Low-Pressure Conformable Natural Gas Vehicle Tank

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Program:
MOVE
Award:
$1,485,612
Location:
Des Plaines, Illinois
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
10/01/2012 - 03/31/2014

Technology Description:

Gas Technology Institute (GTI) will partner with Northwestern University, NuMat Technologies, a Northwestern start-up company, and Westport Fuel Systems to identify materials with the best characteristics for low-pressure natural gas storage. The gas-storing materials, known as metal organic framework (MOF) adsorbents, hold natural gas the way a sponge holds liquids. The project team will further develop their computer modeling and screening technique to support the creation of a low-pressure adsorbent material specifically designed for natural gas vehicles. The team will also validate the materials properties in real-world conditions. Low-pressure gas tanks represent significant potential for lowering not only the cost of NGVs, but also the cost of fueling by reducing the need to compress the gas.

Potential Impact:

If successful, GTI's low-pressure, low-cost, adsorbent material would increase the convenience and driving range of natural gas vehicles at a substantial price reduction to consumers.

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. Eric Rohlfing
Project Contact:
Dr. Ted Barnes
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
ted.barnes@gastechnology.org

Partners

Northwestern University

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Release Date:
02/22/2012