Liquid-Piston Isothermal Home Natural Gas Compressor

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Program:
MOVE
Award:
$3,350,928
Location:
Cleveland , Ohio
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
01/01/2013 - 12/31/2015

Technology Description:

Eaton is developing an at-home natural gas refueling system that relies on a liquid piston to compress natural gas. A traditional compressor uses an electric motor to rotate a crankshaft, which is tied to several metal pistons that pump to compress gas. Traditional compressor systems can be inefficient and their complex components make them expensive to manufacture, difficult to maintain, and short-lived. Eaton's system replaces traditional pistons with a liquid that comes into direct contact with the natural gas without the need for the costly high-pressure piston seals that are used in conventional gas compression.

Potential Impact:

If successful, Eaton's liquid-piston natural gas compressor would dramatically increase the efficiency of natural gas refueling systems, which could contribute to accelerated adoption of natural gas 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. Clark Fortune
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
gclarkfortune@eaton.com

Partners

University of Minnesota

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Release Date:
02/22/2012