clean energy vehicle projects in the Tianjin Binhai New Area (TBNA) in an all-around way. At present, the company has set up two car modification plants in TEDA and the West Zone of TEDA to refit fuel-driven vehicles into gas-driven ones. By the end of 2010, it is expected to modify 8,000 vehicles (including taxis, state-financial vehicles, etc.) in the TBNA and 32,000 vehicles in downtown Tianjin, which will bring revenue of 54 million yuan and 136 million yuan respectively.

It is learnt that in 2009 the company has been chosen by Tianjin Municipal Science & Technology Commission to participate in the National Key Technology R&D Program and the Service Team for Clean Energy Vehicles. Moreover, it is not only a qualified company approved by Tianjin Municipal Government to refit fuel-driven vehicles into gas-driven ones but also an enterprise with class I qualification certified by General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine in the installation, modification and maintenance of pressure vessels as well as a member company in the industrialization projects of the R&D and modification of gas-driven vehicles and ships.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Bridge to the Future

Gifford Briggs – Louisiana Oil & Gas Association

Peak oil.  Global warming.  Clean coal.  Billions of dollars being sent overseas to unstable, unfriendly countries.   Oil spills.  Greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon footprint.

What if the solution to all of these “problems” is staring us in the face?  What if our Congressional leaders, our President and his staff have all been briefed on the answers and have just chosen to ignore it?  What if the solution is right under our noses, but we are too set in our ways to change or too stubborn to notice?  We absolutely have the answer to all of these questions and problems; the only remaining question is what are we going to do about it?

Natural gas is not a new fuel source.  In fact, around 500 BC natural gas springs were fitted with bamboo pipes to transport the gas for use in making seawater drinkable.   Over the past century,natural gas has become much more important in the fuel market.   More than 25 percent of the energy consumed in America consists of natural gas. It is used in homes across the country for hot water heaters, stoves and has even replaced wood in artificial, natural gas fireplaces.  Natural gas also plays a major role as a power source for generators at electrical plants and is also a major feedstock for many chemical and manufacturing plants.

However, natural gas continually has problems.  The first problem is supply.  In the early 1980s, a major campaign was launched pushing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Natural Gas Vehicles (NGV).  Stations were built across the country as cars rolled off the assembly line.  Yet, it never caught on.  Part of the problem is obvious. The United States’ transportation network is massive, and getting people to adopt a new fuel will cost millions of dollars for advertising and education. The second and much larger problem is that most experts estimate that the U.S. has only about nine years worth of natural gas supply remaining.  Finally, the problem of the chicken or the egg scenario.  Though stations were being built, they were not widespread enough for people to travel across the country.  Why buy a car when you cannot fuel, and why build a station no one will use?

Supply

While we have made many large discoveries in the Gulf and elsewhere, there were not any game changing discoveries until the advent of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing.  When these two technologies are combined, geologic formations are cracked open and unbelievable amounts of natural gas flow through the well.   These geologic formations, or shale plays, have taken control of the oil and gas landscape in the U.S.  The first shale play was the Barnett Shale, first produced in 1999.  It is estimated to have 30 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of natural gas.  In the 1990s the U.S. had approximately 170 tcf of natural gas in reserve.  The Barnett Shale alone increased the U.S. reserves by 20 percent.

Since Barnett, shale plays have been popping up all across the U.S. – Haynesville, Fayetteville, Woodford, Eagle Ford, and Marcellus.  The Haynesville Shale is the most productive and largest of the shales discovered so far.  Some estimate that it is the fourth largest natural gas discovery in the world.  Also, some estimates put the reserves of the Haynesville at 250 tcf.  When combined with the additional known shale plays, these reserves make the U.S. the “Saudi Arabia”of natural gas. Without discovering any new shale plays, many estimate that we now have over 100 years of natural gas reserves.

Chicken or the Egg

Now that we have adequate supply, we must address the problem of the chicken or the egg.   Pakistan currently has over 20 million natural gas vehicles, approximately 20 percent of the world’s NGVs. The solution is to approach both the chicken and the egg at the same time.  The American consumer has been very slow to adapt CNG and NGV over the past 20 years.  Why spend millions trying to convince them to trade in their gasoline-powered cars for natural gas vehicles?  However, natural gas vehicles are making headway in states like California and Utah with heavy-duty trucks and company fleets.

Natural Gas Vehicles for America is a non-profit association that is leading the charge on NGV and CNG use in the U.S.  Their strategy is very simple – focus efforts on heavy-duty trucks.  Every garbage truck or school bus that we convert to natural gas equals five consumer gasoline automobiles.  A city fleet of 20 garbage trucks , which are converted to natural gas, uses the same amount of fuel needed to power 100 gasoline-powered cars. Because these trucks are housed and serviced from a central location, one fueling station can be built to service these trucks.  The really smart thing fuel station builders are doing is building at least 1 CNG pump that has public access.

Converting municipal vehicles to natural gas provides an immeasurable marketing tool to promote natural gas vehicles.  The vehicles are brightly identified as being powered by natural gas, thereby, creating publicly visual education. As these vehicles travel their routes, people will become accustomed to the idea of natural gas as a fuel source.  The more familiar natural gas becomes, the more likely people will be willing to adopt the fuel at some point in the future.  In turn, this reduces the financial risks for the station owners.  By having built-in demand, the station owners are more likely to recoup their investment. It is an effective approach that is seeing great success across the country.

The last challenge CNG needs to address is the distribution of the fuel across highways.  Before consumers will trade in their cars and trucks for a CNG-powered vehicle, they will need to know that they can travel to a neighboring state without being stuck on the side of the highway.   With regards to fueling stations, never has there existed as vast a gas pipeline network as there is now.  So many consumers use natural gas across the country.  The likelihood that additional pipelines would need to be built is very small.  Pipelines would likely only need to be built in the most remote locations.  Also, very important technological advancement is making fueling much easier.

One of the most important advancements for the consumer is that the storage capacity of the vehicle fuel tank has improved significantly, while the space it occupies shrunk.  Most vehicle CNG tanks can now supply enough fuel for 225 miles of travel.  While this does not meet the distance provided by gasoline, it is a significant improvement.  Another exciting development is dual-fuel vehicles. Most people hear hybrid and think gasoline-electricity; however, dual-fuel CNG-gasoline vehicles are beginning to gain popularity. The benefit of a dual-fuel vehicle is that the car or truck can run on CNG, but when traveling to areas that CNG is not available, a switch can be flipped to run the vehicle on gasoline.  Lastly, developments have been made to allow home fueling of NGVs.  The home fueling station mounts in the home’s garage and taps into the home’s natural gas supply.  While parked in the garage overnight, the car is filled with CNG.  This provides the most convenient re-fueling of individually owned vehicles.

We are now faced with a new dilemma.  We have the solutions to many of our energy problems.  The obstacles that have stood in our way of developing this energy source as a viable fuel have mostly been overcome.  Why are we not moving forward?  The answer – politics.  Luckily, in Louisiana we have a legislature that understands the potential of natural gas as the fuel of the future.  In 2009, the Louisiana Legislature passed HB 1110, authored by Representative Jane Smith and Senator Nick Gautreaux.  This legislation provides a 50 percent tax credit incentive to convert vehicles to CNG or to construct CNG fueling stations.  This has placed Louisiana in a leadership role for the development of CNG and natural gas.  Let us hope the rest of the U.S. is ready to move forward with us.  Help is actually coming from Washington, and once again, Louisiana is leading the charge.

“When we produce natural gas in America, we produce jobs and a stronger economy; we produce a cleaner environment, and we improve our national security.  Those are facts.  To help educate my colleagues in Congress on this issue, I’m leading a Senate Natural Gas Caucus together Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.).  Once America recognizes that natural gas is our ‘bridge’ to a clean energy future, I feel confident that they will have enough sense not to blow up that bridge.”  Senator Mary Landrieu

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Thailand Inaugurates First Private NGV Mother Station

H.E. Dr. Wannarut Channukul, Minister of Energy, today inaugurated Thailand’s first NGV mother station under private investment. Located at Tambon Chiang Rak Noi, Amphoe Sam Khok, Pathum Thani province, the station is operated by Sakol Energy Co., Ltd., which pioneers NGV distribution on behalf of PTT Plc. 
          The minister of energy said that with the spiraling NGV demand, PTT had been expanding the capacity of existing mother stations while securing land for additional mother stations to meet the public demand for the increasingly popular fuel. At the same time, the ministry had supported PTT’s invitation for private investment in new mother stations to add to PTT’s tally and raise NGV supply. With a distribution capacity of 250 tons/day, Sakol Energy’s station is Thailand’s first private NGV mother station, supplementing PTT’s distribution capacity and transmission volume for 19 daughter stations in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, and Ayutthaya.
          Mr. Prasert Bunsumpun, PTT’s Chief Executive Officer and President, added that the private sector’s acceptance of PTT’s invitation to set up mother stations is regarded as a milestone step for private participation in NGV business development. For this would not only raise PTT’s own efficiency of promoting NGV in the transport sector, but also ease motorists’ NGV refueling queues. Today, PTT commands a total of 18 mother stations, which supply the fuel to daughter stations nationwide with a total distribution capacity of 3,600 tons/day. Combined with the distribution capacity of its 78 conventional stations, its total capacity now stands at 7,750 tons/day. The national oil company’s current NGV sales volume amounts to about 3,900 tons/day. Currently, there are 358 NGV stations operating nationwide. According to the plan, PTT targets to increase the number of NGV stations by the end of this year.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

NGV Sequential For Injection Car

Price - RM: 5400

Condition: New


Full set NGV kitt for Injection Car together with 65ltr semifibre tank only at RM 5400.00 (1 years waranty)We also have Mixer kitt.Our product from Italy.
We are NGV workshop panel for Airport Limo and Naza Group.
All Price include PUSPAKOM inspection & JPJ Endorsement.PLs call for more detail. (thamsyarul@gmail.com) 019-2828 343

Attached Thumbnails

NGV Sequential for Injection car-depan.jpg NGV Sequential for Injection car-enjin.jpg NGV Sequential for Injection car-belakang.jpg

Monday, November 16, 2009

Pike Research Report Projects Global Natural Gas Vehicle Fleet to 17 Million by 2015

Automakers will get 17 million natural gas vehicles (NGVs) on the road by 2015 according to a study by Pike Research. The research firm calculated its estimate based on a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% with a global inventory of 9.7 million units in 2008. India was determined by Pike Research to be the highest growth area with a CAGR of 18.7%. The NGV market envisioned in this report will be dominated by emerging economies like Argentina and Brazil along with Iran and Pakistan.

The Pike Research report found that consumers are concerned ultimately with economics, environmental impact, availability and energy security when choosing NGVs. Consumers interviewed by researchers stated that natural gas would need to consistently cost less than gasoline to make their purchases worthwhile. The lower emissions produced by NGVs motivate consumers to look at these vehicles over traditional cars and trucks. Pike Research found that consumers are looking closely at the availability of models as well as fueling stations and repair shops when considering NGVs. The report found that drivers in the Midwest, South and Southwest consider natural gas as a means of eliminating dependence on foreign oil.

American adoption of NGV models is largely restricted to corporations, state government and federal agencies at present. Pike Research found that this trend is likely to continue with 89% of NGV sales projected to fleet buyers in 2015. The 17.7% CAGR used by Pike Research sounds promising but only amounts to 31,347 NGVs on American roads by 2015.

We can build off Pike Research’s findings to determine what the NGV market for passenger vehicles will look like in Europe and North America. European Union restrictions on carbon emissions over the next decade mean that demand should increase for NGVs. While Europeans may look to NGVs as viable alternatives, Americans are far more focused on fuel mileage than emissions in the next generation of vehicles. This concern encourages hybrid adoption rather than natural gas, electric and even all-ethanol vehicles from being adopted nationwide. The four criteria cited by Pike Research may create a perfect storm in emerging economies but the United States, European Union and other countries should look to more dynamic transportation systems. NGVs may hit big by 2015 but natural gas should not be the next oil boom; rather, natural gas should be used with solar, electric, ethanol and other fuel sources in a multi-platform system.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Vietnam, RoK talk natural gas vehicles

Enterprises and research institutions of Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (RoK) discussed advanced technology for a natural gas vehicle (NGV) at the ASEAN-RoK forum which opened in Ho Chi Minh City on November 5.

 

Participants in the two-day forum, jointly held by the RoK-ASEAN Secretariat on NGV and Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, shared information and experiences in developing the natural gas production industry and proposed policies to encourage the use of natural gas for transportation.
Since the first taxi running on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) was put into use in 2001, Vietnam now has a total of nearly 900 taxies and buses partly or fully run on LPG.


Cuu Long Petro Gas Service Transportation Joint Stock Company and Indochina Petroleum Transportation Joint Stock Company said all of their 551 taxies are fully running on LPG and refuelling at six out of 10 LPG filling stations nationwide.
An official of the RoK Environment Ministry, Hyoung Lull Jeon, said that since 2000, the country has boasted 20,000 buses and 465 rubbish vans running on LPG and 261 LPG filling stations.


The RoK plans to have 23,000 vehicles running on LPG and compressed natural gas (CNG) instead of diesel by 2010 and 28,000 vehicles by 2012 apart from building 440 new gas filling stations.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

The Difference between RON92, RON95, RON97, RON99 and NGV

This is my attempt to write my first blog related to automotive. Let's talk about the available fuels in Malaysia, shall we?

What is RON?
Well, RON means Research Octane Number and it refers to the ability of gasoline to auto burn or ignition inside the engine. Higher octane number refers to higher ability of the oil to fight auto ignition. Simply say, RON97 is harder to burn compared to RON95 and RON95 is harder to burn compared to RON92.
Higher octane number oil is basically designed for higher performance cars such as sport cars and racing cars. This is to avoid premature burning of oil inside the engine due to the auto ignition, which happens before the spark plug ignite the fuel. This phenomenon is known as Knocking (ignition).
Knocking is reduces the performance of vehicle. The right usage of octane number based on design and adjustment of engine will maximise the performance and effectiveness of the vehicle. Modern vehicles are equipped with knock sensor which enables it to adjust its combustion timing automatically according to the oil octane number to avoid knocking or premature ignition of oil.

A lot of people believed that RON92 petrol is the older oil and it is only suitable for older cars. Believe it or not, not all vehicles require high octane number petrol. You can check your vehicle fuel requirement inside the guide book of your vehicle or you can simply check the minimum octane rating at the back of the fuel lid cover of your vehicle. Most cars can still use RON92. As comparison, RON92 petrol is less powerful than RON95 and RON97. However, higher RON number does not means that it is more powerful. It means that it is harder to ignite. Besides that, it will cost you more for the fuel.

What is NGV?
NGV stands for Natural Gas Vehicle. NGV is a vehicle which runs on natural gas, a fuel which burns much more cleanly than gasoline. Natural gas can power existing cars, buses or trucks by converting the engines to a bi-fuel capability. To convert vehicles to natural gas requires installing a tank, fuel pressure regulators, and fuel lines. Most systems incorporate an electronic module which adjusts the engine to maintain comparable performance levels with either fuel. Fueling the NGV is a bit more complicated than fueling a conventional car. Drivers need to find a natural gas fueling station. NGV is supported by the government of Malaysia with incentives and legislation to encourage vehicles owner to use NGV.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Congressman Teague Has A Split Personality On Energy

Marita K. Noon


If there is one thing T. Boone Pickens knows how to do, it is make money. When T. Boone gets behind something, financial gain is the incentive. There is nothing wrong with making money, but his motives cannot be viewed as purely altruistic. When the price of natural gas was high, he advertised converting the world to wind power as wind power needs back-up base-load power and the only source that can ramp up and down quickly is natural gas. Now that natural gas prices are lower, he no longer promotes wind power. He is, however, pushing a new scheme to increase natural gas usage. Natural gas is a clean-burning fossil fuel, so using more natural gas is good.


However, when T. Boone partners with Congressman Harry Teague, one has to look askance. At best, Teague appears to be a bit schizophrenic.
While we do not currently know what version of cap and trade will pass through Congress-or even if any form will pass, we know that Teague voted for the Waxman/Markey Bill (AKA cap and trade). The purported goal of cap and trade is to get America off of fossil fuels by making their emissions taxable in some form-and therefore more expensive for the consumer. One variant of cap and trade basically eliminates coal from America's energy portfolio, which means our coal-fired power plants that provide about half of our base-load energy needs will all have to be converted to natural gas--additionally upping the price. So Teague has essentially voted to make natural gas--a fossil fuel his company helps produce--more expensive and then supports a bill (H.R. 1835) that would use taxpayer money to underwrite the conversion of vehicles from gasoline or diesel to natural gas. We the taxpayers will get hit on both sides of his efforts.
In addition to his apparent split personality, the opinion editorial produced jointly by the Teague/Pickens team has several other flaws.


In their proposal, they recommend tax incentives for converting fleets to be fueled by natural gas. On the surface this sounds good-we trade an imported fuel for a domestic one. The use of natural gas has already been tried in agricultural and oil field vehicles since the 60's and was not reliable.Yet, this is being tried in several government agencies as a way to be more environmentally friendly--even though the infrastructure is not there. To solve this, Teague/Pickens then encourage opening more NGV fueling stations. This will take years and years to make happen due to right-of-way issues, environmental regulations and excessive costs--which their approach would have underwritten by the taxpayer (as are, or course, the aforementioned tax incentives). By the time a NGV infrastructure could be functional, something totally different could be in place.


Another flaw is their idea that NGV will reduce our dependence of foreign oil. We currently use foreign natural gas and their plan would increase natural gas use--therefore using more from foreign sources. I am all for natural gas use and I support getting off of foreign fuels of all kinds. But switching our vehicles to NGV will not do that. What we need is to open up drilling options-for both natural gas and oil! Their op-ed cites a study indicating that the continental United States has enough natural gas reserves to last 118 years. That may be true, but how much are we currently allowed to access? Much of America's natural resources are off-limits due to environmental NIMBYism! With all of the nonconventional fuels coming online, I believe we could be almost energy independent now--or at least have energy security (meaning we get our fuels from friendly countries such as Mexico and Canada). But we must be able to access them.


Additionally the Teague/Pickens piece claims that natural gas burns cleaner and produces "virtually no particulate emissions." I agree that natural gas burns cleanly, but so do most other fuels today. America and Canada derive the largest single percent of energy from coal, yet they both have some of the cleanest air of the industrialized world. Wasn't Waxman/Markey about CO2, not particulate emissions? Come on Harry, make up your mind.
Teague's action in voting for Waxman/Markey was a vote to shut down fossil fuels when the next generation of fuel--whatever it may be--is not yet available. After all, as they state, "Wind and solar are not helping you drive to work in the morning."


Marita Noon is the Executive Director at CARE (Citizens' Alliance for Responsible Energy), the nonprofit organization working to educate the public and influence policy makers regarding energy, its role in freedom and the American way of life. Find out more at www.responsiblenergy.org. Note: The above is in response to a previously published op-ed

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

ANGVA Announces 2011 Conference Venue: Beijing

China National Convention Centre

China National Convention Centre, Beijing - sitting in the heart of Olympic Green

ANGVA 2011: The 4th Natural Gas for Vehicles Conference & Exhibition for Asia-Pacific –  18-20 October 2011

At the conclusion of the ANGVA 2009 conference and exhibition in Donghae, Korea the Asia-Pacific Natural Gas Vehicles Association (ANGVA) announced that the next ANGVA conference will be held in China. The event, which will be jointly organised by ANGVA and China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC), is to be held at the China National Convention Centre (CNCC) in Beijing. Sitting in the heart of Olympic Green, CNCC is right next to the Bird Nest (China National Stadium) and the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center) and enjoys unparalleled easy access.

The President of CATARC, Mr. Zhao Hang, explained the advantages of the event being hosted by China, to the ANGVA 2009 gathering:

  • China is becoming one of the most important NGV markets Asia Pacific-wide.
  • The government of China has establishes policies and practices favourable to the development of an NGV industry.
  • Beijing’s experience with the 2008 Olympic Games demonstrates resource and management capacity.
  • Also, CATARC has a solid record of organizing successful international conference and exhibition, including the International Forum of Chinese Automotive Industry Development (2005 – 2009).

Monday, November 9, 2009

How Natural-gas Vehicles Work

Kermit the Frog once said, "It's not that easy bein' green." Although he wasn't referring to cars, his observation seems particularly appropriate for the auto industry today: Designing, developing and marketing "green" cars has not been an easy task, which is why gasoline-powered vehicles still rule the road and fossil fuels still account for almost 75 percent of the world's energy consumption. As gasoline prices soar and concern over harmful emission mounts, however, cars that run on alternate fuel sources will become increasingly important. A natural-gas vehicle, or NGV, is the perfect example of such a car -- it's fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly and offers a relatively low cost of ownership.

Alternative Fuel Vehicle Image Gallery

honda civic ngv
David McNew/Getty Images
A natural gas home refueling appliance, Phill, by FuelMaker is connected to a Honda Civic NGV­ natural gas vehicle. See pictures of alternative fuel vehicles.

This article will explain the basic idea of NGVs, look at the unique design challenges involved and examine the advantages and benefits of this technology.

Friday, November 6, 2009

LNG Strengthens Gas Supply Outlook – LNG is Hot

LNG is HOT: Opportunities, Challenges and Strategies as a Vehicle Fuel
- Brussels, Belgium

The current level of global trade in LNG, according to the International Energy Agency, is anticipated to nearly double by 2020 and, potentially, triple by 2030 and beyond so the market for liquefied natural gas vehicles (L-NGVs) should strengthen concurrently as more countries incorporate LNG into their energy strategies. Noting this strong growth in LNG trading, EU Commissioner for Energy, Andris Piebalgs said on 1 October 2009 at the Eurogas Annual Policy Conference in Brussels, “With respect to the diversification of (natural gas) supply sources, the past five years have seen major progress. European companies have reacted to the decline in indigenous gas sources by embarking on new import pipelines and LNG terminals. In particular LNG terminals have opened up the potential for a much more flexible and competitive gas market. With further LNG terminals planned or under construction, such enhanced flexibility in the gas supply is likely to benefit also markets which are still dominated by few gas suppliers.”

The European Commission is playing its role to address emissions problems at port facilities and to incorporate LNG supply into the seaport and marine infrastructure.  The Maritime Gas fuel Logistics (Magalog), with Norwegian energy giant GASNOR in the lead, is attempting to establish an LNG supply chain in the Baltic region. The ports of, Bergen (Norway), Göteborg (Sweden), Stockholm  (Sweden), Lübeck (Germany) and Swinemünde (Germany) all are planning to set up terminals with LNG filling stations for freight ships and ferries. Lübeck is scheduled to be the first to have one, by 2012.

Jorgen Henningsen, former principal adviser to the Director General of the European Commission  Directorate General Energy & Transport (DG Tren) and currently the Senior Adviser on Energy and Climate Change at the European Policy Center in Denmark added, in remarks to Clean Fuels Consulting, “Expanding LNG import facilities in Europe add to the existing advantages of natural gas as a motor vehicle fuel: It is less CO2 intensive, it is cheaper than conventional fuel and much cheaper than other alternatives such as liquid biofuels, and it provides fuel diversification. Any concern about security of supply must now evaporate.”

Mr. Henningsen was the principal author of the landmark European Commission 2003 publication, “Market Development of Alternative Fuels,” which indicated that natural gas should replace as much as 10% of the transportation sector fuel by 2020.  Mr. Henningsen will be the keynote speaker at the upcoming workshop, “LNG is HOT: Opportunities, Challenges and Strategies as a Vehicle Fuel,” on the 3-4 December 2009 in Brussels where he will share his in-depth views about the role of LNG in the worldwide energy supply and demand chain.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Is Toyota Planning To Build a Camry CNG Hybrid?

December 31st, 1969 If you've followed any of the news coming out of the 2009 SEMA Show, the mecca for modified cars, you may have seen that Toyota's display included a modified version of the Camry CNG Hybrid it showed last fall at the Los Angeles Auto Show.The Toyota Surfrider Camry Hybrid CNG, which pairs the classic Hybrid Synergy Drive system with natural gas propulsion, remains the sole alt-fuel hybrid we know of. But given that they've now shown it twice, in different guises, we wonder if Toyota might have a bigger commitment to CNG fuel than we knew.

 

Toyota Surfrider Camry Hybrid CNG displayed at 2009 SEMA Show

Toyota Surfrider Camry Hybrid CNG displayed at 2009 SEMA Show.

Legislation to encourage use of compressed natural gas (CNG) in vehicles was introduced this spring in the U.S. Senate (tax credits for buyers of natural-gas vehicles) and House of Representatives (R&D and natural-gas hybrids). Given the current Congressional debate over health care, it hasn't progressed very far as yet.

Toyota Surfrider Camry Hybrid CNG displayed at 2009 SEMA Show

Toyota Surfrider Camry Hybrid CNG displayed at 2009 SEMA Show.

 

As for the show car, the formerly all-blue car now sports a green-and-blue wrap with Toyota and Surfrider logos courtesy of Street Image. Its "aggressive" bodykit features a custom front grill plus a unique rear bumper covering the tail pipe and exhaust system.

 

Ride height was lowered via an adjustable suspension, which lets the car hug the road on its 20-inch alloy wheels. Inside, custom Grey Suede and Black leather upholstery and interior lighting were added. To show off the alt-fuel aspect, the trunk has a viewing window to display the CNG fuel cylinders.

 

The Toyota Camry Surfrider CNG Hybrid uses twin CNG tanks in the trunk of a Camry Hybrid, whose gasoline 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and Hybrid Synergy Drive was adapted to run on it. The conversion was done by Metal Crafters, Fountain Valley, California.

  Toyota Camry Hybrid CNG concept car, shown at 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show

Toyota Camry Hybrid CNG concept car, shown at 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show

 

Of the world's 10 million natural-gas vehicles, just 142,000 are on US roads. And you can buy only one NGV direct from a car dealer: the 2009 Honda Civic GX, of which roughly 2,000 are sold each year (more than half to fleets).

 

Natural gas offers the potential of reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil, since 99 percent of the natural gas used in the country today comes from domestic and other American sources.

 

To underscore the company's commitment to the environment, Toyota partnered with the Surfrider Foundation, which educates surfers and does beach cleanup programs. Toyota will donate a civilian version of the car to the foundation at the end of the show.

 

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

NGV – Environmental Friendly Gases

NATURAL GAS VEHICLES

Natural Gas vehicles have recently hit the newsstands, as a great way of fighting the specter of global warming. We are all painfully aware that cars are a major contributor to greenhouse gases, and actively seek ways of reducing their environmental impact. In many states, such as California, tough legislation, aimed at reducing the emissions of smog-causing gases is entering the statute books. Why not think about using natural gas vehicles now, before the last minute scramble, and enjoy the opportunity to bask in the knowledge that you are reducing your carbon footprint.
Many people are looking at Hybrid Electric Cars as the answer, but they are expensive, and use more gas than the average car. They also contribute so much carbon dioxide in their manufacture that they are a false hope. As a result, environmentally aware consumers are looking at natural gas vehicles as the best way forward. This technology requires only a simple conversion of existing vehicles to a cleaner burning fuel.

HOW DO NATURAL GAS VEHICLES WORK

The principle behind natural gas vehicles is simple, burning methane, CH4, rather than complex hydrocarbons, for powering the car. Without being too technical, methane is the most efficient hydrocarbon fuel, and produces the least carbon dioxide. If even half of the cars in North America converted, the reduction in CO2 emissions would be immense, along with the levels of smog causing gases.
The conversion is an easy process, and the number of qualified mechanics is growing rapidly. New cars are entering the marketplace, which can run on natural gas, ethanol enriched gasoline and pure gasoline, making refueling easy. It is simply a matter of fitting storage tanks in the trunk of the vehicle and installing injection nozzles in the engine, not a major undertaking.

WHAT ABOUT REFILLING?

Many countries, especially in South America, have adopted natural gas vehicles and have shown that setting up filling networks is not difficult. In addition, manufacturers have designed machines that will allow filling at home, great if you already have a natural gas supply installed. If not, many cities are investigating the possibility of developing an integrated network of filling stations. Even if you do find yourself running out of fuel, converted cars can still run on gasoline, so you will never be stuck miles away from home. Modern kits are usually Tri-fuel enabled, so your vehicle can run on bio-ethanol too, covering another environmental base.

BUT NATURAL GAS IS STILL A FOSSIL FUEL

It is, but natural gas vehicles offer a way of gently weaning consumers away from inefficient and dirty gasoline. Methane is cleaner and more efficient than gasoline. Many cities, in South America and SE Asia, have already converted their entire taxi fleet to natural gas, vastly improving the air quality in the city. Many US cities are going down the same route, so it is important to think about this now, or your old car may be banned from the cities. In London, for example, drivers have to pay steep congestion charges, but environmentally friendly vehicles attract discounts. Imagine Los Angeles without the smog, and you can see why local governments are pushing through these tough laws.
Finally, there is another source of readily available methane for powering natural gas vehicles, which truly fits the definition of a renewable energy source. Organic waste, such as manure and trash from landfills, gives off methane as it rots and decomposes. This is normally released into the atmosphere, and is a more powerful greenhouse gas than CO2. Siphoning it off for fuel prevents the gas from reaching the atmosphere, and this is a huge source of potential energy, not derived from fossil fuels. Companies in the UK are already using trucks powered with a bio-methane/diesel mix, reducing the emissions of carbon dioxide by up to 60%.


WHAT ABOUT THE SAFETY RISK?
Natural gas does carry a risk of explosion, as with most fuels, but is no more dangerous than gasoline or hydrogen. In fact, methane is a much safer option than gasoline. If methane leaks, it is lighter than air, so quickly disperses into the atmosphere. Gasoline, on the other hand, forms a dense vapor and builds up into a dangerous cloud, with a low flash point.


THE TIME IS NOW
Tough emission legislation means that natural gas vehicles are the cheapest option for meeting these targets. Cheap, easily refillable and safe, methane is the fuel of the future, and there is little excuse for not considering this option. Natural gas systems are easy to install, and you can rest, safe in the knowledge that you have done far more to reduce global warming than celebrities buying inefficient hybrid. cars.

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