Research and Development of LNG Vehicle for Practical Use

As alternative fuel, natural gas holds a dominant position with widely distributed resources in the world and a low CO2 emission rate compared with the other fuels for automobile. Natural gas should be used in liquid phase (LNG) especially in automobile use due to considerations of energy density. Research and development was conducted for a practical LNG vehicle equipped with a LNG engine and LNG supply and engine control systems. The LNG engine system was given a high compression ratio, manifold gas injection, and spark ignition for the effective use of natural gas. For the components of LNG supply system, LNG tank, vaporizer, LNG control valve and gas injector were developed. The LNG tank and the LNG control valves were given super insulation constructions to prevent gas boil off. LNG was vaporized using heat from the radiator. The gas injector is controlled by a solenoid coil for optimum fuel supply. A computer using fuzzy logic was developed in part for the engine control system. The LNG vehicle was tested for exhaust gas emissions, vehicle dynamics, and driveability. The exhaust gas emissions were lower than Japan 10 and 11 mode regulation. From these test results, the technical potential of the LNG vehicle was made clear as a clean alternative fuel vehicle.