CNG compressor packages serve dual purpose in Los Angeles area

摘要

While many companies have shied away from natural gas engine applications in Southern California because of strict emission requirements mandated by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), one company has quietly developed a fleet of large horsepower gas-engine driven compressor packages in the Los Angeles area to fuel compressed natural gas (CNG) transit buses while successfully passing all emission requirements. Air quality control mandates issued by both federal and state governments began forcing the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority (LACMTA)to replace its fleet of 2400 diesel buses with alternative fuel vehicles eight years ago. The MTA's fuel of choice was natural gas. Initially, one of the biggest challenges appeared to be adding infrastructure capable of supporting the second largest transit fleet in the country with equipment that could make the switch from diesel to CNG transparent to the end user. Issues such as finding equipment to meet emission requirements, maintain units economically and be reliable, soon required continuous focus.