Propane Example

Propane $(C_3{H}_8)$ typically contains about $8\mathrm{.}4{10}^{4}Bt\frac{u}{?}$ gal of energy content. Engineers often speak of the gasoline$-$gallon equivalent $($GGE$)$ of

an alternative fuel, which is the ratio of Btus available in one U$.$S$.$ gallon $(1$ gal$)$ of gasoline to the number of Btus available in $1$gal of the

alternative fuel. As long as the units used to define the energy per unit volume are the same the GGE is a dimensionless quantity.

The GGE of propane $(G_p)$ can be determined as follows:

$G_p=\frac{1\mathrm{.}25{10}^5}{8\mathrm{.}4{10}^4}=1\mathrm{.}5$

One U$.$S$.$ gallon of gasoline provides approximately $1\mathrm{.}25{10}^5$Btu, which is $1\mathrm{.}5$ times the energy $($when burned outright$)$ as $1$ gal of liquid

propane. Economic ramifications of any GGE depends on the price of alternative fuels, the price of gasoline, and the efficiency of the engine

type.

The operating range of a dedicated propane$-$powered vehicle is about $67\%$ of the maximum range of a gasoline or diesel$-$powered vehicle with

the same sized tank.

$\frac{1}{G_p}=\frac{1}{1\mathrm{.}5}=0\mathrm{.}67=67\%$

QUESTIONS:

The energy content in Btu$/$gal for compressed natural gas $(C{H}_4)$ is $84,429Bt\frac{u}{g}al.$

What is the gasoline$-$gallon equivalent $($GGE$)$ for compressed natural gas? $($Make sure to show your calculations.$)$

What is the percentage operating range of a dedicated natural gas$-$powered vehicle compared to the maximum range of a gasoline or

diesel$-$powered vehicle with the same sized tank? $($Give the percentage of difference$).$