One Article to Understand the "power Generation Showdown" of Three Types of Natural Gas: CNG, PNG, and LNG
Preface
Natural gas power generation is highly favored for its cleanliness and efficiency. However, among the three forms of natural gas, compressed natural gas (CNG), pipeline natural gas (PNG), and liquefied natural gas (LNG) each have their own strengths in the field of power generation. How are they stored and transported? Which one has a lower cost? Which scenarios is it suitable for? Today, I'll take you to find out!
I. Basic Comparison: How Do the Three Types of Natural Gas "Transform"?
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
Definition: Natural gas is compressed and stored at 20-25 mpa, with its volume reduced by approximately 200 times.
Features: Transported by high-pressure gas cylinders, no low-temperature equipment required, suitable for short-distance and small-scale applications.
2. Pipeline Natural Gas (PNG)
Definition: Gaseous natural gas directly delivered to the user end through gas pipelines.
Features: Continuous and stable supply, relying on pipeline infrastructure, suitable for cities and industrial zones.
3. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
Definition: Natural gas is cooled to -162℃ and liquefied, with its volume reduced by approximately 600 times.
Features: Specialized LNG tanker or ship transportation, suitable for long-distance areas without pipeline coverage.
Ⅱ. Comparison of Power Generation Performance: Which is Better, Efficiency or Response Speed?
Indicator | CNG | PNG | LNG |
Energy density | Lower (storage under high pressure) | Low (direct gaseous transportation) | High (small liquefaction volume) |
Power generation efficiency | Close to PNG | Stable and continuous fuel supply | It needs to be vaporized before use, and its efficiency is slightly higher |
starting speed | Fast (for direct pressure reduction use) | Immediate (direct supply through pipeline) | Slower (Gasification equipment required) |
Applicable unit | Small and medium-sized gas generator sets | Large-scale power stations or industrial units | Large-scale power stations or distributed energy sources |
Core conclusion:
1.PNG: Suitable for stable and large-scale power generation without the need for additional storage devices.
2.LNG: It has the highest energy density and is suitable for long-distance transportation and storage, but it needs to be equipped with gasification facilities.
3.CNG: It has the greatest flexibility and is suitable for emergency power supply or small-scale power supply in remote areas
Ⅲ. Economic Comparison: Which One Is More Cost-effective?
1. Initial investment
CNG: Gas storage cylinders have a low cost, but the transportation frequency is high (suitable for short distances).
PNG: Relying on the construction of pipeline networks, the initial investment is high (suitable for areas with existing pipelines).
LNG: It requires the construction of storage tanks and gasification stations, which is the highest investment.
2 Operating Costs
PNG: The price is affected by the pipeline network cost, and the long-term stable supply cost is the lowest.
LNG: It has high transportation costs, but can be stored for a long time and is suitable for areas without pipeline networks.
CNG: Short-distance transportation costs are controllable, but large-scale use is not economical
3 Examples:
A certain island resort: LNG power generation (without pipelines) is chosen, and one-time transportation can meet the demand for several months.
Backup power supply for urban hospitals: Choose CNG power generation (fast response, no need for complex facilities).
Iv. Applicable Scenarios: Select the best solution based on local conditions
1.CNG power generation
Advantageous scenarios: Mobile power supply vehicles, emergency rescue, and backup power supplies for small industrial and commercial use.
Weakness: Not suitable for large-scale continuous power supply.
2.PNG power generation
Advantageous scenarios: urban gas power stations, combined heat and power in industrial parks.
Shortcoming: Relying on pipeline coverage is not feasible in remote areas.
3.LNG power generation
Advantageous scenarios: mountainous areas/islands without pipeline coverage, power generation around LNG receiving stations, and peak shaving power stations.
Weaknesses: The maintenance of gasification equipment is complex, and the technical requirements for cold energy utilization are high.
V. Environmental Friendliness: Are there significant differences among the three forms?
Carbon emissions: The carbon emissions of the three after combustion are similar, but the carbon footprint of LNG throughout its life cycle is slightly higher due to the high energy consumption during the liquefaction process.
Safety: CNG high-pressure storage has the risk of leakage, LNG needs to be protected from low-temperature frostbite, and PNG relies on pipeline sealing.
Conclusion: There is no best, only the most suitable
Type | Preferred scenario | One-sentence recommendation reason |
CNG | Flexible and emergency response, small-scale power supply | "Available at any time, highly mobile" |
PNG | Stable and continuous large-scale power generation | "Direct pipeline network, optimal cost" |
LNG | Long-term energy demand without pipeline coverage | "Delivering air from a thousand miles, the mission will surely be accomplished." |
