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The efficiency ratio of the e-gas pilot plant from wind turbine to methane
gas is about 54 percent. If the dissipated heat is also used, this value is
considerably higher still. The aim is to achieve an efficiency ratio above 60
percent in the future. The potential to store large quantities of energy
made possible by pairing electricity with gas on the one hand as well as
wind energy and solar energy on the other can truly invigorate the
expansion of renewable sources of energy. The fact that the Audi e-gas
project can easily be replicated in any country with an existing natural-gas
network hints at the technical and economic significance of this project.
The e-gas projects cars
Audi will supply three sources of energy in the scope of the e-gas project:
electricity, hydrogen and methane gas. Respectively, each one is suitable
for a very different type of drive concept: for electric cars, fuel-cell vehicles
and CNG vehicles.
The Audi A1 e-tron
The A1 e-tron is the concept of a purely electric vehicle. If necessary, a
range extender can recharge its battery; the A1 e-tron is propelled
exclusively by the power of its electric motor. The four-seater is a zeroemission vehicle during short city drives.
This small compact cars electric motor supplies a continuous output of 45
kW (61 hp) and a peak output of 75 kW (102 hp), transmitted to the front
wheels via a single-stage transmission. The peak torque of 240 Nm (177.01
lb-ft) is available right from the off. The A1 e-tron dashes from zero to 100
km/h (zero to 62.14 mph) in 10.2 seconds and boasts a top speed above
130 km/h (80.78 mph).
It draws its energy from a package of lithium-ion batteries arranged in a T
pattern beneath the center tunnel and rear bench seat. The liquid-cooled
battery stores 12 kWh of energy, which suffices for more than 50 km (31.07
miles) of driving. High-voltage current will recharge the battery in less than
an hour. As of longer distances, a range extender operates. A small rotarypiston engine underneath the luggage compartment recharges the battery
by means of an alternator.
The Audi A3 TCNG
The Audi A3 TCNG, a technological standard-bearer, can run on the e-gas
which Audi produces in the methanation unit. Its four-cylinder TFSI engine
and the exhaust systems catalytic converter were designed with natural gas
in mind. In Germany alone, natural gas is available at some 900 CNG
stations and counting.
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Via the balanced cycle method similar to the purchasing of green power
A3 TCNG owners should be able to fuel their vehicles with wind energy
starting in 2013. When a driver refuels with e-gas, the corresponding
amount of renewable energy required to produce this e-gas is fed into the
grid.
The volumetric density of e-gas is equal to that of fossil-based natural gas
and is thus lower than premium unleaded. Similarly to natural gas, the
combustion of e-gas also creates far less CO2 than premium unleaded
does. Concerning the e-gas project, this means that CO2 emissions are
very low not only in the overall picture (well-to-wheel), but also at the
exhaust pipe (tank-to-wheel). Not one gram of CO2 is emitted via the
exhaust pipe which would not have been consumed during the manufacture
of e-gas. In other words, there is a closed CO2 cycle between the fuels
manufacture and its combustion.
The high octane rating of approx. 130 RON for natural gas, biomethane and
also for e-gas facilitates a high compression ratio in the turbo engine
which ensures high efficiency. Like all Audi models, the A3 TCNG in no way
sacrifices driving enjoyment or everyday practicality. Its gas tanks, which
store the e-gas at a pressure of 200 bar, offer enough capacity for long
drives. The Audi A3 TCNG also boasts a bivalent configuration: if the
natural-gas tanks run empty and there is no CNG station nearby, the vehicle
can run on conventional gasoline with no drop in performance.
The equipment, data and prices specified in this document refer to the
model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice;
errors excepted.
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