Daily Archives: March 29, 2016

Alternative Fuel

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The new fuel LPG is cheaper and more environmentally friendly than gasoline “Get off oil.” This set is all the rage for some time. In the face of rising global demand, the steadily rising prices and last but not least because for reasons of environmental protection the search for alternative energy sources is in full swing. An interesting particularly for motorists alternative to gasoline is a mixture of propane and butane LPG (liquefied LPG petroleum gas). For several years this so-called LPG asserts itself more and more as a fuel in many countries. So there is now a nationwide network of LPG filling stations in most European countries. Since LPG is significantly cheaper than petrol, the cost of an LPG conversion amortize relatively quickly, even with low catenary. In Germany, a liter costs LPG currently to the 76 cents (spring 2012), not least because of the reduced excise rate with this fuel is funded by the Federal Government.

Thus the litre price of LPG is about a euro under the Super petrol. Liquefied petroleum gas due to its lower density has a lower energy content than gasoline while, thereby increasing the consumption depending on the vehicle by 5 to 20%, but this disadvantage is offset by a higher calorific value. The bottom line for autogas costs when about 30 to 40% of the gasoline fuel cost. Due to the seasonal price rise in gasoline in the winter, the savings are sometimes even higher in the cold season. And also with regard to pollutant emissions, LPG is the best alternative because it burns very clean. So is the carbon dioxide emissions of a liquefied petroleum gas plant about 15% less than in operation of the same vehicle with gasoline. Unburned hydrocarbons are reduced by about half, and the entire emissions decreased by approximately 80%.

The reason is that in the fumes almost no soot particles and sulfur dioxide and emitted other harmful substances such as benzene and aldehydes in significantly smaller amount. Thus is LPG significantly below the limits of the Euro IV standard (green badge). A liquefied gas installation is possible with all common vehicle models and costs between 1500 and 3500 euro. Because it saves each year over 1000 Euro fuel costs with a mileage of 20000 kilometers per year, pays for itself very fast conversion and hence worth not more brand new cars. In Germany, nearly half a million cars with LPG are operated. This corresponds to a market share of about 80% in the alternative drive systems for motor vehicles. The only drawback is the lower range of LPG vehicles when compared to gasoline or diesel, because after about 400 km, the tank is empty. But one must not fear therefore stay behind, because LPG is there in this country already at over 6,000 service stations. T. Kroha