Abstract: Disclosed are gas cylinder assemblies for containing pressurized gas. The gas cylinder assembly has a polymeric liner and a low-permeability barrier layer. The polymeric liner a first end portion, a second end portion and a central body. The central body comprises an outer surface and an inner surface disposed between the first end and the second end. The gas cylinder assembly comprises a reinforcement structure wound over the central body. The gas cylinder assembly further comprises a metal foil interposed between the reinforcement structure and central body. The metal foil is configured to reduce permeation of contents of the polymeric liner.

Abstract: A breakaway mitigation system is provided for addressing breakaway between a tractor and a trailer unit of a truck. The breakaway mitigation system can include a spool assembly, a sensor, and a controller. The spool assembly has a spool body configured to deploy a length of a tether coupled with the spool body and configured to couple with an energy source supply conduit and to retract the length of the tether. The energy source supply conduit is configured to convey a source of energy for use by a motor or by a fuel cell. The sensor is configured to detect the length of the tether that has been deployed. The controller is configured to receive an input corresponding to the detected length and to implement a countermeasure when the detected amount exceeds a threshold value. Mitigation can be provided by a coupler that decouples under a load over a threshold.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve configured to vent a pressurized tank in the event of a fire is provided. The pressure relief valve includes a body, a vent passage, a plug and a latch. The vent passage is disposed through the body. The vent passage can be placed in fluid communication with an internal volume of a tank and with the atmosphere. The plug is moveably mounted in the vent passage. The latch has a blocking member disposed in contact with a control end of the plug in a first configuration and out of contact with the control end in a second configuration. The second configuration allows movement of the plug in the vent passage. One or both of a shape memory alloy wire and a trigger piston is configured to actuate the latch from the first to the second configuration. The shape memory alloy wire is configured to shorten when exposed to a temperature above a threshold temperature. The trigger piston moves, e.g.

Abstract: A system for powering a vehicle is provided. The system can include an engine or power generation system to be powered by a fuel and a housing. The housing can be configured to couple to one or more frame rails of the vehicle, receive and protect a cylinder configured to store the fuel to be used by the engine or power generation system. The housing can have one or more access panels allowing access to an interior of the housing. The cylinder can include a first end portion, a second end portion, a central body forming an enclosed cavity for storing pressurized gas, a reinforcement structure disposed over the central body, and a metal foil interposed between the reinforcement structure and central body. The metal foil can be configured to reduce permeation of contents of the cylinder.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for mounting a fuel system to a vehicle. In some embodiments, the invention provides systems and methods for mounting a fuel system comprising a fuel tank to a vehicle chassis using a bracket, which may be a multi-part bracket, and may be referred to as a “drop and go” bracket.

Abstract: A fuel system is provided that includes a fuel system frame and in some cases access steps. The frame can be mounted to a vehicle frame rail. Bracket assemblies can be coupled to the fuel system frame at a plurality of positions. The fuel tank can be mounted at neck portions thereof and can be supported on the frame rail between the neck portion, e.g., spaced a distance from the neck portions in a longitudinal direction of the fuel system. The access steps can be non-rectangular to provide a wide stepping portion even if the fuel system includes large tanks. The steps can be directly supported by an outside surface of the tank.

Abstract: A system for powering a vehicle is provided. The system can include an engine or power generation system to be powered by a fuel and a housing. The housing can be configured to couple to one or more frame rails of the vehicle, receive and protect a cylinder configured to store the fuel to be used by the engine or power generation system. The housing can have one or more access panels allowing access to an interior of the housing. The cylinder can include a first end portion, a second end portion, a central body forming an enclosed cavity for storing pressurized gas, a reinforcement structure disposed over the central body, and a metal foil interposed between the reinforcement structure and central body. The metal foil can be configured to reduce permeation of contents of the cylinder.

Abstract: A fuel system is provided that includes a fuel tank, a heat detector, and a control circuit. The digital heat detector is disposed in proximity to the fuel tank. The control circuit is coupled with the digital heat detector and is configured to detect that a thermal event has occurred. The fuel system is configured to implement an emergency countermeasure in response to the detection of the thermal event.

Abstract: A fuel system is provided that includes a fuel system frame and in some cases access steps. The frame can be mounted to a vehicle frame rail. Bracket assemblies can be coupled to the fuel system frame at a plurality of positions. The fuel tank can be mounted at neck portions thereof and can be supported on the frame rail between the neck portions, e.g., spaced a distance from the neck portions in a longitudinal direction of the fuel system. The access steps can be non-rectangular to provide a wide stepping portion even if the fuel system includes large tanks. The steps can be directly supported by an outside surface of the tank.

Abstract: Methods for extending a range of a vehicle are disclosed and include receiving a first data, the first data being indicative of a distance of the vehicle from a target destination, receiving a second data, the second data being indicative of a level of potential energy of an energy source for a power plant of the vehicle, receiving an operating parameter indicative of estimated future energy usage of the power plant, estimating, by a processor, an expected range of the vehicle based on the second data and the estimated future energy usage of the power plant, and adjusting a performance parameter of the power plant to extend an actual range of the vehicle when the estimated expected range is less than the distance of the vehicle from the target destination are disclosed. Systems for extending the range of the vehicle are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve configured to vent a pressurized tank in the event of a fire is provided. The pressure relief valve includes a body, a vent passage, a plug and a latch. The vent passage is disposed through the body. The vent passage can be placed in fluid communication with an internal volume of a tank and with the atmosphere. The plug is moveably mounted in the vent passage. The latch has a blocking member disposed in contact with a control end of the plug in a first configuration and out of contact with the control end in a second configuration. The second configuration allows movement of the plug in the vent passage. One or both of a shape memory alloy wire and a trigger piston is configured to actuate the latch from the first to the second configuration. The shape memory alloy wire is configured to shorten when exposed to a temperature above a threshold temperature. The trigger piston moves, e.g.

Abstract: Methods and systems for fuel storage and transportation are provided. A support assembly for supporting a plurality of fuel containers may comprise a plurality of end support members, and a plurality of side support members that are detachably coupled to the plurality of end support members. The plurality of fuel containers may be configured to be located on a plurality of different planes when supported by the support assembly, in a manner that permits the support assembly to accommodate a plurality of tailgates of different shapes and/or dimensions.

Abstract: Systems and methods may be provided for monitoring a fuel level of a vehicle. The fuel may be a gaseous fuel, such as natural gas. An electronic control unit may be able to receive a signal from one or more sensors. The electronic control unit may provide a command to drive a fuel gauge to display the fuel level. The electronic control unit may determine the gauge command based on the received signal and a filling compensation scheme. The electronic control unit may be initialized through a user interface. A filling compensation scheme may be selected during initialization. The electronic control unit may be capable of communicating various sensors, gauges, devices, controls and/or other ECUs of varying specifications.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for mounting a fuel system to a vehicle. In some embodiments, the invention provides systems and methods for mounting a fuel system comprising a fuel tank to a vehicle chassis using a bracket, which may be a multi-part bracket, and may be referred to as a “drop and go” bracket.

Abstract: Methods and systems for modular fuel storage and transportation are provided. In an embodiment, a fuel storage system includes one or more fuel containers each supported by a fuel container support assembly. The fuel storage system may be mounted to a transportation device such as a vehicle or used in a stand-alone fashion. Each support assembly may include a plurality of detachable end support members such as end support members configured to support the end portions of the fuel container and side support members configured to support the body portion of the fuel container. Some of the end support members may include neck grooves such that when the end support members are coupled, the neck grooves form an enclosure around the neck portion of the fuel container. In an embodiment, the support assembly is configured to facilitate release of excess pressure in the fuel container.

Abstract: A fluid system for a vehicle is provided. The fluid system is configured to couple to a chassis of the vehicle. A frame assembly of the fluid system is configured to couple with the chassis directly or with another component that is coupled, directly or indirectly, with the chassis. A cowling of the fluid system can enclose a fuel pressure vessel and an auxiliary fluid vessel. The auxiliary fluid vessel is configured to be placed in fluid communication with the component powered or operated by the fluid therein.

Abstract: An assembly bracket system is provided. The system includes a first bracket portion and a second bracket portion. The first bracket portion is configured to be attached to a vehicle tailgate. The second bracket portion is configured to be attached to a vehicle fuel system. The first bracket portion and the second bracket portion are configured to be engaged to each other in a manner that limits at least one degree of freedom of the vehicle fuel system relative to the vehicle tailgate while allowing pivoting of the second bracket portion relative to the first bracket portion.

Abstract: Methods and systems for modular fuel storage and transportation are provided. In an embodiment, a fuel storage system includes one or more fuel containers each supported by a fuel container support assembly. The fuel storage system may be mounted to a transportation device such as a vehicle or used in a stand-alone fashion. Each support assembly may include a plurality of detachable end support members such as end support members configured to support the end portions of the fuel container and side support members configured to support the body portion of the fuel container. Some of the end support members may include neck grooves such that when the end support members are coupled, the neck grooves form an enclosure around the neck portion of the fuel container. In an embodiment, the support assembly is configured to facilitate release of excess pressure in the fuel container.

Abstract: Systems and methods may be provided for monitoring a fuel level of a vehicle. The fuel may be a gaseous fuel, such as natural gas. An electronic control unit may be able to receive a signal from one or more sensors. The electronic control unit may provide a command to drive a fuel gauge to display the fuel level. The electronic control unit may determine the gauge command based on the received signal and a filling compensation scheme. The electronic control unit may be initialized through a user interface. A filling compensation scheme may be selected during initialization. The electronic control unit may be capable of communicating various sensors, gauges, devices, controls and/or other ECUs of varying specifications.

Abstract: Methods and systems for modular fuel storage and transportation are provided. In an embodiment, a fuel storage system includes one or more fuel containers each supported by a fuel container support assembly. The fuel storage system may be mounted to a transportation device such as a vehicle or used in a stand-alone fashion. Each support assembly may include a plurality of detachable end support members such as end support members configured to support the end portions of the fuel container and side support members configured to support the body portion of the fuel container. Some of the end support members may include neck grooves such that when the end support members are coupled, the neck grooves form an enclosure around the neck portion of the fuel container. In an embodiment, the support assembly is configured to facilitate release of excess pressure in the fuel container.