Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for an alternative fuel system, comprising a plurality of fuel tank assemblies interconnected with fuel lines; the plurality of fuel tank assemblies comprising a CNG fuel tank and a fuel tank shield; wherein a first and second fuel tank assembly is disposed immediately in front of a rear wheel assembly, and a third fuel tank assembly is disposed immediately behind the rear wheel assembly.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle has a chassis with a first frame rail and a second frame rail extending longitudinally. The mounting assembly has a bracket with a concave region to receive and attach to a compressed gas tank to move the compressed gas tank away from an external force applied to an outer surface of the tank and in a first direction towards and beneath the first frame rail. The bracket has a first end region connected to the first frame rail to position the tank on an outboard side of the first frame rail.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a pressure relief device that can be thermally activated, for the pressure relief of at least one pressure vessel. A body floor element is arranged at least partially between the passenger compartment or the cargo area and the pressure vessel. A pressure relief triggering device is designed to directly or indirectly bring about the pressure relief. The pressure relief triggering device is designed to absorb thermal energy from the passenger compartment or the cargo area in order to trigger the pressure relief device, without the thermal energy absorbed for the triggering having previously been transmitted to the pressure relief triggering device through the body floor element.

Abstract: A pressure vessel and a method of manufacturing the pressure vessel is provided that reduces leaks in type IV pressure vessels having a liner with a corrugated section. The method includes providing a liner having a tubular portion having a corrugated section with circumferential corrugations providing alternating ridges and grooves arranged from one end to an opposing end of the corrugated section, applying a barrier to an outer surface of the corrugated section from one end to an opposing end of the corrugated section such that air voids are formed in annular cavities between the liner and the barrier; and applying resin to an outer surface of the barrier. The barrier prevents intrusion of the resin between the barrier and the liner in the corrugated section.

Abstract: A type IV conformable pressure vessel is provided comprising an elongated folded tank and a valve assembly configured to pass fluid into and out of an interior of the tank through first and second filling couplers directly connected to a respective first and second end of the tank. The tank has at least two chambers for the storage of fluid. The valve assembly receives fluid from an external source, selectively provides the external fluid through a Venturi nozzle into a mixing chamber, recirculates fluid from the second end of the tank into the mixing chamber, and delivers the mixture of the recirculated fluid and the external fluid to the first end of the tank.

Abstract: A combined-cycle power plant comprises a gas turbine engine for generating exhaust gas, an electric generator driven by the gas turbine engine, a steam generator receiving the exhaust gas to heat water and generate steam, and a duct burner system configured to heat exhaust gas in the steam generator before generating the steam and that comprises a source of hydrogen fuel, a fuel distribution manifold to distribute the hydrogen fuel in a duct of the steam generator, and an igniter to initiate combustion of the hydrogen fuel in the exhaust gas. A method for heating exhaust gas in a steam generator for a combined-cycle power plant comprises directing combustion gas of a gas turbine engine into a duct, introducing hydrogen fuel into the duct, combusting the hydrogen fuel and the combustion gas to generate heated gas, and heating water in the duct with the heated gas to generate steam.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for an alternative fuel system, comprising a plurality of fuel tank assemblies interconnected with fuel lines; the plurality of fuel tank assemblies comprising a CNG fuel tank and a fuel tank shield; wherein a first and second fuel tank assembly is disposed immediately in front of a rear wheel assembly, and a third fuel tank assembly is disposed immediately behind the rear wheel assembly.

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: The invention relates to a device (10) for holding a pressure cylinder, the device (10) having a frame element (12), a cylinder space (14) for receiving a pressure cylinder and at least one band element (16) for securing a pressure cylinder in the cylinder space (14), the band element (16) being connected to the frame element (12), wherein at least one damping element (20) is connected to the band element (16), the damping element (20) being arranged between the cylinder space (14) and the frame element (12). In this way, the invention provides an improved device (10) for holding pressure cylinders, the device (10) preventing oscillations from being transmitted into the cylinder space (14).

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an energy storage arrangement for a vehicle. In particular, the energy storage arrangement includes a battery unit provided in an intermediate space between adjacent fluid tanks. Relative to the above-discussed prior art, this disclosure provides an improved energy storage arrangement which uses the otherwise unused intermediate space between two adjacent fluid tanks. Thus, this disclosure provides a space-saving, efficient, and cost-effective arrangement.

Abstract: A high-pressure tank mounting structure includes: a case disposed beneath a floor of a vehicle cabin and having a bottom wall, a peripheral wall and a top wall; and a plurality of high-pressure tanks accommodated so as to be lined up within the case, wherein a first hydrogen collection portion that is recessed upwardly is formed at a back surface of the top wall of the case, and a hydrogen sensing sensor is disposed at the first hydrogen collection portion.

Abstract: A cylinder filling system is configured to automatically fill fluid cylinders with fluid at varying fluid pressures. The cylinder filling system may include a plurality of pressure control manifolds operatively connected together and disposed in a fluid circuit between a fluid storage container and a fluid outlet. A control unit may be in communication with the plurality of pressure control manifolds. The control unit is configured to operate the plurality of pressure control manifolds to deliver fluid at a rated fluid pressure of a fluid cylinder that connects to the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A system for filling an LPG vehicle with LPG using an auxiliary bombe is provided. The system may be configured for easily filling a main bombe with LPG even in the hot season (summertime) or the like during which the outside temperature rapidly rises, by using an auxiliary bombe in addition to using the main bombe. The system may also be capable of always smoothly refilling the main bombe with LPG by moving a portion of the LPG in the main bombe to the auxiliary bombe, when the pressure in the main bombe is higher than the LPG filling pressure of a filling gun in the hot season during which the outside temperature rapidly rises, so that the pressure in the main bombe becomes lower than the filling pressure.

Abstract: A compressed natural gas fueling system includes a frame arrangement with at least one tank disposed therein and an inlet that can receive a compressed natural gas fueling nozzle to fill the at least one tank. The fueling system can be attached with and supported by frame rails behind a cabin of a vehicle such that the inlet is positioned above the frame rails.

Abstract: Some of the present apparatuses include a frame defining first and second supports and at least a portion of a rigid tank mount laterally offset from the first and second supports, where the first support is configured to be pivotally coupled to a vehicle such that the frame is movable relative to the vehicle between a first position in which the second support is spaced apart from the vehicle and second position in which the second support is coupled to the vehicle. Some apparatuses include a frame mount having a flange defining a bounded opening configured to receive a fastener and a post extending from the flange and away from the opening, where the first support is configured to be pivotally coupled to the flange via the fastener and the second support is configured to be coupled to the post when the frame is in the second position.

Abstract: A fuel system for a vehicle is provided. The fuel system is configured to couple to a frame rail of the vehicle. A fuel system frame assembly of the fuel system is configured to couple with the frame rail directly or with another component that is coupled, directly or indirectly, with the frame rail. A cowling of the fuel system can include a fuel pressure vessel. The fuel pressure vessel configured to be placed within and supported by the fuel system frame assembly. The fuel system is configured to enhance component arrangement efficiency when mounted to a vehicle frame rail.

Abstract: A refrigerant charging method includes installing, cooling, confirming, and moving steps. In the installing step, a refrigeration device is installed on site. In the cooling step, a container is cooled to 31° C. or below using a cooling medium. In the confirming step, it is confirmed that the container has reached 31° C. or below. In the moving step, the refrigerant is moved to the intended charging space from the container upon confirming that the container has reached 31° C. or below via the cooling step. When moving the refrigerant from the container to the intended charging space, first, refrigerant that is in a gas phase within the container is moved into the intended charging space, whereupon refrigerant that is in a liquid phase within the container is moved into the intended charging space.

Abstract: A system for storing and dispensing fuel and a ballast fluid is disclosed. The system may be employed in a vehicle or facility having a power plant. Fuel and ballast fluid may be stored cryogenically in a liquid phase and dispensed to the vapor phase. The system may employ a thermal and volumetric compensatory arrangement wherein fuel dispensed from storage for use in a power plant is used as a heat exchange medium (refrigerant) for ballast fluid received for storage; during refueling, ballast fluid stored in the vehicle or facility may be dispensed and used as a refrigerant for fuel being stored in the vehicle in space made available by the dispensed ballast fluid. The fuel may be natural gas with a main component of methane; the ballast fluid may be a fluid obtainable from ambient environmental air, such as nitrogen or oxygen. The fuel and ballast fluid may be conditioned so that the respective boiling points are approximately equal.

Abstract: A system for storing and dispensing fuel and a ballast fluid is disclosed. The system may be installed in a station. The system may be employed in a vehicle or facility having a power plant. Fuel and ballast fluid may be stored cryogenically in a liquid phase and dispensed to the vapor phase. The system may employ a thermal and volumetric compensatory arrangement wherein fuel dispensed from storage for use in a power plant is used as a heat exchange medium (refrigerant) for ballast fluid received for storage; during refueling, ballast fluid stored in the vehicle or facility may be dispensed and used as a refrigerant for fuel being stored in the vehicle in space made available by the dispensed ballast fluid. The fuel may be natural gas with a main component of methane; the ballast fluid may be a fluid obtainable from ambient environmental air, such as nitrogen or oxygen. The fuel and ballast fluid may be conditioned so that the respective boiling points are approximately equal.

Abstract: A system is provided for producing hydrogen and oxygen based on decomposition of sodium chlorate (NaClO3). In a service station, NaClO3 is produced by a sodium chloride (NaCl) electrolyser. The service station is supplied with water (H2O), NaCl, and energy in order to carry out an electrolysis reaction in the electrolyser, to produce NaClO3 and gaseous hydrogen (H2). The NaClO3 and H2 are supplied to vehicles. Each vehicle includes a reactor for decomposing the NaClO3 and producing reaction products of NaCl and oxygen, with the oxygen being supplied to a fuel cell.

Abstract: A fuel management module for use with a CNG fuel system for a vehicle includes a housing configured to be connected to the vehicle and a number of connections, receptacles, and controls associated with the module. A defueling receptacle may be positioned on the front panel of the housing, for defueling a fuel tank of the vehicle. A defueling control valve may be positioned on the front panel of the housing for controlling operation of the defueling receptacle, allowing for selective defueling. One or more high pressure connections may be accessible on the housing and configured for connection to one or more separate fuel tanks in a plug and play configuration. A plurality of filling connections may be accessible on the housing for filling the fuel tank(s). A low pressure fuel output connection may be positioned on the back panel of the housing to provide fuel output from the high pressure connections to the engine.

Abstract: Provided is a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system comprising a frame, a first container, a second container, a first manifold, a second manifold, and a casing. The frame may have: a first side; a first connecting member; and a second side. The first container may be configured to house or contain CNG and be engaged to and substantially shrouded by the first side of the frame. The second container may be configured to house or contain CNG and be engaged to and substantially shrouded by the second side of the frame. The first manifold may be engaged to and substantially shrouded by the first side of the frame. The second manifold may be engaged to and substantially shrouded by the second side of the frame. The casing may at least partially surround the frame, the first container, the first manifold, and the second manifold.

Abstract: A vehicle system, comprising an internal combustion engine, a transmission enclosed within a transmission case coupled to a gaseous fuel source, the transmission case having an amount of gaseous fuel located therein. Housing the transmission in a case containing low density gaseous fuel reduces the power losses from air resistance and increases fuel efficiency.

Abstract: A system and attendant structural components for incorporating an alternate fuel supply, such as of the type used in combination with a conventional distillate fuel, to power a heavy duty industrial vehicle, such as a mine haul dump truck. The system and attendant structure includes a mounting assembly structured for containment and support of the alternate fuel and a containment area disposed on the vehicle and structured and dimensioned to retain the mounting assembly therein. The containment area and the mounting assembly are disposed in laterally adjacent, exposed relation to an operator area of the mine haul truck, wherein the mounting assembly and the containment area are cooperatively disposed and structured to facilitate storage of the alternate fuel and operative communication and distribution thereof with the powering engine of the mine haul vehicle.

Abstract: A tank for storing compressed natural gas (CNG) for fueling an automotive vehicle engine. The tank includes a container body for containing the CNG at a service pressure rating from about 20 MPa (megapascals) to about 30 MPa, the container body being formed from a single piece. The container body includes a head end region, a terminal end region distal to the head end region, and an intermediate region extending therebetween. The terminal end region and the head end region define an axial length of the container body. The container body is formed from an aluminum alloy. A valve member is operatively connected to, and in fluid communication with the container body via an opening defined in a wall of the container body. The container body wall has a thickness ranging from about 3 mm to about 10 mm.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a fuel system and a vehicle which can improve mountability and assembly ease of parts. A fuel system comprises a fuel storage source; a filling line adapted to connect the fuel storage source to a filling port; a supply line adapted to connect the fuel storage source to a fuel destination; a pressure reducing valve installed in the supply line; a first pressure sensor adapted to detect primary or secondary pressure of the pressure reducing valve; and an assembly which is an integration of the pressure reducing valve and the first pressure sensor. The assembly functions as a pipe fitting inserted in the supply line and has a line branch point for the supply line.

Abstract: Provided is a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system comprising a frame, a first container, a second container, a first manifold, a second manifold, and a casing. The frame may have: a first side; a first connecting member; and a second side. The first container may be configured to house or contain CNG and be engaged to and substantially shrouded by the first side of the frame. The second container may be configured to house or contain CNG and be engaged to and substantially shrouded by the second side of the frame. The first manifold may be engaged to and substantially shrouded by the first side of the frame. The second manifold may be engaged to and substantially shrouded by the second side of the frame. The casing may at least partially surround the frame, the first container, the first manifold, and the second manifold.

Abstract: Provided is a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system comprising a frame, a first container, a second container, a first manifold, a second manifold, and a casing. The frame may have: a first side; a first connecting member; and a second side. The first container may be configured to house or contain CNG and be engaged to and substantially shrouded by the first side of the frame. The second container may be configured to house or contain CNG and be engaged to and substantially shrouded by the second side of the frame. The first manifold may be engaged to and substantially shrouded by the first side of the frame. The second manifold may be engaged to and substantially shrouded by the second side of the frame. The casing may at least partially surround the frame, the first container, the first manifold, and the second manifold.

Abstract: Vehicles, systems, and methods for delivering natural gas and providing mobile fueling services are disclosed. A method of delivering natural gas includes: delivering a source vehicle to a receiving tank for receiving natural gas at a remote refueling location, the source vehicle having a natural gas engine for driving the vehicle and a source tank disposed onboard the source vehicle for storing the natural gas; and transferring natural gas from the source vehicle to the receiving tank using pressure equalization between the source tank and the receiving tank and using a compressor disposed onboard the source vehicle. The onboard compressor is operatively connected to and powered by the source vehicle engine. The source tank is adapted to store a volume greater than or equal to about 200 DGE of natural gas and supplies natural gas to power the source vehicle engine.

Abstract: A vehicle, a system, and a method are disclosed for providing the vehicle configured to operate on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) with CNG storage tanks. An example vehicle may include a cab including an engine compartment. An engine may be configured to operate on a gaseous fuel and may be located in the engine compartment. The vehicle may include a bed, and a mid-box positioned between the cab and the bed. The mid-box may include at least one storage tank configured to store the fuel in a compressed, or a compressed liquid state. The vehicle may include a fueling system configured to supply fuel from the at least one storage tank to the engine.

Abstract: Gas canister retaining structure includes: a gas canister cover pivotable between an opened position for attaching/detaching a cassette gas canister to/from the retaining structure and a closed position for accommodating and holding the gas canister in place within the canister cover; a mouthpiece support section provided inside the gas canister cover for supporting a mouthpiece portion of the cassette gas canister with a jet nozzle of the cassette gas canister received in a nozzle receiving port provided in the mouthpiece support section; and a shutter member pivotable between an opened position for opening the nozzle receiving port and a closed position for closing the nozzle receiving port.

Abstract: An electrolysis system adapted to split water into hydrogen and oxygen gases includes a housing, a baffle dividing the housing into first and second chambers and including an upper solid portion and a lower portion, a first electrode disposed in the first chamber, and a second electrode disposed in the second chamber. The first and second electrodes are configured to be at least partially immersed in the water, and each electrode becomes electrically charged when the electrolysis system is coupled to a current source to split the water into hydrogen and oxygen gases. The lower portion of the baffle and the first and second electrodes are each formed from the same material.

Abstract: A tank system for a motor vehicle, tank system including at least one first compressed gas vessel defining a first vessel space configured to receive natural gas, and at least one second compressed gas vessel defining a second vessel space configured to receive at least one of natural gas and liquefied gas.

Abstract: A system for integrating and embedding a fuel storage tank in the roof of an automotive vehicle is provided. The automotive vehicle may include a roof assembly having inner roof panels and outer roof panels. The roof panels may define a cavity that protrudes into the passenger compartment below the roof line of the automotive vehicle. A pressurized fuel tank may be disposed within the cavity of the roof assembly.

Abstract: A distensible fuel tank included in a vehicle is provided. The fuel tank may include a housing enclosing a lattice structure including at least two intersecting wall members, each wall member including a plurality of panels arranged in a repeating pattern, the plurality of panels having planar sides including a compliance panel having a first and second section configured to fold about a crease line. In this way, multi-directional compliance of the fuel tank can be achieved, while increasing structural integrity.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes an engine driven by gas fuel sealed inside a cassette gas cylinder. The cassette gas cylinder is installed in a cylinder mount. The cylinder mount comprises a mouthpiece support for supporting a mouthpiece of the cassette gas cylinder, and a shutter member swingable about a support shaft provided to the cylinder mount, for opening and closing an opening of the mouthpiece support from above the mouthpiece support.

Abstract: In a gas-engine-mounted working machine, a gas engine is mounted on a machine body and supplied with fuel gas from a cassette gas canister. The cassette gas canister is detachably attached to a gas canister retainer assembly. Handle column extends rearwardly and upwardly from the machine body and having left and right handle posts fixed to the machine body for supporting an operating handle of the machine. The cassette gas canister is mounted, via the gas canister retainer assembly, between the left and right handle posts.

Abstract: In a gas-engine-mounted working machine, a gas engine is mounted on a machine body and supplied with fuel gas from a cassette gas canister, a handle column extends rearwardly and upwardly from the machine body, and the cassette gas canister is detachably attached to the handle column. Operating handle is collapsably attached to the handle column. Collapsing-movement-preventing member is provided on the operating handle for preventing collapsing movement of the operating handle, utilizing presence of the cassette gas canister attached to the handle column, so that the collapsing movement of the operating handle is prevented as long as the cassette gas canister is attached to the handle column.

Abstract: A canister mounting structure including: a spare tire disposed in a rear underfloor region of a vehicle body in a forward tilted position wherein a front end of the spare tire is positioned lower; a canister disposed between the vehicle body and the spare tire and fastened to an underfloor member; a fuel tank disposed in front of the spare tire; a first space formed between the spare tire and the fuel tank; and a second space formed between the canister and the fuel tank.

Abstract: There is disclosed a vehicle comprising: a chassis (1a) extending in a longitudinal direction (1b) and with lateral sides (1c) parallel to the longitudinal direction (1b); a storage apparatus (5) for a fuel gas; an engine (2) utilizing fuel gas; wheels (2a) at least partly driven by the engine (2); driving means (14); a container (3) for refuse and pollutants; and conveying members (4) suitable to convey refuse and pollutants towards the container (3); the container (3) having side panels (3a) provided with recesses (15) expanding inward and extending above the lateral sides (1c); and the storage apparatus (5) comprising a plurality of tanks disposed in the recesses (15) and supported by the chassis (1a). The recesses (15) are also provided with connecting walls suitable to facilitate the flow of refuse inside said container (3).

Abstract: The present invention provides a signal generator device for generating an electrical signal for use in an electrolysis device. The signal comprises a waveform with a voltage, a duty cycle, and a frequency. These waveform parameters may be varied based on data received from a plurality of sensors. The signal generator may generate a second electrical signal superimposed with the first electrical signal.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes an engine driven by gas fuel sealed inside a cassette gas cylinder. The cassette gas cylinder is installed in a cylinder mount. The cylinder mount comprises a mouthpiece support for supporting a mouthpiece of the cassette gas cylinder, and a shutter member swingable about a support shaft provided to the cylinder mount, for opening and closing an opening of the mouthpiece support from above the mouthpiece support.

Abstract: A vehicle, a system, and a method are disclosed for providing the vehicle configured to operate on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) with CNG storage tanks. An example vehicle may include a cab including an engine compartment. An engine may be configured to operate on a gaseous fuel and may be located in the engine compartment. The vehicle may include a bed, and a mid-box positioned between the cab and the bed. The mid-box may include at least one storage tank configured to store the fuel in a compressed, or a compressed liquid state. The vehicle may include a fueling system configured to supply fuel from the at least one storage tank to the engine.

Abstract: An electrolysis system adapted to split water into hydrogen and oxygen gases includes a housing, a baffle dividing the housing into first and second chambers and including an upper solid portion and a lower portion, a first electrode disposed in the first chamber, and a second electrode disposed in the second chamber. The first and second electrodes are configured to be at least partially immersed in the water, and each electrode becomes electrically charged when the electrolysis system is coupled to a current source to split the water into hydrogen and oxygen gases. The lower portion of the baffle and the first and second electrodes are each formed from the same material.

Abstract: A fuel cap 10 maintains high sealing even when subjected to external force; is easy to operate; and requires minimal space for accommodation. The cap device comprises a casing body 20 for closing the filler opening FNb in a sealed condition, a cover 40, a handle 45, a clutch mechanism 60 and a torque transmission mechanism 80. By upraising the handle to the handling position and applying rotational torque, rotational torque is transmitted to the casing body 20 via the clutch mechanism 60 and the torque transmission mechanism 80, closing the filler opening FNb. The handle 45 lowers back to the retracted position when released, whereupon the clutch mechanism 60 assumes non-transmission mode wherein the cover 40 and the handle 45 rotate freely if subjected to external force such as in a collision.

Abstract: A car mounted with a hydrogen internal combustion engine is driven by supplying hydrogen gas fuel which is produced by vaporizing an aqueous hydrazine solution carried on the car and bringing the vaporized hydrazine into contact with a catalyst carried on the car to decompose hydrazine.

Abstract: A container for gas storage tanks in a vehicle is disclosed as part of a fuel storage system. The container is dimensioned to include one or more storage tanks along with a flow control device, such as a pressure regulator or automatic valve. The container does not form a fluid-tight containment around the storage tank and includes one or more ventilation openings to allow a gas within the container to be vented therefrom. There is also one or more drain openings in the container to allow liquid within the container to be drained therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogen storage system for a vehicle which is readily attachable to and detachable from the vehicle. The hydrogen storage system includes a plurality of hydrogen tanks filled with hydrogen at the outside and is mounted on the top of a rear underfloor of the vehicle in the form of a cartridge. For this purpose, the present invention provides a hydrogen storage system for a vehicle, including a hydrogen storage housing, accommodating a hydrogen storage material filled with hydrogen at the outside and easily attached to and detached from the vehicle using a quick connector.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a compressed-gas tank which is disposed in a wheel well of a spare wheel. The compressed-gas tank has a circular-cylindrical configuration defined by an axis of rotation and includes tie elements in parallel relationship to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mounting structure for a compressed gas storage tank of a vehicle in which at least two high pressure storage tanks are modularized and mounted in a vehicle. For this, the present invention provides a mounting structure for a compressed gas storage tank of a vehicle, comprising: a plurality of storage tanks for storing a compressed gas therein, including a hemispherical dome portion formed on both ends thereof; panel brackets connected to both ends of the storage tanks; pipe frames connecting edges of the panel brackets connected to both sides of the storage tanks; and high pressure parts and pipes connected to the storage tanks in a state where the panel brackets and the pipe frames are connected.