Abstract
Abstract
The use of compressed natural gas (CNG) as an alternative fuel in vehicles dates from the 1930s in Italy. Since the late 1970s, there has been increased development and use of natural gas vehicle. The basic advantages of the natural gas as the fuel is that it is cleaner than other fuels so the environmental pollution is reduced. In addition to the ecological reasons, the application of CNG in vehicles has the economic and other advantages.
On the basis of the collected and systematized data from the available literature, various engine technology options for using CNG have been analysed. The current situation concerning European standards dealing with levels of exhaust emissions of diesel and gas engines has been discussed. The influence of the characteristcs and peculiarities of natural gas combustion on engine operation and electronic motor control is analysed.
The possible versions of gas engine technology options that have found applications in the modern vehicles are presented. The basic charactersitics, operating principle, advantages, and disadvantages have been analysed. For the most frequent engine solutions based on the Otto cycle possible configuration of the components of the gas installation in a vehicle is shown.
Special attention has been paid to the future trends in the development of CNG engine and the latest solutions of injectors of these systems are presented.
The article is a result of the theoretical investigations in the area of application of natural gas in vehicles which constitute the basis for further development of the domestic CNG city busses.
Keywords: Engine, CNG, technology options, future trends