Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide Inc. says it has developed a ‘breakthrough technology’ for lightweight carbon-composite compressed natural gas (CNG) and hydrogen fuel tanks.
According to Quantum, the tank was engineered using ‘selective fiber placement’ that reduced the amount of material needed by more than 20%. To arrive at this new tank concept, Quantum focused on the ‘underlying methodology for the design and analysis of discrete composite elements,’ while Boeing and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory concentrated on fine-tuning a manufacturing process.
The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy supported the research and development.
‘This exciting breakthrough will significantly reduce the use of expensive carbon fiber,’ says Brian Olson, president and CEO of Quantum. His company already produces the ultra-lightweight, high-capacity Q-Lite line of CNG tanks.
