Theoretical and experimental analysis of a CNG cylinder rack connection to a bus roof

Abstract

From our perspective, a global technology development should be focused on resolving the issues of environmental impact and conservation of available natural energy resources. New technological solutions and alternative fuels, such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), have increasingly more application for modern engines and vehicles. If we take into account the situation in city transport, where primarily vehicles with diesel engines are used, a strategic proposal is to begin by retrofitting these into bi-fuel or dedicated Natural Gas Vehicles (NGVs). This paper analyzes the retrofit of a diesel bus into dedicated NGV. To confirm the safety of the vehicle in city transport, we addressed the problem of mounting a gas rack with CNG cylinders on the roof of a retrofitted city bus, according to UN ECE Regulation No. 110. This assembly is the most critical part of the retrofitted bus because of the concentration of stress due to increased mass and the application of a specific installation for supply of CNG from the cylinders to the engine. These regulations must be met in all parts of the vehicle, but we only focused on those areas affected by the retrofit to NGV.