Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., a leader in natural gas, alternative fuel systems and clean propulsion vehicle technologies, announced that it has developed an alternative new technology leap for lightweight carbon composite compressed natural gas and hydrogen fuel tanks utilizing selective fiber placement that leads to significant reduction in weight and cost – demonstrating more than 20 percent reduction in material utilization.
The underlying methodology for the design and analysis of discrete composite elements was developed by Quantum. The manufacturing process involving discontinuous reinforcing fibers was further developed and demonstrated under collaboration with the Boeing Company and the Pacific Northwest National Labs. All of this is under the sponsorship by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy of the US Department of Energy. Past Department of Energy programs at Quantum have led to technology advancements that have been successfully implemented in production tanks.
"Quantum continues to innovate and enhance our industry-leading ultra-lightweight storage tank technology," said Brian Olson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Quantum. "We are pleased that this exciting breakthrough will significantly reduce the use of expensive carbon fiber, which resulted from a multi-year development program in partnership with global leaders in utilizing lightweight materials."
Quantum currently produces one of the lightest and highest capacity natural gas and hydrogen on-board storage systems in the world. Developed at Quantum's technology campus in Lake Forest, Calif., Quantum's advanced natural gas storage systems provide dramatic weight reduction, increased fuel storage capacity, and the capability to quickly integrate these systems. Quantum combines nearly 20 years of system integration experience with strong expertise in software, calibration, fuel system integration, emission and durability testing, validation, and manufacturing capabilities.
