CNG Energy Density and Intensity
The energy density of a fuel is related to the mass of the energy stored in a given region of space per unit volume, for example a fuel tank. A higher energy density means that more energy can be stored, and transported, in a comparable amount of volume. Specific energy of a fuel is the energy density per unit mass; also referred to the energy content of a fuel.
Under normal driving conditions most drivers are unable to recognize a difference between CNG and gasoline vehicle performance. Natural gas does have a greater amount of specific energy than gasoline and diesel, and in order to harness that energy it must be compressed to over a thousand pounds per square inch (psi) to compete volumetrically.
Despite the fact that gasoline vehicles typically get more mileage from a tank of fuel than CNG vehicles, mileage is highly dependent on:
It is important to note that even though you receive less mileage, the cost of a full tank of fuel is about half that of a gasoline vehicle.
Under normal driving conditions most drivers are unable to recognize a difference between CNG and gasoline vehicle performance. Natural gas does have a greater amount of specific energy than gasoline and diesel, and in order to harness that energy it must be compressed to over a thousand pounds per square inch (psi) to compete volumetrically.
Despite the fact that gasoline vehicles typically get more mileage from a tank of fuel than CNG vehicles, mileage is highly dependent on:
- The size of the vehicle
- Driving conditions
- What the vehicle is used for.
It is important to note that even though you receive less mileage, the cost of a full tank of fuel is about half that of a gasoline vehicle.