ReFUEL February 2012 | Wisconsin Clean Cities - Southeast Area | Monthly Newsletter
Propane,
Propane,
Propane Also In This Issue:
Did you know? Clean Cities has an Internet TV channel Member Spotlight: U.S. Venture Welcome New and Returning Members Question of the Month: Why does my fuel economy differ from EPA estimates? “Driving Wisconsin Forward�
ReFUEL
Wisconsin Clean Cities Networking and News Series
Propel with Propane Wednesday, February 22, 2012 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Outpost Natural Foods - Bay View Location 2826 S. Kinnickinnic Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53207
Registration fee: FREE Includes breakfast, materials, and ride-and-drive.
Join us for an educational workshop all about propane fuel and vehicles, and take a ride or drive a vehicle! Featured Speakers: Betsy Ahner, WI Propane Gas Association Robert Little, ROUSH CleanTech Martin Franzkowiak, Ferrellgas George Herina, AmeriGas Jason Ebert, GoRiteway
To register, contact Heather Goetsch at heather.goetsch@wicleancities.org, or call 414-221-4487.
For more information about this or other Wisconsin Clean Cities events, visit our website at www.wicleancities.org.
C onnec t W i t h Us O n T h e Web!
www.wicleancities.org
www.facebook.com/wisconsinCC
twitter.com/wccsea
www.youtube.com/wccsea
www.flickr.com/wicleancities
www.linkedin.com/ company/2442742?trk=tyah February ReFUEL | 3
ReFUEL is Wisconsin Clean Cities Southeast Area’s (WCC-SEA) monthly coalition newsletter. WCC-SEA is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3), organization, and is one of nearly 100 Clean Cities coalitions across the U.S. WCC-SEA works to reduce emissions, encourage the use of alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles, and develop the refueling infrastructure necessary to sustain the industry. If you would like to contribute to ReFUEL, please contact Lorrie Lisek at lorrie.lisek@wicleancities.org or call 414-221-4958. 4 | February ReFUEL
C o nte nts Page 7
Did you know?
Clean Cities has an Internet TV channel
Page 9
Member Spotlight
Page 10
Welcome New and Returning Members
Page 11
Question of the Month
U.S. Venture
Why does my fuel economy differ from EPA estimates?
Page 13
Propane, Propane, Propane
February ReFUEL | 5
Are you a member yet? Start m ak i ng an impact by joining Wi s co ns i n Clean Cities today! It ’s al l a bo ut i m p r o vin g q u a l i ty o f life fo r t he pe o ple living in Wis c ons in. WCC-S EA r e l i es o n s u p p o r t f r o m o ur me mbers. Dues and co rpo rate mem be r shi p s e n a b l e W C C - SE A to ho ld me et ings, spo nso r educat ional work shop s, a n d p r o vid e v i ta l out reach mat e rials. What ca n W CC - S E A d o f o r y o u ? • Netw o r k i ng o p p o r tu n iti e s w i t h fleet s & indust ry part ners wit h ex pe r i e nce i n a l te r n a ti ve f u els & advanced ve hicle s • Tec hni ca l t r a in i n g , w o r ks h o p s, and we binars • I nfor ma t i on r e s o u r c e s o n a l t ernat ive fuels, advance d ve hicle s , idle r ed uc t i o n, a n d o th e r te c h n o lo gie s t hat re duce pe t ro le um use • I ndi v i d ua l c o n s u l ta tio n a n d technical assist ance • Fund i ng o p p o r tu n iti e s f r o m the U. S . Depart me nt o f Energy, st ate and local g o v e r n m e n t a g e n c ie s , no npro fit s, and fo undat io ns • P ub l i c r e cog n iti o n f o r p r o g r ess in reducing pet ro le um co nsump tion • Assi st a nce with m e d ia o u tr e ach
J oin toda y !
Visit w w w.w i c l e a n c i ti e s . o r g /j oin. php, e mail info @wicle ancit ies.org, o r cal l 4 1 4 -2 2 1- 4958.
Diamond and Gold Members:
Did yo u k now?
Cl e an C iti e s has an Internet Tel ev i s i o n C h a nnel
C
lean Cities TV (CCTV) is the educational Internet channel of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Clean Cities program. It features live and recorded video content about Clean Cities and its mission to reduce U.S. petroleum consumption through the use of alternative and renewable fuels, idle reduction and fuel economy measures, and new emerging technologies. All Clean Cities coalitions submit videos to be featured on the channel. For Wisconsin, the DOE chose a video about Transit Express and their use of compressed natural gas in their paratransit fleet. The channel features videos from webcasts and events, and coalition members’ use of alternative fuels, vehicles, and technologies. Watch now! Visit http://www.cleancities.tv/Home.aspx.
Left: An interview with Mary Smarelli, President, Transit Express, featured on CCTV. Right: A listing of videos available to watch about propane. All topics have a similar list.
February ReFUEL | 7
l a u nn
A h 9t
Driving Toward 2020:
Green Vehicles Workshop May 4, 2011 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM MATC Downtown Campus
Sponsorship Opportunities Available Non Student Registration: $25 Students Free with Registration Visit: www.wicleancities.org/events.php Learn more about your fuel usage: Petroleum Reduction Planning Tool
Fuel Trends & Regional Data
Vehicle Cost Calculator
Emission & Fuel Economy Data & Testing
M e m be r Sp otl i g ht U . S . Vent ure
H
eadquartered in Appleton Wisconsin, U.S. Venture Inc. is a leading energy and transportation products distributor and marketer. Their customer promise “Finding a better way” delivers unconventional, creative solutions that give their customers a competitive edge. U.S. Venture has been recognized as an innovated leader in the distribution of petroleum and renewable energy products and lubricants for over 60 years.
U.S. Oil, a division of U.S. Venture, recently developed GAIN™, an integrated compressed natural gas (CNG) supply program. GAIN™ delivers clean burning CNG, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional fuels, and the added benefit of significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions. The program focuses on short-haul freight movements by offering unique pricing structures and turnkey build and maintenance services through a strategically-located network of fueling stations. Beyond transporting, distributing, and marketing, U.S. Venture has a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. Their commitment is best illustrated by their new corporate headquarters. The building was constructed to meet LEED Gold Standards. Throughout the facility they used reclaimed materials: from lumber and recycled carpet, to repurposed slate and billboard vinyl. The building is energy efficient by maximizing available natural light and equipping the building with high efficiency individualized climate control systems. Additionally, they reintroduced native plant species to the surrounding green space, which will help reduce water runoff and contamination, while also creating an enjoyable surrounding for employees and neighbors. Learn more about U.S. Venture and their efforts by visiting: http://www.usventure.com/.
U.S. Venture corporate heatquarters in Appleton, WI, meets LEED Gold Standards. February ReFUEL | 9
Welcome and
new
returning
Members
American Lung Association in Wisconsin Boehlke Bottled Gas Corporation Charter Fuels, Inc. ESW Group
OPPORTUNITY FOR CLEAN CITIES MEMBERS: Discounted pricing of $159.00 To get this deal, register by February 17, 2012. Contact WCC-SEA to receive the registration form and more information. Call 414-221-4958 or email info@wicleancities.org.
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Q A
Ques tion o f the Mo nt h
: Why does my fuel economy differ from EPA estimates?
: The EPA is responsible for providing the fuel economy data that is used on the fuel economy label (or window sticker) on all new cars and light trucks. In addition, the data is used by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to publish the annual Fuel Economy Guide, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to administer the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) program, and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to collect Gas Guzzler taxes. The test data is derived from vehicle testing done at EPA’s National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and by vehicle manufacturers who submit their own test data to EPA.
2013 Model Year EPA Labels
Every new car and light-duty truck sold in the United States is required to have a fuel economy label. The label (or “window sticker”) contains the miles-per-gallon estimates that are designed to help consumers compare and shop for vehicles. EPA, in conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, has updated the label to incorporate new information required by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, such as new ratings on fuel economy, greenhouse gas emissions, and other air pollutant emissions. The goal of the updated label is to enable easy and well-informed comparisons across all vehicles and vehicle technologies, including electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and gasoline/diesel vehicles. The new label will appear on 2013 model year vehicles. Your mileage will likely vary from estimates because EPA tests are designed to reflect “typical” driving conditions and driver behavior. Several factors can affect MPG significantly: • driving habits, • traffic conditions, • vehicle condition and maintenance, • fuel variations, • vehicle variations, and • engine break-in. Therefore, the EPA ratings are a useful tool for comparing the fuel economies of different vehicles but may not accurately predict the average MPG you will get.
Learn more: Fuel Economy and Environment Labels: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/carlabel/index.htm
Fuel Economy Guide 2012 Models: http://www.epa.gov/fueleconomy/overall-high.htm
Fuel Economy Test Methods: http://www.epa.gov/fueleconomy/regulations.htm#test
Tips to Improve Your MPG: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/drive.shtml February ReFUEL | 11
WCC-SEA PARTNERING TO PRESENT:
Don’t Miss This Acclaimed Business/Academic Conference With outstanding local, regional, national and international speakers, the Green Energy Summit and Exposition attracts over 3000 attendees eager to explore timely topics in energy, water and sustainability. We invite you to join the 2012 Summit as a volunteer, sponsor, exhibitor, presenter or attendee.
www.greenenergysummit.us
February ReFUEL | 11
Propane, Propane, Propane P
ropane is a gaseous fossil fuel that is derived from natural gas and petroleum deposits. Like all fossil fuels, propane is nonrenewable, meaning it cannot be replaced in a short period of time. It was formed when plants and animals died millions of years ago and sank to the bottom of the oceans. The dead organisms were buried by layers of sediment and sand that turned to rock. The energy-rich remains transformed into petroleum and natural gas because they were subjected to tremendous heat and pressure. Pockets of fossil fuels became trapped in rocks, similar to a wet sponge holding water.
propane molecule
Propane is one type of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and is often used synonymously because it is the most common type of LPG used in the United States. Butane is another type of LPG often used in lighters. Under normal atmospheric pressure and temperature, propane is a gas, but it can also be a liquid under moderate pressure and/or temperatures below -440 Fahrenheit (F). In its liquid form, propane is about 270 times more compact than in its gaseous state. For example, a 1,000 gallon tank will provide enough cooking fuel for a family for one week in its gaseous state, but as a liquid would provide cooking fuel for more than five years. Propane is colorless, odorless, and easier to store and transport than natural gas. A chemical called mercaptan is added to propane to serve as a warning agent if gas is leaking. The additive is often described to smell like rotten eggs or a dead animal. History of propane Propane was discovered in 1912 through studies conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Mines. The Bureau was attempting to find ways to store gasoline being extracted. Dr. Walter O. Snelling discovered that several evaporating gases could be stored at moderate pressures as liquids – the
From the left: Dr. Walter O. Snelling; a worker from American Gasol Co. welding using propane; the American Gasol Co. building Photos courtesy of the Special Collections Department, The Gelman Library, The George Washington University February ReFUEL | 13
most prominent gas being propane. Dr. Snelling found a way to store propane in a bottle and use it to light homes for up to three weeks. Dr. Snelling, along with Frank Peterson, Chester Kerr and Arthur Kerr, designed several ways to capture and store propane during the petroleum refining process. The four men established the American Gasol Company, the first commercial marketer of propane. Dr. Snelling found a way to produce fairly pure propane by 1913 and was issued a patent (#1,056,845). A separate method was created by Frank Peterson and patented in 1912. Where does propane come from? Propane originates from petroleum and natural gas wells. Of the propane used in the United States, about 45% is from raw natural gas, 45% from crude petroleum, and 10% imported, mostly from Canada and Mexico. Overall, most propane consumed in the United States is domestically produced. The natural gas liquid components recovered during processing include ethane, methane, propane, and butane, as well as heavier hydrocarbons. Propane and butane, along with other gases, are also produced during crude oil refining. Because propane boils at -440 F and ethane boils at -1270 F, propane is separated from methane by increasing pressure and decreasing temperature.
Propane distribution process from source to user.
Propane is shipped from its point of production to bulk distribution terminals via pipeline, railroad, barge, truck, or tanker ship. Propane dealers fill trucks at the terminals and distribute propane to end users, including retail fueling stations. What is propane used for? Propane accounts for about 2% of the energy used in the United States. Uses include home and water heating, cooking and refrigerating food, clothes drying, powering farm and industrial equipment, and drying corn. Rural areas that do not have natural gas service commonly rely on propane. The chemical industry uses propane as a raw material for making plastics and other compounds. Less than 2% of U.S. propane consumption is used for transportation fuel, but is on the rise.
ROUSH Liquid Propane Injected Ford F-250 Pick-up Truck 14 | February ReFUEL
Propane as a transportation fuel Propane (or LPG) is used as an alternative transportation fuel and interest in the gas as a fuel stems mainly from its domestic availability, high energy density, and cleanburning qualities. It is the world’s third most common engine fuel. Propane is considered an alternative fuel under the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPact).
Propane sold as vehicle fuel can be a mixture of propane with smaller amounts of other gases. According to the Gas Processors Association’s HD-5 specification for propane as a transportation fuel, it must consist of 90% propane, no more than 5% propylene, and 5% other gases, primarily butane and butylene. Propane is stored onboard a vehicle in a tank pressurized to around 300 pounds per square inch – about twice the pressure as in an inflated truck tire. Under this pressure, propane becomes a liquid with an energy density 270 times greater than the gaseous form. A gallon of propane has about 25% less energy than a gallon of gasoline.
Propane powered school bus.
Because propane is transformed into a gaseous state before it is burned in an internal combustion engine, the engine runs more efficiently in low-speed, light-throttle conditions. The introduction of Liquid Propane Injection engines promises higher fuel efficiency. Benefits of propane Propane is a well-established, domestically available, clean-burning fuel. Using propane as a vehicle fuel increases energy security, provides convenience and performance benefits, and improves public health and the environment. Fueling vehicles with propane is one way to diversify U.S. transportation fuels. Most of the propane consumed in the U.S. is produced domestically and distributed via an established infrastructure. Using propane vehicles instead of conventionally fueled vehicles would reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil and increase energy security.
Propane fueling stations in Wisconsin.
Propane is one of the world’s most common engine fuels. Propane vehicle technology is well established and propane fueling stations are widely available. It has one of the highest energy densities of all alternative fuels, so vehicles go farther on a tank of fuel. Compared with vehicles fueled by conventional diesel and gasoline, propane vehicles can produce significantly lower amounts of some harmful emissions and the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. Propane is not a greenhouse gas (GHG) when released directly into the atmosphere. Taking into account the entire lifecycle of propane used in converted LDVs, ANL found that propane reduced GHG emissions by 21% to 24% and petroleum use by 98% to 99%.
February ReFUEL | 15
A worker checking for leaks in a propane tank using a high pressure gauge.
Propane safety Propane is an exceptionally safe fuel: propane tanks are 20 times more puncture resistant than gasoline tanks, and propane has the lowest flammability range of all alternative fuels. The propane industry has developed methods to ensure the safe transport and use of propane, including safety standards and training, as well as an odorant to detect leaks. Propane will not ignite when combined with air unless the source of ignition reaches at least 9400 F. In contrast, gasoline will ignite when the source ignition reaches 430 to 5000 F. Additionally, if liquid propane leaks, it does not puddle but instead vaporizes and dissipates into the air.
Resources for propane fuel and vehicles: Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicles Data Center
Fuel: http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/fuels/propane.html Vehicles: http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/vehicles/propane.html
Fueleconomy.gov
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/lpg.shtml
The NEED Project
http://www.need.org/needpdf/infobook_activities/SecInfo/PropaneS.pdf
Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) http://www.propanecouncil.org/
Propane.com
http://www.usepropane.com/
Wisconsin Propane Gas Association http://www.wipga.org/
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