USING THE NATURAL GAS ALREADY SUPPLIED TO ONES HOUSE--IS IT FEASIBLE?

IF ONE CONVERTS HIS OWN AUTO & TRUCKS, CAN ONE, USING A COMPRESSOR, OR WHATEVER, FILL HIS OWN NATURAL GAS TANKS FOR VEHICLE USE, "TAPPING" INTO HIS HOUSE LINE SUPPLY FOR THE HEATER AND WATER HEATER AND STOVE?
SIGNED, BOB SAVIDGE

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Permalink Reply by rgammie on October 13, 2008 at 6:52pm: Not only is it feasible, in my opinion, but necessary. I really don't see the infrastructure being developed on a grand scale (like getting CNG as conviently as a Starbucks coffee) without a massive marketing of home refilling appliances. Phill, the only appliance I know of, is rediculously priced. It's an electric pump with safety valves for $5000. I think that price is everything when it comes to the success of CNG becoming a viable alt fuel. That also why I am really disturbed by the idea of rebates and subsidies for CNG technologies. They aren't really so new to be called cutting edge. I think a better approach would be to pool large sums of money from consumers and from there negotiate a high volume rate. I think that in order for retrofitting to work we must need the following.

1. A complete retrofitting kit (allowing for dual-fuel cng/petrol) that includes a tank that gives a range of 250 miles minimum.
2. A home refilling appliance
3. Most importantly, it must cost under $2500 complete! Without subsidies.

Why am I so against subsidies? I can assure you it's not political in any way. It is because government subsidies are unreliable. Consumers know this and so do the manufacturers of the products we need or want. These markets already have all the consumers they need, make it affordable and they will not only produce but will also inspire competing players. Here is an example. Apple Inc makes the "I-Pod." How many companies currently make portable media players today? I don't know, but there are lots. They are better, cheaper, and have way more functionality.

Maybe I'm wrong.... Let me know anyone/everyone; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Hugh Hemington on October 16, 2008 at 11:17pm: Here in California, there are rebates that bring the PHILL down to $1,000. If you want to make the install cheaper, get an electrician to put in an outlet where you want the unit, and a plumber to put in a gas line, THEN call the installer. It'll take him an hour to put the thing in.

There is NOTHING complicated about mounting and connecting the PHILL to the gas line (like a dryer or water heater), and it PLUGS IN! The reported install charges are a giant rip-off, and one thing that needs to change.

The compressor is a different matter. Pumping anything up to 3,600 psi is not trivial, even when it isn't combustible. Anyone familiar with scuba compressors knows how much maintenance is required for them. The PHILL requires NO maintenance. I personally wouldn't attempt to make my own compressor.

My PHILL works fine. I filed with Sempra Energy (the gas company) and all my natural gas is billed at a fiat rate -- it does not bill in tiers. So not only do I get my motor fuel for $1.30, but I also save money on virtually all my other natural gas too. I've used my PHILL for about 2 years now and I'm happy with it.

After doing the research, I decided to just buy the Honda GX rather than convert something. With the Honda, I got the white alternative fuel HOV lane sticker, so I can drive alone in the carpool lane. Most conversions don't make the vehicle eligible.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by John Reed on November 27, 2008 at 12:28pm

My company sells AMERICAN MADE CNG conversions all over the world. We are the leading supplier of Heavy Duty conversion systems ( Diesel big rigs to CNG).
The PHILL unit Sucks, but IS SAFE. CNG vehicles and stations have a per capita much GREATER SAFETY RECORD than liquid fuel vehicles and stations.
My company will introduce a new home refueling appliance in 2009 that is quiet, fast and very safe. The key is getting the EPA to allow CNG conversion kits to be certified by Engine family, not on a model year AND engine basis. The cost for certification in the USA is what prevents these conversions from being available.

Attachments:

Natural Gas, Omnitek and the World Energy.ppt, 2.3 MB

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Permalink Reply by Eric Kern on July 25, 2009 at 7:46pm: John,

Any update on your new home refueling appliance availabilty, price?; ▶ Reply to This