Low Pressure Adsorbed Natural Gas for Vehicles

Introduction
The use of natural gas as a vehicular fuel has become a more attractive alternative to gasoline and diesel fuels because of its inherent clean burning characteristics. Compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles that store natural gas at 3,000 psig have historically been the most popular type of natural gas vehicle (NGV). Adsorbed natural gas (ANG) is a technology in which natural gas is adsorbed by a porous adsorbent material at relatively low pressures, 500 to 600 psig. When a natural gas storage vessel is filled with a suitable adsorbent material, the gas capacity will be greater than that of the same vessel without the adsorbent, when filled to the same pressure. When compared to CNG, ANG can store half to two-thirds the amount of gas, but at one-sixth the pressure. The capital and the operating cost of compression and refueling equipment also have the potential to be lower than current CNG equipment, a significant benefit for infrastructure. operators (savings up to 50%). Moreover, the global warming potential for ANG is also reduced because less energy is required to compress natural gas, resulting in fewer carbon dioxide emissions. From a safety and utilization perspective, lower ANG pressures may be more readily accepted compared to CNG.

Adsorbent Material The best performing materials developed thus far are carbons derived from available materials including coconut shell, coal and wood. These materials have a naturally occurring pore structure that can be optimized for the adsorption of the methane in natural gas. The method of densifying, or compacting, the adsorbent is also critical to achieving acceptable performance. A high performance adsorbent material capable of greater than 150 V/V at 500 psig has been produced by GL Noble Denton and partners (the AGLARG consortium); other materials with lower storage density are available at lower cost, and can be better solutions in some circumstances.

ANG Benefits ANG system pressures of 500 to 600 psig allow designers to progress from the constraints of cylindrical-shaped containers currently used by CNG vehicles. Conformable tanks, similar to conventional gasoline tanks, would not intrude upon or detract from on-board storage space.

Multicell ANG Tank The ANG tanks developed by GL Noble Denton are aluminum of, multicellular, rectangular design. The tank is produced by a bridge die extrusion process. The tank material and multicell design aids in thermal management of ANG.

Increased Equivalent Capacity ANG storage units can store much more natural gas than an equivalent storage cylinder with CNG at the same pressure.

Safety benefits Guard Bed Filter A guard bed device can be incorporated into an ANG system to filter out natural gas impurities (hydrocarbons above C5) prior to entering the main ANG tanks. The guard bed can be heated during operation of the vehicle to regenerate the adsorbent and return these higher hydrocarbons to the fuel stream to be burned in the engine. The ANG fuel system is transparent to the driver with vehicle performance and drivability equal to, if not better, than comparable gasoline models. The aluminum multicell tank filled with adsorbent design has proved its flexibility on a DodgeTM Dakota truck, in a passenger vehicle, and most recently, custom designed to fit a two-wheeled scooter. Lower fuelling pressure coupled with gas storage on a carbon rather than in free space confers real safety benefits in most instances.

Reductions in Infrastructure Costs Reduced pressure relative to CNG allows for reductions of up to 50% in infrastructure and operating costs for filling stations.

Flexibility in Filling Options Thanks to the low operating pressures of ANG technology a wide range of filling options can be employed; Fixed Filling Stations Mobile Filling Stations Home Based Refueling

Advantages of ANG
Space Efficient, Flexible Storage Gas storage using ANG allows for reductions in storage pressures allowing more flexible and possibly lighter storage systems to be installed. Flatter, shaped tanks can use space much more efficiently than CNG cylinders. The volumetric efficiency of ANG storage over more traditional CNG storage cylinders is typically more than 25%.

Cartridge Refilling System GL Noble Denton typically proposes a technology transfer route for ANG technology based on the assumption that the client ultimately wishes to license the technology with a view to commercial implementation. Specification definition phase with client to determine requirements, for example, operating parameters, gas compositions, demand profile matching and environmental considerations. GL Noble Denton will conduct a feasibility study developing predictions and simulations of performance of the technology under local conditions, and outlining the potential for technology implementation in local networks. Support the client in implementation and management of a demonstration of ANG technology. Technology transfer and licensing agreements with support for future development plans.

15769_NS 08 04 2010

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