Section 2-11 - Alternative Fuels (a) INTRODUCTION. This standard is designed to be used as an overview of the alternative fuels being utilized for school transportation. The standard is not designed to replace current applicable federal, state, manufacturing or safety standards that may exceed requirements within this standard. There will be advancements in engineering and improvements in equipment fabrication methods and operating practices that differ from those specifically called for in this standard. Such deviations or improvements may provide safety and may meet the intent of and be compatible with this standard. Entities wishing to purchase alternative fuel school buses should use this section only as a starting point. More detailed specifications, including specific design and performance criteria and safety standards, should be researched by prospective purchasers of alternative fuel school buses.
(b) GENERAL REQUIREMENTS. - (i) Alternative fuel school buses shall meet the following requirements:
- (A) Chassis shall meet all standards previously mentioned in BUS CHASSIS STANDARDS.
- (B) Chassis shall meet all applicable FMVSS standards.
- (C) Fuel system integrity shall allow zero (0) leakage when impacted by a mobile barrier in accordance with test conditions specified in FMVSS 301 or FMVSS 303, as applicable.
- (D) Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and conversion systems using compressed natural gas (CNG) shall comply with NFPA Standard 52 "Compressed Natural Gas Vehicular Fuel Systems" in effect at the time of installation. Fuel systems using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shall comply with the NFPA Standard 58 "Liquefied Petroleum Gases Engine Fuel Systems" in effect at the time of installation.
- (E) All alternative fuel buses shall travel a loaded range of not less than 200 miles, except those powered by electricity which shall travel not less than 80 miles.
- (F) Natural gas-powered buses shall be equipped with an interior/exterior gas detection system. All natural gas-powered buses shall be equipped with a fire detection and suppression system.
- (G) All materials and assemblies used to transfer or store alternative fuels shall be installed outside the passenger/driver compartment.
- (H) All Types C and D buses using alternative fuel shall meet the same base requirements of BUS CHASSIS STANDARDS for Power and Gradeability, i.e., at least one published net horsepower per each 185 pounds of GVWR.
- (I) The total weight shall not exceed the GVWR when loaded to rated capacity,
- (J) The manufacturer supplying the alternative fuel equipment must provide the owner and operator with adequate training and certification in fueling procedures, scheduled maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of alternative fuel equipment.
- (K) All fueling equipment shall be designed specifically for fueling motor vehicles and shall be certified by the manufacturer as meeting all applicable federal, state and industry standards.
- (L) All onboard fuel supply containers shall meet all appropriate requirements of the ASME code, the DOT regulations, or applicable FMVSS and NFPA Standards.
- (M) All fuel supply containers shall be securely mounted to withstand a static force of 8 times their weight in any direction.
- (N) All safety devices that may discharge to the atmosphere shall be vented to the outside of the vehicle. The discharge line from the safety relief valve on all school buses shall be located in a manner appropriate to the characteristics of the alternative fuel. Discharge lines shall not pass through the passenger compartment. Discharge lines shall be equipped with a device to prevent insects from entering and/or building nests.
- (O) A positive quick acting (1/4 turn) shut-off control valve shall be installed in the gaseous fuel supply lines as close to the fuel supply containers as possible. The controls for this valve shall be placed in a location easily operable from the exterior of the vehicle. The location of the valve control shall be clearly marked on the exterior surface of the bus.
- (P) A grounding system shall be required for grounding of the fuel system during maintenance related venting.
206-2 Wyo. Code R. § 2-11