1 2 Explain how to implement green fleets Learn about the incentives for converting to propane fleets Learn about the availability and cost of propane Identify the advantages of using propane Understand how to safely handle propane Objectives 3 Why use green fleets? Reduce operating costs Reduce greenhouse gas emissions Improve corporate image Greening of Fleets 4 How to Implement Green Fleets Get buy-in Create long-term objectives Avoid setting reduction goals in absolute numbers Anticipate obstacles Move slowly Improve vehicle use Track and report progress 5 Propane is colorless, odorless byproduct of oil or natural gas refining Odorants are added to aid in leak detection Pressurized and stored in liquid form Commonly used in household applications Propane Fleets Figure 1: Propane flame. Source: NAFTC. 6 Presents no threat to soil, surface water, ground water High octane rating Excellent properties for spark-ignition Propane Fleets Figure 2: Propane warehouse equipment. Source: NAFTC. 7 Older systems carburetors, vapor/mixers New systems electronic fuel injection Liquid injection system Propane Fleets Figure 3: liquid propane fuel injection system on Chrysler beta vehicle. Source: NAFTC. 8 Incentives Partnership initiatives and pooled resources Financial subsidiaries Informational tools Initial cost vs. federal and state incentives American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Clean Cities Program Incentives for Using Propane in Fleets 9 Did You Know? Argonne National Laboratory developed a graphical user interface-based calculator called AirCRED that calculates air pollutant emissions based on specific fleet variables. These emissions credits are used to determine excise tax credits. To learn more, visit:ulation/AirCRED 10 Tax Incentives LPG fueling equipment placed in service after December 31, 2005 30% of equipment cost (not exceeding $30,000) Alternative fuel excise tax credit Yearly changes to tax code 11 Federal Grant Funding Federal government = largest grant provider U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) 12 State Grant Funding State Energy Office (SEO) National Association of State Energy Officials directory Alternative Fuels Data Center map To find state-specific information, visit 13 Incentives for Propane Production Majority of propane used in the U.S. is produced domestically Incentives offered to natural gas producers from government (over 50% of U.S. LPG is a byproduct of natural gas processing) Governmental incentives for propane fleet applications 14 More than 270,000 propane vehicles in 2012 Third most widely used vehicle fuel in the U.S. Shipped via pipeline, railroad, barge, truck, tanker ship Propane Availability and Cost 15 Figure 4: Typical propane distribution route. Source: AFDC. 16 Figure 5: Propane fueling stations. Source: AFDC. 17 Figure 6: Fuel type cost comparison, Source: AFDC. 18 Propane price depends upon: Availability of natural gas and oil Seasonal weather patterns Demand for LPG as home heating fuel Transportation and distribution costs 19 Reduced greenhouse gas emissions Can produce fewer particulate matter emissions Lower operating costs Nearly 90% of natural gas is produced domestically Can be used with higher compression ratio engines for increased engine efficiency Propane Advantages 20 Things to Consider Limited number of OEM dedicated or bi-fuel vehicles Limited number of fueling stations when compared with conventional vehicles Cost may be higher or lower depending upon season and weather factors 21 Vehicles must behave as well as conventional vehicles for successful implementation Implementation should not require sacrificing performance Safety must be considered before implementation Propane Performance and Safety 22 Performance Power, acceleration, cruising speed are comparable Driving range is similar to conventionally fueled vehicles Combustion produces fewer harmful emissions Dedicated vehicle tank space vs. bi-fuel tanks Limited fueling locations 23 Propane Performance Summary Similar vehicle performance Higher octane rating Similar driving range Can produce fewer emissions 24 Safety Many integrated safety features Tank is 20 times more puncture-resistant than a conventional gasoline tank Service by trained technician NFPA placard display Figure 7: NFPA 704 hazard placard for propane. Source: NAFTC. 25 Non-toxic in the event of a spill Help identify what fuel is being transported Placards assist emergency responders Odorants are added to gas Figure 8: Hazard Class 3 flammable placard for LPG. Source: DOT. 26 Propane Safety Summary Lower harmful emissions High ignition temperature ASME and DOT certified puncture resistant tanks No major fueling incidents Denser than air, sinks to floor/ground if leaked 27 1.True of False: Like natural gas, odorants are added to propane during processing to aid in leak detection. 2. What does LPG stand for? 3.True or False: Most states have at least one publically accessible propane fueling station. 4. Some new LPG fueled vehicles inject propane into the engine intake in _________ form. 5.True or False: Compared to conventional vehicles, propane vehicles do not perform as well. Test Your Knowledge