Lpg-autogas

adminonMay 23, 2022February 11, 2022Leave a Comment

From 2006 to 2015, the trend seemed to be on the rise, but has slowed down again in 2020. Whether this is due to the increase in electric vehicles? Or do owners shy away from the supposedly high costs?? Our guide provides information!

What is LPG?
Differences between autogas and natural gas
Advantages and disadvantages of LPG
Conversion to autogas
outlook: availability and environmental protection

The most important summarized

LPG is a liquid gas that is produced as a by-product in refineries for petroleum extraction. This byproduct can be called fuel can be used for cars with conventional combustion engines, when converting.

Some new cars from manufacturers such as renault and fiat are already being built to function immediately as LPG cars.

The main advantages of LPG are lower CO2 emissions, lower fuel costs and a quieter engine.

The lowered LPG tax, which is to apply until 2022, can also score points with many car owners. But be careful: LPG is not to be confused with natural gas.

What is LPG?

LPG is the abbreviation for "liquified petroleum gas". It already contains the explanation: it is a gas that becomes liquid under certain circumstances. The chemical composition is similar to gasoline, which is why LPG can be used as an alternative drive in cars.

Good to know: the alternative energy for your car is odorless. So that you can smell a possible leak in the gas system, LPG is mixed with an odorant.

Differences between autogas and natural gas

LPG autogas is often confused with natural gas. The biggest difference between LPG and CNG is the form: LPG is a liquid, while natural gas is actually a gas. The abbreviation for natural gas is CNG ("compressed natural gas").

Natural gas cars usually require a much heavier and larger tank in the car. Nevertheless, both powertrains are considered environmentally friendly . The carbon dioxide emission is lower for both variants than for a car with a classic combustion engine. But CNG is slightly ahead. Natural gas is non-toxic, produces almost only water vapor during operation and emits less CO2 than autogas.

You can have your gasoline engine converted for both natural gas and autogas. Most engines can even be converted to use natural gas. For this, a special exhaust gas test must be carried out beforehand and the engine supply lines and valves must be adapted. But the conversion to LPG is subject to certain conditions. For this the conversion to natural gas with an average of 3.000 to 4.500 euros more expensive than conversion to autogas, which is already possible from 1.100 euro is possible.

However, the availability of filling stations looks better with an LPG car: in 2019, there were approx. 6.600 autogas filling stations across germany, but only around 900 natural gas dispensers.

In 2020, autogas drivers will already be able to enjoy more than 7.000 autogas filling stations look forward. The number of natural gas filling stations has fallen: since 2016, it has been steadily decreasing; by 2020, there will only be around 850 in germany.

A direct comparison of the most important properties of LPG and CNG. © allianz direct

Are gas vehicles dangerous?

You can rest assured: gas vehicles are safe because of their safety devices just as safe as cars with "normal" fuel powered by gasoline or diesel. The tank of the autogas vehicle is under pressure, but there are special safety pressure relief valves. If, for example, a fire causes a lot of heat, the gas filling is burned off in a controlled manner. This reduces the risk of explosion in the event of an accident.

Advantages and disadvantages of LPG

The LPG advantages and disadvantages will help you with a purchase or conversion decision. We show how fuel costs, range and CO2 footprint compare.

Low fuel costs due to low LPG tax
Around 400 to 500 km range depending on the vehicle
Good availability of gas stations in germany
Quiet engine noise
Low air pollution due to reduced exhaust emissions

High purchase costs for new cars
Conversion may not be possible
Conversion requires space in the trunk
environmental balance slightly worse than z.B. For natural gas cars

advantages

The most convincing advantages are the low fuel costs because of the lower LPG tax. It is still valid until 2022 (as of 2020), but will be increased by about three cents per year. Compared to a gasoline or diesel tank, you still save on fuel costs.

The autogas range is about 400 kilometers depending on vehicle model and tank size. This is more than many electric vehicles and speaks more in favor of the gas car with LPG.

Already knew?

The fiat panda is said to be the current front runner and can do up to 500 kilometers and more.

Even if your LPG car does not reach this mileage – the network of filling stations is quite well developed. New gas stations are added every year, so you should not run out of gas for your vehicle. Also european-wide there are corresponding petrol pumps.

Other advantages are that Quiet engine noise, which makes driving fun without noise. The CO2 values are lower than with the classic combustion engine. The air pollution is also lower.

Disadvantages

Of course you have to reckon with some disadvantages – like any car the price of a gas car as a new car is low. However, the low price of autogas can quickly compensate for the costs. Besides, you can also convert some gasoline engines and you do not have to buy a new car. However, you will have less space in the trunk of your car, because the gas system will be installed there.

Important: it can not every car can be converted to an LPG car. If the valves of your car engine are too soft, it could lead to an engine failure. That’s why you should seek professional advice if you are planning to convert your vehicle.

When it comes to the environmental question, autogas is better than gasoline and diesel, but it is outranked by other alternative fuels. Exhaust emissions, for example, are higher compared to a natural gas vehicle.

Conversion to autogas

autogas conversion is the alternative to buying a new car. Few new cars are already equipped for LPG. Therefore, a conversion may also be for you in question. The LPG conversion can pay off, because the LPG tax is lower than the tax on gasoline. If you are a frequent driver, a conversion can be worthwhile for you for this reason alone. You also do something good for the environment if you have a gas system installed instead of an internal combustion engine.

Important: conversion only to be carried out by specialist companies

The autogas conversion you should in any case only be carried out at a qualified specialist workshop. also the mandatory GSP test after the conversion of the gas system is done here.

Attention: you are considering autogas conversion outside germany? We do not recommend it. Because with supposedly inexpensive LPG conversions abroad, there is a risk that the regulations that apply in germany are not adhered to. You could be unlucky and lose your car fails the main inspection by TuV or DEKRA. Also, you have no contact person nearby if you have problems with the gas car after the conversion.

Costs for LPG conversion

the cost of retrofitting your car, depending on the effort involved and the model, is between 1.100 and 3.500 euro. Therefore, you should calculate whether an autogas conversion is (still) worthwhile for your car. Sometimes it makes more sense to buy a new car.

important: think also about the costs of the regular GAP-check. It costs between 22 and 28 euros. For some cars, the inspection will cost more after the autogas conversion. Therefore, it is better to find out beforehand from a professional what you have to expect.

Guidelines for retrofitting – and afterwards

After conversion to autogas, a GSP test are made. This is possible with external experts and recognized workshops. The GSP test is the gas system installation test, which – as the name suggests – must be carried out directly after the LPG conversion. Depending on the approval of the system, an individual certificate must also be issued. The individual certificate shows how the converted car has been changed by the gas installation. For example, it documents a change in exhaust gas behavior.

Another guideline for cars with a gas system is the GAP test.

Accident
Fire
Other impairments of the vehicle
Repair of the gas system

The GAP test must be carried out at every main inspection if it has not already been done in the twelve months prior to that. If you do not comply, you will face similar warnings and fines as if you had failed the main inspection. The GAP test may be carried out by any inspector/expert or test engineer in the motor vehicle sector and also in recognized motor vehicle workshops.

outlook: availability and environmental protection

Currently around 371.000 registered vehicles with LPG on the road in germany. Will the trend increase again – as it did a few years ago?? If you take a look at the infrastructure of LPG stations, that is probably. The network is already up and running with around 7.100 filling stations [as of 2020] well developed, the trend is increasing.

You can find the nearest LPG station on the internet, for example, at the german association for liquefied petroleum gas. Statistically, by 2020, every second gas station will be able to offer liquefied petroleum gas for refueling. With an exclusive LPG filling station, you will sometimes not even encounter filling station operators. You simply pay for your fuel with an appropriate debit or credit card.

And what about filling station for LPG abroad from? At least in the german neighboring countries belgium, poland and the netherlands you can be glad about a quite dense network of autogas filling stations. Even in france, england and italy, it often doesn’t take long to find an LPG filling station nearby. The situation is somewhat worse in Austria, Switzerland and Denmark [as of 2020]. If you want to fill up with autogas in the netherlands, france or italy, you should know that you might be you need an adapter. The adapter can be borrowed from some gas stations for the refueling process. Depending on the country, different adapters are common.

LPG and environmental protection

LPG is more environmentally friendly than gasoline because it emits less CO2. It will ten percent less CO2 emitted by LPG than by gasoline. This is due to the fact that liquefied petroleum gas is burned in a CO2-reduced manner in cars. The situation is different for natural gas, where CO2 emissions are around 12 percent higher. Nevertheless, LPG is considered environmentally friendly because pollutants such as hydrocarbons are reduced and less sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released.

trend of LPG vehicles: models and possibilities

New cars with LPG are less common compared to new cars with hybrid drive and pure electric motor. Only few manufacturers set from the beginning on the alternative drive for the internal combustion engine. Currently there are LPG models of fiat (panda, 500) and renault (captur, clio). The dacia duster, dacia sandero and dacia dokker are also available as new cars with LPG [as of 2020]. If you want to drive another model with autogas, the LPG conversion is more interesting for you.

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Solar vehicles receive most of their propulsion energy directly from the sun. They are equipped with solar cells on the surface that convert the sun’s energy on the vehicle into electricity. as electromobiles, they often also carry an energy storage device (usually accumulators) to remain roadworthy even in poor light conditions or cloud cover, at least for a limited time. Electric vehicles that draw their electrical energy exclusively from a stationary photovoltaic system where they charge their energy storage devices do not count as solar vehicles, even if the energy they charge is purely solar; such as z.B. Twike or cityel. These vehicles are grid-connected electromobiles.

With optimum solar irradiation, the high-performance solar cells of the experimental vehicles can provide up to 2.25 kw (nuna2 NL) of electrical power (max. irradiation *area*efficiency compare fossil car with ca. 35-200 kw). solar cars are experimental vehicles for economical automobiles and light weight construction, (see light vehicle and low energy vehicle).

[solar races and solar rallies

Various organizations around the world regularly organize races with solar cars.

The highlight is the race across australia, the world solar challenge, which takes place every two years. The top finishers achieved a distance of about 3.000 km total average speeds of over 100 km/h (as of 2005); only driven in broad daylight and not counting the rest of the time. the dutch solarmobil set a record of 830 kilometers in one day nuna II in october 2003. 1993 also the unmanned solar airship LOTTE2 took part in the rallye.

The vehicles require only 0.17 liters of gasoline equivalent for 100 km at a weight of 300 kg. This is the most important feature of these solar vehicles, the speed is limited by the maximum speed allowed on public roads. On 25. September 2005 saw the launch of the 7. World solar challenge, won for the third time in a row by the NUON team with the NUNA III solar vehicle, and for the first time the "dream limit" has exceeded 100 km/h average speed (reached more than 102 km/h, see weblink below).

The "north american solar challenge is a similar race, also biennial.

Other internationally important competitions are:

American solar challenge – USA
World solar car rally – japan
Sunrace – australia
Canadian solar discovery challenge
Dream cup solar car race suzuka – japan
Solar car race phaeton hellas – greece
South african solar challenge – south africa

The sky ace TIGA, a solar vehicle from ashiya university, japan holds the land speed record for solar vehicles. In 2005, it reached 150 km/h in greece, on 19. September 2006 in taiwan 165 km/h.

[edit] solar boats

photovoltaics is also used for boats. Thanks to its good efficiency over a wide power spectrum, the electric engine is superior to the internal combustion engine in terms of energy consumption. The propulsion power is usually in the range of a few hundred watts to a few kilowatts. In contrast to electric boats, solar boats use direct solar radiation as a source of energy. Mostly accumulators serve as buffers. Thus they have theoretically – similar to a sailboat – an unlimited range. In contrast to sailboats, they are also particularly suitable for navigating canals and rivers. A combination with grid chargers and inverters can be useful. In this concept, the boat is connected to the grid at the berth. The battery is charged until it is full and then the energy of the solar generator is fed into the grid. Most solar boats equipped in this way feed in more energy than they consume. For longer distances on open waters or seas, however, additional propulsion systems such as sails, wind or diesel generators are usually necessary. The latter is useful in cold environments to heat at the same time. For small boats, muscle power drives instead of diesel generators have also proven successful. Due to their low power density, solar drives are not suitable for applications with permanently high power requirements (z.B. High speeds).

Since around 1985, solar boats have been a topic of discussion in europe as travel/residential boats: in 1989, the trimaran basilisk succeeded in making a round trip from basel – koblenz – trier – saarbrucken – strasbourg – basel, and in the winter of 1990/1991, a trip from basel to denia, southern spain (2.000 km). By 2006, matthias wegmann had covered around 50,000 km with a number of other experimental boats – also combined with pedal drives. example: a cabin cruiser (8 x 2.5 m, 2 t) can be moved electrically at 2 kw at 10 km/h, while a standard gasoline engine requires 2 l/h to do so. at reduced speed, the difference in efficiency becomes even more pronounced.

Solar boats or solar ships have been used in everyday life since 1995 [1] . On some inland waters (e.g.B. Alster/hamburg, bodensee, spree/berlin) they are used as pleasure boats or ferries. The "spree-shuttle (former. "Gaienhofen") laid 5 solar cells in the period from june 2000 to october 2003.000 km back. In the summer of 2003, the solar ship required only two charges from the power grid. In total, more than 4.000 passengers carried.

From april 2006 onwards, two solar-electric powered boats were used on the weser river in hameln, Germany, and were very successful for tourists. The number of visitors continued to increase in 2007 and the response was very positive throughout. Hereby the concept of this technology was successful and the way was cleared for further solar boat projects. the continuation of this tourism project in 2008 will be carried out by new and technically up-to-date boat models.

In early december 2006, the sun21, a solar catamaran built in switzerland, took off from seville for the first atlantic crossing of a solar boat [2] . After a stopover on the canary islands, the boat and its 5 crew members arrived on 2. February 2007 the port of le marin on martinique in the caribbean and on 8. May the target new york. The project initiated by martin vosseler.

With PV-H2 hybrid technology equipped electric or. Solar boats use a combination of photovoltaics and fuel cells, the latter powered by hydrogen, which in turn is produced reversibly with the aid of solar cells. A world-first prototype, the "solgenia, is being developed as a research vessel at the university of constance and has been in practical operation on lake constance since the beginning of 2007.

[edit] space travel

A small but quite successful niche has been conquered by solar vehicles in unmanned space flight. they have already been used to explore the surface of other celestial bodies. The lunochod 1 and 2 landers explored the moon as early as the beginning of the 1970s. The solar mobiles sojourner, spirit and opportunity carried out investigations on mars. The solar cells supported the accumulators carried along resp. loaded them again. the mission of lunochod 2 had to be terminated after the solar cells were covered by swirling dust.

The solar ion propulsion system uses the electrical energy from solar cells to accelerate an ionized gas and propel spacecraft with the recoil.

[edit] solar bicycles

special constructions are particularly suitable for the attachment of solar cells. However, commercial versions are not expected until the efficiency of mass-produced products exceeds 20 percent. The illustration shows an experimental bicycle with 8 ultracaps from the 12V solar cells without charge controller up to approx. 20V can be charged.

The last few weeks i had the unold 8695 on test. This is a small, high-quality breadmaker of the entry-level class. Find out if the unold onyx is worth buying in the following practical test.

The unold 8695 onyx in a practical test

Technical data

manufacturer:	unold
PROGRAMS:	12
own program:	1
max. Bread size:	1000g
housing:	stainless steel& plastic
dimensions:	35,5 x 28,5 x 29,5 cm

Max. 1000g bread weight

No illuminated display

Current offer

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Delivery and packaging

the delivery arrived well packed and fast, thanks to amazon prime with me. I did know that the unold onyx is a small bread maker. but when i unpacked the machine during the unold 8695 test, i was quite surprised. the onyx looks almost cute.

Weighing only five kilograms, it is relatively light and, with dimensions of 35.5 x 28.5 x 29.5 centimeters, fits easily into even the smallest kitchen.

housing and design of the unold 8695 onyx

Made of stainless steel and plastic, the device scores with an unobtrusive look of elements in black and silver, and makes a very robust impression thanks to the good workmanship.

Thanks to six keys labeled in german and a legend printed above them, the LCD display makes it very easy for beginners without much experience to quickly celebrate successes.

If you look directly at the small display from above, it is very easy to read. In poor light and when looking from the side, however, a few difficulties unfortunately become apparent. Because the small symbols for degree of browning and bread size are difficult to read.

However, I particularly liked the precise display of the current baking phase. This means that you can always see exactly what the unold breadmaker is doing at any given time.

Also about the large viewing window nothing negative can be reported.

The stainless steel housing is adorned with a sticker when unpacked. This warns that the housing could become hot. My unold breadmaker got relatively warm during the test, but you can’t burn yourself on the housing.

Functional range of the unold 8695

The unold breadmaker offers everything a baker’s heart desires with 13 breadmaking programs. One program is even an own program, which can be programmed completely by yourself. This allows you to determine how long each baking phase lasts and in what order they are performed.

This makes the unold onyx breadmaker something very special. Because this is one of the few bread makers in the lower price category that offers such a dedicated program.

the onyx can bake two different sizes of bread. Stage I bakes small breads with a weight of about 500-750g. Large breads up to 1000g can be prepared in the second stage.

Even if the choice between three browning modes is nowadays as good as standard, this should not be concealed in this experience report.

Whereas in the predecessor, the printed baking programs were red. Are these now printed in white color. This should make them much easier to read.

In addition to the standard programs such as basic, wholemeal and white bread programs, this unold breadmaker also offers many other baking programs. Even though there is no separate program for gluten-free bread, it can be baked in the onyx without any problems.

Unold itself advertises the coating of the removable baking pan as a state-of-the-art fusion ceramic non-stick coating. And indeed the unold 8695 test has shown that bread can be removed from this baking pan without problems. No comparison to the baking pan of the last tested bomann CB 594.

Warning: if the bread does not come out of the baking pan even when shaken vigorously, do not use a knife or anything similar. Because otherwise you will damage the sensitive non-stick coating and will not enjoy the unold breadmaker for long. I always use such a baking palette made of plastic or wood.

The baking pan can be removed from the machine with a wire handle and a slight twist. Handling the baking pan is child’s play. To remove the baking pan, simply grasp the wire handle with a pot cloth and lift it upwards after a slight rotation. The whole thing works perfectly with one hand.

I love it when I get up in the morning, can start the day directly with freshly baked bread. The unold breadmaker makes this possible. With the onyx can all programs, except for the ultra-fast I and II program time-controlled baking. Personally, I really don’t want to miss this function anymore.

If the power should ever fail, that is no problem at all. If the power is off for less than two minutes, the unold 8695 onyx can simply resume the baking process where it left off. If the power fails for a longer period of time, you have to restart the program, as with any other bread maker. However, this only makes sense if the device was maximum in the kneading phase. Was it already further, the dough has unfortunately become unusable.

Ease of use and handling

The operation of the unold automatic bread maker is very simple and intuitive. With just a few buttons, the appliance can be set quickly. Beginners can start baking thanks to the German key labeling even without studying the very extensive operating instructions. Unfortunately, the manufacturer was somewhat inconsistent with the display labeling. Because the individual baking phases are in english. For example, instead of "bake", it says "baking". Even if this does not affect the service, it should not be concealed.

As an aspiring master baker, you have 12 different baking programs and one custom program at your disposal. In addition to the basic program, you also have a toast, wholemeal and white bread program at your disposal. even jam and sponge cakes are easy for the unold breadmaker to make.

The onyx has three different fast baking programs in its luggage. those who have been following my blog for a while know that good bread takes time. Therefore, I do not think much of the fast baking programs. In the unold 8695 test, i therefore did not even test the even faster ultra-quick programs.

The noise level of 69 dB during the kneading phase is not whisper-quiet, but it is much quieter than, for example, the last tested bomann breadmaker. Of course, these values were not measured with calibrated laboratory measuring instruments. But the quality of a breadmaker from the test is also not related to the exact volume of the sound. If you are not in the same room, this device is almost imperceptible.

With a measured cord length of almost exactly one meter, the power cord is usually long enough to find a socket in the kitchen.

When grains and seeds are ready to be added to the machine, it emits a loud beep to let you know. Another beep sounds after the baking time has expired. If you can’t get the bread out right away, it’s no big deal. Because in the unold 8695 test, the maximum 60 minute keep warm mode has always done a good job.

The baking result of the unold breadmaker

The unold 8695 test could clearly convince me of the baking result. Due to the new ceramic coating, the bread can be easily removed from the baking pan. After cutting it is completely cooked and smells super tasty. The crust is even everywhere and can keep up with the other devices from the bread baking machine test quite.

With the unold breadmaker I have baked during the test many delicious bread recipes and baking mixtures. So I can definitely recommend the small onyx. I think he is on amazon rightly standing on the top bestseller places.

The only negative point in terms of the appearance of the bread is the shape. Because it reminds me more of an oversized roll than a real loaf of bread. But the taste is no problem at all.

Cleaning and maintenance

To avoid damaging the delicate coating, the baking pan and dough hook should never be put in the dishwasher. But that is not necessary. Because with a little warm water residues can be rinsed out without problems.

The stainless steel housing can be cleaned without problems with a damp cloth and some gentle cleaner. Although the lid cannot be removed, you can still reach all parts for cleaning.

Scope of delivery for the unold 8695 test

Supplied in addition to the bread maker, the usual accessories. measuring spoon, measuring cup and dough hook remover are standard fare with the onyx breadmaker. You almost get the feeling that all manufacturers buy this from the same producer in china.

Therefore, the quality of the accessories does not differ from the competition. Unfortunately! Because so again the measuring cup is very badly readable. Therefore, as always, my recommendation: another measuring cup.

The big disadvantage of the bomann automatic bread maker test was the poor availability of spare parts. When I lost my dough hook, I had to search for ages. With the unold onyx breadmaker this is different. All accessories are available without problems on amazon. Even drive axle or timing belt.

Conclusion of the unold breadmaker test

The test of the unold onyx has confirmed. The onyx is not without reason one of the best-selling automatic bread makers. Because for a very low price there is a bread maker with reasonable workmanship and a good range of performance.

I can recommend the unold onyx to anyone who is looking for an inexpensive appliance but doesn’t want to give up convenient features like the self program mode.

And if you don’t want it permanently on the countertop, you can store it in the closet thanks to its compact design.

This is what a freshly baked loaf of bread from the unold automatic breadmaker looks like:

The unold 8695 breadmaker in video review:

Alternatives to the unold onyx

Are you looking for a breadmaker with more functions?? Then you should take a closer look at these appliances:

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