In an era of sustainable development, the transportation sector today stands at the forefront of innovation, seeking eco-friendly alternatives to traditional fuel sources. What’s more, as India continues to invest in natural gas infrastructure, the integration of alternative fuels and dual fuel technologies holds immense potential for driving the nation towards a cleaner and more sustainable future. By embracing innovative fuel blending technologies, the industry can pave the way towards a cleaner and more sustainable future for transportation.
GasTech’s dual fuel Kits offer a promising solution, with a blend of efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits across various modes of transportation.
The pursuit of sustainable transport fuels has spurred the exploration of advanced blending methods to enhance the qualities of conventional fossil fuels without compromising their integrity. While renewable energy (RE) sources such as solar and wind power are integral to the energy transition, their intermittent nature poses challenges for grid stability. On the other hand, with an abundance of natural gas and biomass resources available for blending or improving the properties of diesel, the utilisation of alternative fuels has become paramount for ensuring sustainability.
Natural gas-fired generators are the ideal companions to RE sources, providing clean and reliable power with minimal start-up time. That’s because despite being a fossil fuel, natural gas significantly reduces emissions compared to coal, making it a sustainable choice for backup power generation.
Further, India’s commitment to expanding its natural gas infrastructure underscores its potential as a key player in the energy landscape. With 20,000 kilometres of pipelines operational, another 14,000 kilometres planned, as well as significant investments valued at INR 1,20,000 Cr planned for the future, natural gas is poised to become readily accessible across the country in the next decade.
The commissioning of LNG terminals, ongoing pipeline construction, and city gas distribution networks will further enhance the accessibility and viability of natural gas as a transportation fuel.
With the transportation sector being a significant contributor to emissions, the adoption of dual fuel systems presents a compelling solution to reduce environmental impact while enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. In this context, dual fuel systems offer synergistic effects that go beyond the capabilities of individual components, resulting in improved fuel properties and enhanced engine performance.
Capable of combining traditional fossil fuels with alternative sources, dual fuel systems offer a versatile approach to enhancing both performance and environmental sustainability across various modes of transportation. Hybrid diesel-natural gas blends, for example, capitalise on the complementary effects of both components, leading to a boost in combustion potential and overall efficiency.
Here are four major applications of dual fuel systems in the transportation sector.
Giant mining tipper trucks, integral to the mining industry’s operations, present an ideal opportunity for mitigating harmful emissions and reducing costs through dual fuel systems. While the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is commonplace, advancements are now allowing for on-board Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) storage, further optimising fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
To reduce costs and emissions, Coal India Limited (CIL), a global leader in coal production, has been exploring the feasibility of adopting dual-fuel haulage trucks in its mines. Every year, over 4,00,000 kilolitres of diesel is consumed by CIL’s fleet of 2,500+ dumpers, 950+ dozers, 600+ shovels and drilling rigs, and 30+ draglines. With the transition towards LNG-powered, heavy earth-moving machinery, supported by dual fuel systems, promise a potential reduction of diesel usage by 30% to 40%, coupled with fuel cost savings of up to 15%
In the realm of railways, locomotives ranging from 1300-4400 HP for both passenger and freight transport can benefit from dual fuel systems. The conversion of diesel locomotives to utilise CNG enhances efficiency and reduces environmental impact. Fun fact, dual fuel trains in India were inaugurated in 2015. Initially powered by diesel, these trains were converted into dual fuel engines, contributing to cleaner and more cost-effective rail transport.
Long-haul trucks, buses, and midsize ships currently reliant on diesel engines can leverage dual fuel systems to address urban vehicular pollution levels effectively. Recent regulations by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways in India promote the usage of biofuels and CNG as secondary fuels, offering both economic and environmental benefits.
In 2018, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways also introduced dual fuel usage regulations for agricultural and construction equipment vehicles. These include tractors, power tillers, construction equipment vehicles, and combine harvesters originally manufactured or converted to operate with diesel as the primary fuel and CNG or Bio-CNG as secondary fuels.
As per the notification, emission regulations for smoke and vapour in these dual fuel vehicles will adhere to current mass emission standards for diesel vehicles. The certification for CNG/Bio-CNG/LNG dual fuel systems will be valid for three years from issuance and renewable for consecutive three-year terms. Additionally, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or retrofitter will be accountable for meeting safety requirements and code of practice for the vehicle or engine and its kit components.
In the transportation sector and on the lookout for greener fuel alternatives? Explore GasTech’s cutting-edge dual fuel kits for unparalleled efficiency, affordability, and eco-friendliness.
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