{"id":8872,"date":"2020-12-18T16:53:36","date_gmt":"2020-12-18T15:53:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/?p=8872"},"modified":"2020-12-18T16:53:36","modified_gmt":"2020-12-18T15:53:36","slug":"alternative-fuel-trucks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/2020\/12\/18\/alternative-fuel-trucks\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Challenges & Tips Maintaining Alternative-Fuel Trucks"},"content":{"rendered":"

Photo: PERC<\/p>\n

Propane autogas can be an approachable energy source from a service and maintenance standpoint \u2014 even for those completely new to it.<\/p>\n

All fuel types have different nuances. And ensuring that you are correctly maintaining each vehicle is essential to them operating at peak performance.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor example, internal combustion engines such as natural gas and propane typically run on the same concept. However, fuel delivery systems\u00a0could require special technicians and maintenance facilities. Battery-electric vehicles may need less maintenance, as they have fewer moving parts, but require specialized training for high-voltage systems. Biodiesel users need to know the importance of maintaining and cleaning storage tanks, as the fuel has a higher propensity for algae growth than its conventional counterpart,\u201d said Christopher Lyon, director of Fleet Relations for NTEA \u2013 The Association for the Work Truck Industry<\/p>\n

After millions of miles on the road, biodiesel has proven itself as a reliable renewable fuel.<\/p>\n

\u201cBiodiesel works seamlessly with existing infrastructure and vehicles. In fact, 78% of the diesel vehicles coming off the production lines today are approved for B-20,\u201d said Scott Fenwick, technical director for the National Biodiesel Board (NBB).<\/p>\n

The biodiesel experts noted that to run biodiesel, little or no modifications need to be made to the engine or fuel system.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowever, biodiesel must follow strict ASTM specifications. Fuel grade biodiesel must be produced to industry specifications to ensure proper performance. Biodiesel blends meet specifications for legal diesel fuels found in ASTM D975 (petroleum diesel and blends up to B-5) and ASTM D7467 (blends from B-6 to B-20). Also, B-100 must meet the ASTM definition for biodiesel itself (ASTM D6751),\u201d Fenwick said.<\/p>\n

Utilizing low-carbon fuels can also help reduce maintenance on vehicles.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt World Energy, our fuels have high-cetane, which allows for complete combustion, reducing byproduct soot formation and reducing residual material deposits in the engine.\u00a0The lack of corrosive contaminants leads to cleaner-burning fuel with lower emissions and less wear-and-tear\u00a0on the engine,\u201d said Gene Gebolys, CEO of World Energy.<\/p>\n

An electric vehicle (EV) has fewer moving parts than its typical internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart.<\/p>\n

\u201cHaving fewer moving parts makes maintaining an EV less complex and cheaper than a traditional ICE vehicle,\u201d said Nate Valaik, e-Mobility product marketing manager for Gilbarco Veeder-Root.<\/p>\n

Traditionally, maintaining electric fleets is less costly and time-consuming and ICE vehicles, simply because they have fewer components.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe challenge for some fleet managers could be learning new systems, and how to maintain electric vehicles, but it tends to be a minor challenge,\u201d said Vic Shao, CEO & Founder of AMPLY Power.<\/p>\n

As for ethanol, according to Robert White, VP of Industry Relations for the Renewable Fuels Association, there are no challenges.<\/p>\n

\u201cAccording to vehicle manufacturers, maintenance costs do not increase when using ethanol,\u201d White said.<\/p>\n

Sahar Kamali, director of Business Development for Clean Energy Renewables, noted that compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks tend to be simpler to maintain because they do not have complicated aftertreatment systems.<\/p>\n

In many aspects, maintenance of an NGV is less challenging and more economical compared to vehicles powered by conventional fuels, according to Paul Sandsted, director of Technology & Sustainability for NGVAmerica.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is particularly true when comparing maintenance challenges and expenses with modern-day diesel exhaust systems. In contrast, an NGV exhaust system is comprised only of a simple 3-way passive catalyst that does not require urea and performs well in any vehicle application or duty cycle,\u201d Sandsted added.<\/p>\n

Propane autogas can be an approachable energy source from a service and maintenance standpoint \u2014 even for those completely new to it.<\/p>\n

\u201cNew liquid propane fuel injection engines are similar in appearance to gasoline engines and require similar equipment for maintenance, diagnosis, and repair. Plus, because propane autogas is a clean fuel, its emissions systems are much less complex and don\u2019t require additional fluids or filters to ensure performance and meet emissions standards, like diesel vehicles,\u201d said Steve Whaley, director of autogas business development for the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC).<\/p>\n

Whaley also noted that, compared to gasoline, propane autogas wouldn\u2019t degrade or prematurely wear engine component parts like gasoline can.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen properly maintained, propane autogas has fewer residual contaminants in the oil that can damage engines, and there is also less carbon build-up on the valves that naturally occurs in gasoline engines. Propane autogas eliminates the inflated costs for increased maintenance and the worries for fleet owners and service technicians,\u201d Whaley said. \u201cThese maintenance benefits are one of the reasons propane autogas has the lowest total cost-of-ownership of any altertnative- or conventionally-fueled truck.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"There
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There are also maintenance considerations to keep in mind for the pressure relief device (PRD) connected to the vehicle\u2019s fuel container, particularly when temperatures drop below freezing.\u00a0 Photo: Clean energy<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Alt-Fuel Maintenance Shop Considerations<\/h2>\n

When utilizing alternative-fuel vehicles in your fleet, your maintenance shop may \u2014 or may not \u2014 need some updates.<\/p>\n

For biodiesel, not much will need to be done. \u201cOur fuels are made to be straight drop-in replacements for the high-carbon fuels primarily used today,\u201d said Gebolys of World Energy.<\/p>\n

But, for any new drivetrain and fuel type, there is some training and equipment required to maintain them.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor EVs, this is no different, but with so many fewer moving parts in an electric drivetrain versus a combustion engine, the maintenance requirements are heavily reduced,\u201d said Shao of AMPLY Power.<\/p>\n

One way shops can support EVs is by focusing on maintaining the charging infrastructure used to power their vehicles.<\/p>\n

\u201cPartnering with someone with a trusted service and support network, like Gilbarco Veeder-Root, is one of the best ways to ensure EVs are charged on-time, all-the-time,\u201d said Valaik of Gilbarco Veeder-Root.<\/p>\n

When looking at ethanol units, the main concern is with older units.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf there are older vehicles in the fleet that have not used today\u2019s gasoline, a fuel filter could be necessary after the ethanol blend cleans out the fuel tank and system. Again, only if that vehicle has not been in regular use the past two decades,\u201d said White of the Renewable Fuels Association.<\/p>\n

\"Biodiesel
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Biodiesel users need to know the importance of maintaining and cleaning storage tank. Photo: NBB<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To safely repair and\/or store natural gas vehicles inside a vehicle maintenance facility, there are a few areas that should be evaluated for possible upgrades.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese areas include ventilation systems, heating systems, mitigating any spark-producing equipment, and installing a methane detection system,\u201d said Kamali of Clean Energy Renewables.<\/p>\n

There are also maintenance considerations to keep in mind for the pressure relief device (PRD) connected to the vehicle\u2019s fuel container, particularly when temperatures drop below freezing.<\/p>\n

\u201cNGV manufacturers typically recommend routine inspection of PRD vent systems to verify the integrity of the vent lines, assure that all vent caps are in place, and minimize the potential for water ingress,\u201d said Sandsted of NGVAmerica.<\/p>\n

One major benefit that propane autogas offers is that maintenance and garaging facilities don\u2019t have special requirements to accommodate the alternative fuel beyond those for facilities that maintain gasoline and diesel vehicles, according to the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC).<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a significant cost savings advantage in contrast to other alternative fuels. Facility managers should always check with their local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) before assuming the need for or making any facility modifications. More details on these specific requirements are available in an online video series produced by the Propane Education & Research Council,\u201d said Whaley of PERC.<\/p>\n

\"Traditionally,
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Traditionally, maintaining electric fleets is less costly and time-consuming and ICE vehicles, simply because they have fewer components.\u00a0Photo: ChargePoint<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Alt-Fuel Maintenance Tips<\/h2>\n

Biodiesel and renewable diesel each provide unique benefits and properties for use in today\u2019s engines.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoth provide improved emissions and better combustion with higher Cetane values. Biodiesel also provides improved lubricity need for today\u2019s high-pressure common rail engines. The cleaner-burning benefits of both fuels often means fewer regenerations of the diesel particulate filters in the emissions aftertreatment and less maintenance on the engine overall,\u201d said Fenwick of the NBB.<\/p>\n

Just like regular diesel, precautions need to be taken when maintaining your fuel and engine.<\/p>\n

\u201cEspecially in colder temperatures. Biodiesel can gel in freezing weather. Although pure biodiesel has a higher cloud point than No. 2 diesel, 20% biodiesel blends are usually managed with similar techniques. Blends of 5% and below have virtually no impact on cold weather operability,\u201d Fenwick added.<\/p>\n

When it comes to electric vehicle maintenance and service, it\u2019s highly recommended to working with an independent service provider for electric vehicle charging.<\/p>\n

\u201cWorking with a service provider gives you an expert with connections back to every automotive OEM, who is there for you every day or night to ensure your electric fleet is charged and ready-to-go. We\u2019ve been able to diagnose intermittent fueling issues as a mismatch of firmware between systems and work with the OEMs to remove these and get back on track,\u201d said Shao of AMPLY Power.<\/p>\n

For NGVs, in terms of maintenance tips and recommendations, it is most important to follow the maintenance intervals defined by the OEM and\/or engine manufacturer.<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep in mind that maintenance intervals are based on engine hours, not mileage, and replacing spark plugs and oil on an engine\u2019s recommended schedule will have a tremendous impact on reducing unplanned downtime,\u201d said Sandsted of NGVAmerica.<\/p>\n

And when it comes to propane autogas, there are plenty of opportunities for technicians to train and become certified to diagnose, maintain, and repair propane autogas fuel systems.<\/p>\n

\u201cComprehensive training can be provided by your propane supplier, OEMs, dealers, and aftermarket fuel system manufacturers. Fleet owners should follow manufacturer recommendations at all maintenance intervals,\u201d said Whaley of PERC.<\/p>\n

Regardless of fuel type, or types used by your fleet, Lyon of NTEA also recommends establishing connections with training organizations, such as Natural Gas Vehicle Institute, to ensure employees are certified to maintain your fleet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

by Lauren Fletcher<\/a><\/p>\n

Source: https:\/\/www.worktruckonline.com<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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