LNG vs CNG: A Comprehensive Guide to Gas Fuel Choices

Understanding the differences, applications, and future of LNG and CNG in the developing energy industry

Which is better LNG or CNG?

“Better” depends entirely on the application being used. LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas), that is liquid at -162°C, is an extremely high power density, making it perfect for long-distance transport cars, vessels, and trains. that need to have the longest distance possible. Short-distance transportation such as taxis, buses, and small trucks are more suitable for compressed natural gas (CNG), that’s can be stored as a gas under high pressure and has an energy density that is lower. The choice depends on achieving the right balance between accessibility of infrastructure and range needs.

What vehicles can run on CNG?

This type of fuel could be used in cars that were designed or have been transformed to run on natural gas that is compressed (CNG). Common uses for CNG include city fleets, taxis, rubbish removal trucks, and city public transportation (buses). Factory-produced CNG vehicles are also offered for many automobiles for passengers, such as specific versions of the Honda Civic or Toyota Camry. In addition, conversion kits can be used to update many cars with gasoline engines to run in both-fuel (gasoline/CNG) mode, offering flexibility and savings on costs.

Can LNG be used in cars?

Although possible in theory, it is highly unusual and impossible for common cars. In order to retain the liquid form that -162°C, LNG needs complex, high-cost cryogenic storage tanks. These systems are big, expensive, and not suitable for smaller travel cars’ limited interior space. These days, powerful, long- distance trucks and other large commercial vehicles with space for large tanks and the ability to gain advantages from LNG’s longer range are nearly the only cars which employ it.

What are the disadvantages of CNG as a fuel?

CNG’s main disadvantages are its limited range for driving when compared with either diesel or gasoline and its limited system of refueling stations, especially in developing nations. Because CNG tanks are big and heavy, they often take up a lot of space for cargo, especially in cars for passengers. In addition, cars usually cost more to buy or transform at first. Additionally, refueling times are more prolonged than with liquid fuels, and performance may be slightly lower than with similar engines powered by gasoline.

How many CNG filling stations are there in Nigeria?

Nigeria’s system of CNG fueling stations is still in development as of early 2024. Recent reports from the industry show that there are still only a couple of public CNG stations in operation with projections that range from 10 to 20 stations. Most of these are located in big cities like Lagos and Abuja. However, in coming years, this number will likely rise quickly due to the government’s “Gas Development Project,” that supports natural gas as a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy source for transportation.

What is the lifespan of a CNG tank?

CNG tanks have a difficult duration of use, which is typically indicated by a date of use from the moment of manufacture instead of by decades. A large number of national and international standards demand that CNG tanks, whether made of synthetic material or steel, have a 15–20 year use life. no matter of the obvious condition, the tank needs to be repaired after a while to ensure happening safety. As part of regular repair plans, tanks also need to have their quality examined by visual checks and pressure tests on a regular basis.

Which is better, LPG or CNG?

Both of CNG or LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) are fuel alternatives with special features. Compared to LPG (propane/butane), which is more heavy than air and is capable of building up, CNG, which is primarily methane, is thinner than air and disintegrates quickly if it breaks down. Because CNG burns more efficiently, it leaves fewer deposits in engine parts. LPG, on the other hand, has a more established and expansive worldwide refueling system, a greater concentration of energy, and a better range. This choice is frequently affected by the cost of fuel in this region, the numbers of vehicles, and the support system that is in present.

What is the difference between LNG and CNG?

Their physical state and ways of storage have in which the main differences occur. The compressed natural gas, or CNG, remains in the state of gas at high pressures (usually 200–250 bar). LNG, or liquefied natural gas, is a gas that is produced by lowering natural gas to -162°C, that transforms it into a liquid and minimizes the amount it contains by nearly 600 times. Because of this, LNG has a considerably greater quantity of energy than CNG, which makes it suitable for long-distance transport where endurance is important. However, it requires expensive and costly cryogenic storage equipment.

What is the purpose of LNG tank?

An extremely specific cryogenic storage device is an LNG tank. The primary goal is reducing boil-off gas (BOG) by retaining LNG in its state of liquid at an extremely low temperature close to -162°C. These tanks have a difficult two-wall design with high-performance insulation in between the walls and the vacuum inside. LNG can be kept and moved over lengthy distances using trucks, ships, and stationary places of storage with minimal damage because of  this design.

What is a CNG station?

A specialized place that provides fuel for vehicles powered by CNG is called a CNG station. Natural gas is generally transported to it at low pressure by its neighboring transport system. Following that, this gas is cleaned, cooled, and compressed in multiple stages using strong compressors to achieve very high pressures (between 200 and 250 bar). Storage pipelines with waterfalls are used to hold the extremely high-pressure gas. compared to refueling with fuel, but using higher-pressure gas, the gas is delivered from these storage banks into the car’s inside CNG tank using a special dispenser.

What is the difference between LNG and regular gas?

The fuel is frequently referred to as “normal” gas.” Liquefied natural gas methane, or LNG, is a harmless natural gas that has been effectively put into storage. A modified liquid mixture of different hydrocarbons called fuel is made from oil that has been refined. When compared to gasoline, LNG produces considerably less harmful substances (such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides, and particulate matter) during burning, with the main products being carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor. In contrast to the still-developing LNG system, gasoline has a greater amount of energy per amount and enjoys the benefits of a widely developed global refueling network.

Comparison Table

Conclusion

In the transition to cleaner energy, LNG and CNG are mutually beneficial solutions instead of competing products. For lengthy distances, serious transportation, in which the high density of its energy provides the necessary range, LNG is the best choice. On the other hand, CNG is a more efficient and environmentally conscious solution for businesses and cities with light-duty trucks that must travel on a limited range. Both fuels will be necessary for improving energy change, cutting carbon emissions, and bringing down fuel costs in growing markets like Nigeria. Specific kinds of vehicles, operational range, and the development of local services should all be taken carefully when choosing between them.