Natural gas engines: Questions answered

Natural gas engines: Questions answered

When it comes to natural gas engines, there are a range of frequently asked questions about the cost, practicality, and feasibility of integrating natural gas into commercial fleets. There are certainly preparations that need to be considered, but the learning curve to implement natural gas engines is not as steep as people may think, especially in comparison to the benefits of natural gas in transportation applications.

In this article we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to adding natural gas engines to your commercial vehicle fleet.

Can a diesel engine run on natural gas?

The short answer is no. If you fueled a diesel engine with natural gas it simply wouldn’t start. Diesel engines can’t run on natural gas because natural gas combustion requires spark plugs. Diesel engines cause fuel to ignite through compression. To self-ignite, natural gas would need to be compressed at a ratio far greater than what internal combustion engines can apply.

However, there are specially modified engines which can run on either diesel or natural gas. Vehicles with this type of engine, which are known as bi-fuel or dual fuel engines, feature two fuel systems and can switch between one fuel and another as needed. For example, if their compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinder runs out and there is no CNG station nearby, operators can simply flip a switch and keep driving on diesel. There are also engines which use diesel and natural gas at the same time. In these engines, diesel provides ignition and natural gas provides power. Such engines are especially popular in stationary oil and gas drilling applications. If natural gas is being extracted, it can be used to fuel the engines. If no natural gas is available, the engines can revert to using diesel. The Cummins QSK 50 engine, for example, is a popular dual fuel engine commonly used in oil and gas applications.

Can a natural gas engine run on renewable natural gas?

Absolutely! The option to run on renewable natural gas (RNG) is a big reason fleets switch to natural gas vehicles. While virgin natural gas has many sustainability benefits, including 13% – 17% lower well-to-wheel greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and 27% lower CO2 emissions than petroleum. But the environmental benefits really shine when using RNG made with biogas.

For fuels beyond RNG, you can learn more on how natural gas compares to LPG, LNG, and diesel here.

What are the environmental benefits of RNG?

Depending on the energy source, the carbon intensity of renewable natural gas can be neutral or even sub-zero. How is that even possible, you might ask?

It’s because the main elements of RNG come from biogas, which is the fermentation of organic waste in places like landfills, wastewater treatment facilities, or industrial agriculture waste digesters. Biogas like methane is captured during this treatment process, preventing it from ever being emitted into the atmosphere. This carbon intensity score factors into the total well-to-wheel emissions calculation of the vehicle.

Refined biogas is functionally indistinguishable from fossil natural gas and can be used as a natural gas substitute. If interested, learn more about the production and processing of biogas, natural gas, and other low carbon fuels.

Is it cheaper to run natural gas engines?

Most of the time, yes. Natural gas vehicles require less maintenance than diesel vehicles equipped with post combustion exhaust treatment systems. They also result in significantly lower fuel costs. In the United States, the average retail fuel price has been significantly lower than the average retail price of both gasoline and diesel for more than 20 years. Retail natural gas prices are also more stable than the price of other fossil fuels.

Payback on a natural gas vehicle is dependent on several factors, including the specific application, duty-cycle, number of miles driven per year and the cost of fuel compared to diesel. But by most metrics, natural gas delivers a lower total cost of operation than diesel.

click to view infographic
Click to view infographic

Do natural gas engines start better than diesel engines in cold weather?

No engine is completely immune to cold-weather challenges. Some issues are common to most vehicles, including those using an internal combustion engine. One issue natural gas engines sometimes experience in freezing weather is a loss of power by the battery. There are also potential issues specific to the use of natural gas. For example, the O-rings in the fueling receptacle can become frozen, preventing the fuel nozzle from coupling correctly with the receptacle.

There are two cold weather difficulties that diesel drivers face, which natural gas drivers will never experience. The first is, unlike diesel, natural gas does not turn to gel when it is cold. Regardless of temperature, natural gas is entirely gaseous when it enters the engine. Methane, the main constituent of natural gas, has a boiling point of -258°F, or -161 °C.

The other difficulty is caused by the diesel exhaust fluid, or DEF, in diesel vehicles. DEF largely consists of water and can easily freeze. Storing and handling DEF in cold weather can be challenging. Because natural gas burns cleanly and with minimal NOx (nitrogen oxides) formation, natural gas vehicles have no need for heavy-duty DEF-consuming NOx scrubbers. As a result, DEF and DEF-related problems are unknown to natural gas vehicle drivers.

Who makes natural gas engines?

Cummins Inc. and several other manufacturers of heavy and medium-duty engines have an extensive portfolio of natural gas engines suitable for a large variety of on-road, off-road and stationary applications. Most truck and bus makers have product lines featuring natural gas engines, so businesses interested in exploring natural gas options can usually do so with their preferred truck maker. Learn more about Cummins’ full line of natural gas engines.

Puneet Singh Jhawar

Puneet Singh Jhawar

Puneet Singh Jhawar is the General Manager of the global natural gas business for Cummins Inc. In this role, he is responsible for the product vision, financial management and overall performance of the natural gas business. Over his 14-year career at Cummins, Jhawar has cultivated successful relationships with a number of Cummins’ largest customers. Jhawar has extensive global experience, with roles based in the Middle East, India, Europe and the US.

Why you should become a Cummins Home and Small Business dealer

Cummins dealer smiling next to home generator

For more than 100 years, Cummins Inc. has been dedicated to making people’s lives better by powering a more prosperous world. As a company, we seek to be customer-driven, innovative, responsible, and trustworthy so that we can truly make a difference now and in the future.

But exactly what does Cummins do? At a high level, we create power solutions. You’ll find Cummins products and solutions for on- and off-highway engines, turbochargers, electronics, fuel systems, generators and power systems, and more. We’re not in this on our own, though. With a broad network of Cummins-authorized dealers in the home and small business power solution space, we count on our independent dealers and their local relationships. If you’re interested in becoming a Cummins-authorized dealer, keep reading to find out the benefits and how to get started.

Does Cummins make Home Generators and Small Business generators?

Yes, Cummins offers generators that are sufficient for residential homes and small businesses, including:

  • 13-20 kW air cooled emergency standby generators
  • 25-150 kW liquid cooled emergency standby generators
  • 9,500-watt portable, dual fuel heavy duty generators
  • 2,500-4,500-watt portable, lightweight inverter generators
  • 300-1,000-watt portable lithium battery powered power stations

In the midst of severe weather, increased blackouts, and aging power grids, generators are becoming more and more important. Consider this: 83% of power outages were the result of weather-related incidents from 2000 to 2021.

When these outages occur during extreme temperatures, generators are critical to keeping homes and businesses comfortable, safe, and operational. Families won’t have to worry about losing their heat or everything inside their refrigerators. Businesses won’t have to worry about the potential financial impact that comes with an outage—which can be as much as $12,500 a day for a small business. 

All of these reasons are likely why search terms like “Cummins generator dealers near me” are so popular on Google and other search engines. Local people are consistently looking for the right generator solution. Cummins-authorized dealers can help ensure they have the power they need, no matter what.

What are the benefits of being a Cummins Generator Dealer for Home and Small Business?

Of course, if you’re thinking about becoming a Cummins-authorized dealer, the fact that there’s a market isn’t the only perk. Here are eight more reasons why you should become a Cummins-authorized Home and Small Business generator dealer.

  1. You’ll be backed by the Cummins brand, a name that’s synonymous with support, reliability, and sustainability. Cummins generators are quality, trustworthy equipment that you and your customers can count on.
  2. You will receive state-of-the-start training. Cummins provides courses and the certification path required to become a Cummins-authorized partner and product expert. Our technical training and certifications provide knowledge on Cummins home generator service like installation, maintenance, and repair.
  3. You can connect to a robust network of Cummins resources. Our dealers have access to a world-class set of tools, including training, a dedicated account executive, an online portal, sales and training certifications, and so much more.
  4. You’ll receive “preferred parts” pricing. By becoming an authorized dealer, you’ll get the best parts pricing around so you can maximize your profits. You can also pass these savings on to your customers to ensure your pricing is competitive.
  5. You can capitalize on marketing support. Cummins regularly invests in brand-building and lead generating campaigns to drive customers to our dealers. 
  6. You have access to warranty claim submission. Warranties don’t have to be a hassle for you or your customers. As an authorized-service dealer, you can submit warranty claims on behalf of your customer to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty. 
  7. You can join the ChannelOne Partner Rewards Program. This competitive rewards program helps you maximize your earning power.
  8. You can list your company on the Cummins Parts & Service Locator. The Cummins service locator makes it easy for local customers to connect with your business, and it increases your overall brand visibility.

How to become a Cummins Dealer: It’s easier than you think

Stop missing out on all of the local online traffic searching for “Cummins authorized dealer near me,” and bring great products to your community! It takes just four simple steps to get started.

  1. Complete the online “Become a Dealer” interest form. A regional Cummins Account Executive will contact you to start the discussion.
  2. Share additional information about your business, your experience, and why you’re interested in becoming a Cummins dealer.
  3. Fill out and return the necessary paperwork to be processed by the Cummins team.
  4. Complete your required product training and become a Cummins Home and Small Business Dealer.

At Cummins, our company is dedicated to providing great products and services to customers throughout the world. If you’re ready to join our world-class network, get started now.

Cummins Office Building

Cummins Inc.

Cummins, a global power technology leader, is a corporation of complementary business segments that design, manufacture, distribute and service a broad portfolio of power solutions. The company’s products range from internal combustion, electric and hybrid integrated power solutions and components including filtration, aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, electric power generation systems, microgrid controls, batteries, electrolyzers and fuel cell products.

How do I calculate what size generator I need?

Customers talking to Cummins dealer

There are several great reasons why you might be considering a standby generator for your home or small business. In the event of a power outage (caused by severe weather, for example), having a standby generator helps ensure ongoing safety and comfort. And in the case of a business, the ability to reduce downtime and maintain operations is a significant advantage.

Standby generators—also known as permanent or whole-house generators—offer reliable and efficient backup power solutions for a wide range of applications. If you’re currently exploring your options, we imagine you have a few concerns. You’re probably looking for a generator that’s sold and serviced by a reputable company, and want to determine the right generator capacity for your needs.

In this article, we’re going to help you answer a key question: “What size generator do I need to run my house or small business in the event of a power outage?” Keep reading for an overview of how to find the perfect Cummins Inc. standby generator for your needs.

What is the rule for generator sizing?

When it comes to understanding generator sizing, one important rule to keep in mind is that the generator needs to be able to power everything requiring electricity, but it also needs to have additional capacity to account for various appliances’ starting wattage. Otherwise, you might find yourself in a situation where your generator simply won’t cut it, potentially leaving your home or small business without the power it needs.

Next, we’ll cover a basic framework for calculating your power needs.

How to Calculate Standby Generator Size

Here’s a simple, three-step process for assessing your needs and priorities, understanding generator sizes, and finding what size generator is going to work best. 

Let’s take a look at what this process looks like.

Step 1: Understanding Generator Sizes

Here’s a basic formula for how to calculate standby generator size:

  1. First, create a list of everything in your home or small business that would need to be powered by the generator in case of an emergency. This should include anything that requires electricity and isn’t something you would want to go without should you lose power. It’s important to not only consider running wattage, but starting wattage as well—since most appliances will require a few seconds’ worth of extra wattage to get started. There are several online sources for determining appliances’ wattage requirements.
  2. Add together each item’s running watts. When in doubt, err on the side of overestimating wattage requirements since it’s much better to have a little more power available than is needed as opposed to having to adapt to a generator that lacks sufficient power.
  3. Then, to roughly account for starting wattage, add the single-highest starting watts figure to the total.
  4. To ensure a margin of safety—and to account for potential future needs—you should multiply that figure by at least 1.25. The resulting number is the minimum generator capacity you should consider.

You can also use our home generator sizing calculator to estimate your power needs.

Step 2: Assessing Your Needs

It’s important to understand your priorities. While getting the right size and type of generator that fits your budget are important, it’s also important to consider how you intend to use the generator.

  • Will it need to be capable of maintaining enough power for your home or small business in case of an emergency?
  • Do you envision having a permanently-installed generator, or is portability important?

How you answer these questions should help provide context for the next step: exploring generator sizing and zeroing in on the perfect product for your needs.

Step 3: Finding the Right Generator

In addition to the generator size calculator, our online buyer’s guide to home generators is a great starting point for exploring your options. Cummins offers three main types of standby generators suited for a home or small business:

  • Permanently-installed 13-20 kW air-cooled home standby generators that can be powered up when needed. 
  • Permanently-installed 25-150 kW liquid-cooled home standby generators that can be powered up when needed. 
  • Heavy-duty, gasoline- or propane-powered 9,500-watt dual fuel portable generators that can provide backup power for a home or small business. 

Cummins: Reliable and Affordable Standby Power Solutions

At Cummins, we build versatile, high-quality standby generators for homes and small businesses. Don’t let their quietness fool you—they’re powerful and reliable. 

When you’re ready to explore your options, you can reach out to request an on-site assessment. One of our authorized dealers will help you assess your needs, evaluate different generator types and capacities, and understand how much a generator might cost to have installed.

Cummins Office Building

Cummins Inc.

Cummins, a global power technology leader, is a corporation of complementary business segments that design, manufacture, distribute and service a broad portfolio of power solutions. The company’s products range from internal combustion, electric and hybrid integrated power solutions and components including filtration, aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, electric power generation systems, microgrid controls, batteries, electrolyzers and fuel cell products.

Redirecting to
cummins.com

The information you are looking for is on
cummins.com

We are launching that site for you now.

Thank you.