Onboard Dynamics Inc. is getting help from Oregon BEST and the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute (ONAMI) to commercialize its unique technology that enables the fueling of compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles anywhere a natural gas service line is available.
The technology, which is being co-developed with Oregon State University, uses an existing engine piston and cylinder as an onboard compressor to fuel the vehicle itself with natural gas. Researchers have developed a working prototype of this in-engine compression technology.
Oregon BEST and ONAMI are supporting the commercialization of the technology with $400,000 in funding. This complements $3 million in grants from the federal Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) program.
Onboard Dynamics will use the new funding for additional product engineering and testing in a real-world environment. The company is working with the Deschutes County Road Department in Bend, Ore., to help implement and test the technology.
