Energy Conversion - Gasoline Vs. Natural Gas

Gasoline is the fuel that makes civilization run. This petroleum derivative is used in combustion engines, but sharing equal importance with gasoline is another fuel: natural gas. Natural gas has methane as its core content. Natural gas is colorless and odorless. But when it comes in contact with fire, natural gas emits a significant amount of energy.

Use

• Gasoline wasn't recognized as a powerful fuel in its early stages of discovery. It was a mere stain remover and was mostly used in houses for lighting and cooking purposes. Replacing the early use of gasoline, natural gas has slowly occupied the kitchen ranges. An alternative form of natural gas, called compressed natural gas, is now widely being used in driving vehicles. People in industrialized nations are now significantly dependent on natural gas. Cooking, generating electricity and transportation now relies heavily on natural gas. Gasoline was limited to lighter vehicles such as cars. But for heavy-duty trucks, diesel was the only option available. Invention of natural gas led to a common fuel for all the vehicles regardless of their capacity.

Composition of Gasoline

• Gasoline is technically known as aliphatic hydrocarbon. It is composed of hydrogen and carbon chain molecules. These carbon and hydrogen chains, when burned, produce carbon dioxide and water. Gasoline is an effective combination with air. Gasoline engines pull in the gasoline and with a designated amount of air. This mixture is compressed and ignited with spark to generate the energy required.

Composition of Natural Gas

• Natural gas is also composed of hydrocarbon atoms, but it also contains methane. Natural gas operates and ignites in a way similar to gasoline to generate the energy and uses the principles of gasoline engines.

Advantages

• Natural gas vehicles tend to be safer than gasoline vehicles because natural gas tanks are thicker than gasoline tanks. Natural gas also costs less, nearly one-third, than the regular gasoline at the pumps. Natural gas stations are available at every point in major cities. Because of the lower maintenance costs and convenience that natural gas offers, the popularity of natural gas vehicles is growing.

Disadvantages

• Gasoline, being a liquid, takes up more space compared with natural gas. Natural gas engines are not and the space has to be compromised with the cargo and trunk space. The design of natural gas cylinders is complex and hence natural gas vehicles cost more than a gasoline vehicle. All gasoline engines emit carbon dioxide, the substance considered to be the most harmful and biggest environmental threat.