Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide Inc. (Irvine, CA), a manufacturer of packaged fuel systems for hydrogen fuel cell and alternative fuel applications, announced that the US Department of Energy (DOE, Washington, DC) has awarded the company phase two of its $2.6 million program for the development and advancement of next-generation hydrogen storage technologies.
Quantum and the US DOE are working under a cooperative agreement to advance hydrogen storage systems in support of fuel cell vehicle commercialization. The overall project focuses on optimizing the storage capacity of Quantum�s ultra-lightweight, advanced composite, 10,000 psi hydrogen storage tank technology, previously developed by Quantum and the US DOE, and reducing costs to deliver next-generation hydrogen storage systems.
The specifics of phase two include evaluating and incorporating new developments into high-pressure hydrogen storage systems, such as optimization of materials and fabrication methodologies, advanced structural monitoring systems, and higher density hydrogen storage. Quantum's new concepts may eventually be applicable to long-term hydrogen storage engineering issues like thermal management and system optimization, as well as to off-board storage and hydrogen delivery.
"Quantum, working in concert with the US Department of Energy in 2001, was the first to develop and certify a 10,000 psi hydrogen storage system for vehicles," said Quantum President and CEO Alan Niedzwiecki. "That achievement was the first step toward providing enough fuel on board a vehicle to achieve a 300-mile driving range for specific vehicle platforms. The current project with the DOE will focus on the next step along the commercialization continuum �- advancing the design in order to further increase capacity, reduce costs and weight, and maintaining high levels of safety."
