How Do Propane Cars Work?
Propane vehicles operate much like gasoline vehicles with spark-ignited internal combustion engines. There are two types of propane fuel-injection systems available: vapor and liquid injection. In both types, propane is stored as a liquid in a relatively low-pressure tank, usually at the rear of the vehicle. In vapor-injected systems, liquid propane travels along a fuel line into the engine compartment where it is converted to a vapor by a regulator or vaporizer. Liquid propane injection engines do not vaporize the propane and allow more precise control of the fuel delivery, resulting in improved engine performance and efficiency. Learn more about propane vehicles.
Key Components of a Propane Car
Battery: The battery provides electricity to start the engine and power vehicle electronics/accessories.
Electronic control module (ECM): The ECM controls the engine's performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions; safeguards the engine from abuse; monitors the operation of the vehicle; and troubleshoots mechanical problems.
Exhaust system: Channels the exhaust gases from the engine out through the tailpipe.
Float assembly: The float assembly monitors the fuel level in a tank.
Fuel filler: A filler or "nozzle" is used to add fuel to the tank.
Fuel filter: Traps dirt and other particles to prevent them from clogging critical fuel system components, such as fuel injectors.
Fuel injection system: This system inserts fuel into the engine's combustion chambers for ignition.
Fuel line: A metal tube or flexible hose (or a combination of these) allows for transferring fuel from the tank to the engine's fuel injection system.
Fuel tank (propane): Stores propane on board the vehicle until it's needed by the engine.
Internal combustion engine (spark-ignited): In this configuration, fuel is injected into the intake manifold or combustion chamber and combined with air, and the air/fuel mix is ignited by the spark from a spark plug.
Overfill protection device: This device shuts off the flow of fuel into a fuel tank after 80% capacity has been reached.
Pressure gauge: Measures and displays the fuel pressure within the tank.
Pressure relief valve: This device incorporates a valve to limit the pressure within the fuel tank. At a preset pressure level, the valve opens and fuel is vented from the tank.
Tank valve: This primary, manual valve stops fuel from entering or leaving the tank.
Transmission: Transfers mechanical power from the engine and/or electric traction motor to drive the wheels.
