Adsorbent Materials for Natural Gas Storage
Technology Description:
Gas Technology Institute (GTI) is developing a natural gas tank for light-duty vehicles that features a thin, tailored shell containing microscopic valves which open and close on demand to manage pressure within the tank. Traditional natural gas storage tanks are thick and heavy, which makes them expensive to manufacture. GTI's tank design uses unique adsorbent pellets with nano-scale pores surrounded by a coating that functions as valves to help manage the pressure of the gas and facilitate more efficient storage and transportation. GTI's low-pressure tanks would have thinner walls than today's best alternatives, resulting in a lighter, more affordable product with increased storage capacity.
Potential Impact:
If successful, GTI's nano-valved materials for natural gas storage would allow for more efficient refueling and storage while furthering the position of natural gas vehicles as viable alternatives to gasoline-powered vehicles.
Security:
Improving the convenience of natural gas vehicle ownership could reduce our dependence on foreign oil and make consumers less vulnerable to sudden oil price shocks.
Environment:
Natural gas vehicles produce approximately 10% less greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline-powered vehicles throughout the fuel life cycle.
Economy:
Compressed natural gas currently costs half as much per gallon of gasoline equivalent. With the average American spending over $2000 per year on gas, enabling the use of natural gas vehicles could save drivers $1000 per year.
Contact
ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Jason Rugolo
Project Contact:
Dr. Shiguang Li
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
shiguang.li@gastechnology.org
Partners
University of South Carolina
Colorado School of Mines
University of Louisville
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Release Date:
02/22/2012