Dane County CNG Fleet

John Welch, PE

Solid Waste Manager

Dane County

August 19, 2014

What is CNG?

• CNG - Compressed Natural Gas (methane)

• Compressed to 3600 psi

• Used as vehicle fuel

What is bioCNG?

• CNG derived from biogas

• WWTP, digesters, landfills, etc

Why CNG?

• Financial

– Less than $2.00/gallon

– Less price fluctuation

– Revenue source for landfills

• Domestic Fuel Source

– Security

– Local jobs

• Noise – 80-90% reduction

• Safe

• Environmental Benefits

Environmental Benefits

Burns Cleaner

– Vehicle maintenance

– 60–90% less smog-producing pollutants

– 30–40% less GHG emissions

– Lower carbon intensity

Environmental Benefits

Fuel Carbon Intensity (gCO2e/MJ)

Gasoline 95.86

CNG from Pipeline 68.00

CNG from Digester 13.45

CNG from Landfill 11.26

http://www.arb.ca.gov/fuels/lcfs/121409lcfs_lutables.pdf

Vehicles

• 40+ vehicles in fleet – Some dedicated

– F150s, F250s, F350s,

Ford Fusion, Transit Connect,

Plow Truck

– 7 Departments

• Conversion cost – $8,500 - $13,000 each

– $60,000

Vehicle Conversion Options

• Dedicated, bi-fuel, or dual fuel – Available options & intended use

– Range

– Typical route (return to shop?)

• Direct from manufacturer or OEM

conversion – Available models

– Warranty / service

– Cost

CNG Vehicle Considerations

• Costs – Capital and O&M – Higher upfront costs

– Comparable maintenance costs

• Range & Load (tank size & configuration)

• Management & Implementation (Drivers)

• Vehicle Performance – Dyno testing

– Driver Experience

– Maintenance

– Safety

Vehicle ROI

• Variables

– Initial Conversion Cost

• Dedicated or Dual-fuel

– Miles driven per year

– MPG

– Fuel Savings

~$2.00/gal

Vehicle ROI Examples

Vehicle Conversion

Cost

MPG Miles/yr GGE/yr Payback Savings

After

Payback

Car $9,000 25 25,000 1,000 4.5 yrs $7,000

Pickup $10,000 15 30,000 2,000 2.5 yrs $16,670

Garbage Truck $50,000 3 24,000 8,000 3.125 yrs

$62,000

Delivery Van $30,000 6 25,000 4,200 3.6 yrs $37,000

Note: Does not include any grant funds or maintenance costs

CNG Fleet Considerations

• Equipment maintenance

– Local options?

– Tools and training

• Building Modifications

– Code compliance

• Training

– Technicians, drivers,

Department heads, etc

Hurdles

• Vehicle Procurement

– EPA Certifications

– Limited options

– Delays

• Fueling Station

Availability

• Learning Curve

– Permitting, codes, regulatory agencies, taxes,

maintenance, etc

Future of CNG in Dane County

• Dane County - 10 yr Strategic Plan

– Convert most/entire fleet to CNG

– Looking for partners – fueling stations

– Looking for bioCNG opportunities

Questions?

John Welch

Solid Waste Manager

608-267-8815

welch@countyofdane.com