Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide Inc. says it has received a U.S. patent on its design for lightweight composite shells for compressed natural gas (CNG) and hydrogen storage tanks.
Quantum describes the patented technology as the ‘application of discrete localized reinforcement’ via ‘selective fiber placement.’ The company announced the successful demonstration of this technology earlier this month.
‘This is a significant patent in that it provides an elegant solution to reduce both weight and cost of fuel tanks, thus enabling more widespread commercialization of natural gas and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles,’ says Brian Olson, Quantum's president and CEO.
‘We are in the process of refining this technology for phased introduction into commercial products,’ he adds.
