EAST BAY CLEAN CITIES COALITION
Propane Overview
Date
Clean Cities / 1
Richard Battersby
Director, East Bay Clean Cities Coalition
About Clean Cities
Mission
To advance the energy, economic, and environmental security of the United States by
supporting local decisions to adopt practices that reduce the use of petroleum in the
transportation sector
Goal
Reduce petroleum use by 2.5 billion gallons per year by 2020
• Replacement
• Reduction
• Elimination
Accomplishments
Eliminate
• Displaced nearly 3 billion gallons of petroleum since 1993
• Put more than 775,000 alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) on the road
• Installed more than 6,600 alternative fueling stations
Clean Cities / 2
About Clean Cities
Clean Cities / 3
Propane Basics
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Three-carbon alkane gas
C3H8
•
Also known as liquefied
petroleum gas (LPG)
•
Colorless, odorless liquid
(when stored under pressure)
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High octane rating
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Nontoxic
•
By-product of natural gas
processing and crude oil
refining
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Accounts for 2% of energy
used in the U.S.
•
Less than 2% of propane
used in U.S. used in
transportation
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Propane Basics
Propane as a Transportation Fuel
• World’s third most common engine fuel
• Considered an alternative fuel under the Energy Policy Act of 1992
• Mix of propane (at least 90%), butane, butylene
• Stored in on-board tank at 125-150 psi
• 25% less energy than gasoline
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Propane Basics
Production of Propane
• Domestically produced
• By-product of natural gas
processing and petroleum
refining
• Propane boiling point: -44º F
• Methane boiling point: -127º F
• Separated from methane
through increased pressure,
decreased temperature
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Propane Basics
Propane Distribution
• Shipped via pipeline, rail, barge, truck, or tanker ship
• Propane trucks distribute to end users
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Propane Benefits
Energy Security
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•
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More than 60% of U.S. petroleum
imported
World petroleum supplies in unstable
regions
Propane use diversifies U.S. energy
consumption
Convenience, Performance, Safety
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Vehicle technology well established
Fueling stations widely available
Extensive existing infrastructure
High energy density
Low flammability
Puncture-resistant tanks
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Propane Benefits
Public Health and Environment
•
Converted vehicles:
o Significant reductions in
particulate matter (PM) and
carbon monoxide (CO)
emissions
o Lifecycle greenhouse gas
emissions reduced 21-24%
•
Manufactured propane vehicles:
o Significantly lower emissions
in PM, CO, Nox, and total
hydrocarbons.
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Use: Propane Vehicles
Vehicle Types
Maintenance Costs
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Dedicated propane
Bi-fuel
Similar to Gasoline Vehicles
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Power
Acceleration
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Cruising speed
Driving Range
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Lower than gasoline vehicles
Liquid propane injection engines
hold promise
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Lower than gasoline vehicles
Low oil contamination
No cold-start problems
Double engine life of gas engines
Use: Propane Vehicles
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Use: Propane Vehicles
Propane Vehicle Availability
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Propane Conversions
Light-duty vehicles available through •
Ford and GM
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Engines and fueling systems for
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heavy- and medium-duty vehicles
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Require EPA-approved conversion
Cost: $4,000 to $12,000
Reasonable payback period for fleets
Use: Propane Stations
Getting Started
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Set your fleet up for success
Convenience is key
Infrastructure Investments
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Tank
Pump
Metering equipment
Less expensive than natural gas
infrastructure
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For More Information
•C
Clean Cities
Alternative Fuels and
Advanced Vehicles
Data Center (AFDC)
Clean Cities / 14
For More Information
Clean Cities
www.cleancities.energy.gov
Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicles Data Center (AFDC)
www.afdc.energy.gov
Clean Cities Coordinator Contact Information and Coalition
www.afdc.energy.gov/cleancities/progs/coordinators.php
Clean Cities / 15
For More Information
Clean Cities / 16