Compressed Gas Manifold
It has been demonstrated that compressed gasses such as hydrogen, propane, methane or natural gas are viable alternatives to petroleum as a fuel source for motor vehicles. Such vehicles have been restricted to fleet trucks, delivery vans, buses and taxis due to their limited range. The restrictions and limitations are caused by the space required for existing compressed gas fuel systems. This space penalty results in lost truck bed volume, automobile trunk volume and range. Furthermore, higher initial purchase prices are experienced due to the low demand for such vehicles. The resulting small population has made research and development unattractive so improvements have been slow to evolve.
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory along with General Dynamics Armament & Technical Products Lincoln Operations have developed a novel container system for gaseous fuel storage on light-duty vehicle called the Integrated Storage System, or ISS™ (see P01495). The JH/APL response to the slow evolution of R&D comprises a manifold for a compressed gas motor vehicle fuel storage system (ISS) incorporating a plurality of compressed gas storage cylinders (pressure cells). The manifold includes an automatic thermally activated safety venting system , a manual shut-off valve, and a port for connecting the fuel storage system to the motor vehicle engine intake manifold and to a refueling port.
Patent Status: U.S. patent(s) 6,321,775 issued.CONTACT:
Mr. K. Chao
Phone: (443) 778-7927