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Inexpensive CNG conversion kit for cars.

I realize that most modern cars have complex elaborate ignition computers that regulate the flow of air and gasoline into the engine using a vast array of sensors to prevent the need for tuneups, and improve ignition stability and gas mileage. I realize also that any conversion kit to CNG brings a new set of ignition parameters to the table, and that existing sensors, and computer settings will not work for optimal CNG ignition. Howerver that being said, it seems to me that a standardized electronic adapter could be created to "Fool" the vastly differing ignition computer systems in a "Standard" way, since the sensors used on most cars are nearly identical in electrical characteristics. (The computers are very different, but the output of the sensors is nearly identical) So to make an inexpensive "Universal" conversion kit, all you need to do is "Alter" the signal reports being sent back to the ignition computer from the sensors in a "Standard" way and you have a universally compatible conversion kit system. Then all cars could be converted with the same conversion kit. Has anyone approached the conversion kit problem from this angle? If this issue is taken care of then the rest of the conversion kit could be an EPA approved standard kit, and we wouldn't need to have every model year of every manufacturer go through the expensive EPA approval process. The pre-approved Universal kit could be used for any car and the mountains of Government "Red Tape" would be removed from the CNG conversion process.

Tags: CNG, Conversion, Gas, Inexpensive, Natural, Universal, kits

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Permalink Reply by Edward on March 22, 2011 at 7:09pm

I think that is an excellent idea Barry. Have you researched the existing conversions that have EPA and CARB certifications? Because dual fuel (CNG/petrol) is being done for some Ford and GMC engines it may be good to see if you can find out how they are solving this problem now and how applicable your idea may be.

 

What you propose would reduce the cost greatly. I think the cost of EPA/CARB certification goes well beyond this aspect though. I am hopeful that the certification costs can be vastly reduced, that the number and variety of engine conversion kits increased and Gas utilities see the long term profit opportunity in providing CNG filling stations to residential customers at no cost or low cost. If some form of universal conversion kits were available at a reasonable cost for cars and trucks on the road today I think imported oils consumption could be reduced very quickly.

 

I imagine that most people drive very few miles each day which means even a smaller tank that provided enough CNG for 50-70 miles would be very usable. If the regulatory hurdles were reduced or removed and the kits standardized the auto makers could produce the kits, the dealers could install them and the gas utilities provide the refill stations. All three increase revenue domestically and we see a reduction in petroleum consumption.

 

Great idea, now let's see if anyone in gov and/or auto maker world sees the national benefit in this kind of thing.

 

Ed

Permalink Reply by Frank on March 23, 2011 at 8:32am

The cost of a CNG conversion isn't directly proportional to the size of engine or vehicle it's installed in.  That means that it doesn't cost that much less to convert a 3-cylinder Smart Car than a heavy duty pickup truck.  However, the pickup will have the far faster payback because it is using a lot more lower-priced fuel.  If you only drive a few miles every day, a CNG conversion will never make economic sense, no matter what vehicle you're driving.

Permalink Reply by SJC on March 23, 2011 at 8:59am
Mostly true, the truck may have 8 injectors and the Smart has 3, but most of the cost is the tank and regulator. Another cost is EPA/AQMD certification of the kit. They have said that they will streamline and make the approval process more efficient, but I have not seen any news that this has actually happened.
Permalink Reply by Robert Mann on March 23, 2011 at 10:35am

Hello you guys go on and on, on this let me tell you just do a convertion for your oun self and  get a home fueling station installed at you  home and do not look back. when you go by a gasoline station and see it at 3.50 + a GAL. And you are driving your car that you just filled at home with CNG at like 60 cents a GAL. You start to fell good than you start to smile from ear to ear than you start to laugh out load in your car. That is what I have been doing for the last 4 years with my CNG BI-Fuel VWs.

Now you say put it cost this much . I say  make me feel good at any any price, a smile is priceless and a laugh a day is the best medicine. so sell some thing that you never use or just realy never needed and cowboy up.

Her is a freind that has one of my CNG-Fuel VW and saw the need for home fueling stations and cowboyed up.

Bob Mann

 

  

NRGhybrids Group Inc. in partnership with TRSP Inc. is the North American Distributor/Wholesalers for the SYP-CNG Home Fueling Station, The CNGPUMP®. Is Manufactured by SYP Clean Energy to our strict USA specifications, Insurance and building code requirements, We supply both residential and commercial fueling stations to a trained dealer network throughout North America. CNG hoses and components with approved breakaway, CNGPUMP® parts and related components including filters, check-valves, NGV-1 and 2 couplers and receptacles.

NRGhybrids manufactures CNGPLUS®, a solid tank additvel that we install in CNG tanks utilizing our proprietary method to extend the range on a tank fill of CNG. CNGPLUS® is non-toxic, and works by molecularly aligning and stacking the methane molecules allowing increase storage of CNG without increasing pressure.

Specialties

CNGPUMP, SYP-CNG home fueling stations, CNGPUMP, SYP-CNG commercial fueling stations, CNGPLUS, CNG tank additive to extend tank range

Permalink Reply by leszek zajac on January 29, 2012 at 9:44pm

Im interested at Home fueling station i like to be Distributor for midwest and Central Ohio. Also im distributor for ultralights Aluminum carbon fiber tanks for CNG witch going to be sold in US market this Year. my Tel 614-402=0560

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