For approximately seven years, PDVSA subsidiary Intevep has been conducting technical tests to determine the optimum operation of vehicles using the diesel and compressed natural gas combined system, through the Autogas project, with the aim of reducing the consumption of liquid fuels in the country.
“In Intevep we select a representative diesel vehicle, install the diesel/CNG system and subject it to power and torque verification tests, performance analysis to determine road driving range and wheels power assesment,” explained David Goncálvez, project leader, during the First Venezuelan Congress of Natural Gas, which is being held until this Friday in Nueva Esparta State.
Additionally, the vehicle performance is trialed on flat roads and slopes. In all cases studied so far, the results show that the dual fuel system has the same level of efficiency as the diesel vehicles, he said.
By testing different engine types, it was found that converted vehicles significantly reduce emissions, which demonstrates that the use of natural gas in heavy duty vehicles and public transportation is an environmentally friendly solution.
As a result, Goncálvez proposes the immediate conversion of over 500 vehicles from transport companies.
Source: PDVSA.
