Alternative Fiber Evaluation and Optimization of Filament Winding Processing

At the present time, relatively few components for onboard hydrogen storage are commercially available and manufactured. Todays 700 bar (10,000 psi) compressed hydrogen storage systems have demonstrated the capability to provide sufficient capacity to enable fuel cell vehicles to achieve a real-world driving range of over 300 miles. While the technology is being used in limited quantities and tested among low volume commercial fleets, one-barrier to the hydrogen economy is the cost of high-pressure vessels when compared to a standard gasoline tank. In response to funding opportunity topic 3a Reducing the Cost of High Pressure Hydrogen Storage Tanks, Quantum proposes a solution that addresses the costly T700 carbon fiber, which makes up over 60% of the cost of a type IV tank, by evaluating basalt fibers as a replacement. Quantum will also optimize the filament winding processing by automating the resin mixing system and by designing a multiple head system that will increase the speed of tank winding. Commercial Application and Other Benefits: The advancement of hydrogen as an alternative fuel in automotive applications is hindered by high system costs. Automotive applications can readily take advantage of a less-costly Type IV high-pressure storage vessel from improvements in winding technology and the usage of less expensive materials. All the major automotive OEMs intend to start production of substantial quantities of hydrogen vehicles over the next few years. The business case to commercialize such vehicles will be markedly improved with the introduction of Quantums proposed optimized tank. Quantum estimates to manufacture over 21,000 hydrogen cylinders during the proposed 5-year plan with the newly adopted basalt fibers and efficient winding manufacturing technology. These commercialization efforts will directly improve the environment through reduced emissions, reduced air pollutants and reduced dependency on oil.