NEXTGEN AERONAUTICS, INC. — Department of Energy SBIR Phase I: Hydrogen is an attractive fuel option for transportation because its only byproduct is dri

Description

Hydrogen is an attractive fuel option for transportation because its only byproduct is drinkable water; it can be produced from renewable sources; and fuel cells operate optimally by using it. However, due to its relatively low volumetric energy density when compared with other fuels, technologies that enable increases in pressure per a given volume are critical to its adoption. Nanofibers will be added to the interfaces of conventional allcomposite highpressure (700 bar) hydrogen storage tank designs to confer damageresistant benefits that will allow less expensive manufacturing of the tank without sacrificing performance. The success of this technology will enable the adoption of lightduty fuel cell vehicles over gasoline fueled vehicles. Benefits include reduced greenhouse gas emissions, reduced oil consumption, and the enabling of expanded renewable power usage through the use of hydrogen as a means of energy storage. In collaboration with Precision Nanotechnologies and Lincoln Composites, the NextGen Aeronautics team will produce highpressure hydrogen storage tanks for use in Light Duty Fuel Cell Vehicles. The team will incorporate a lowcost nanoreinforcement into highpressure allcomposite tank designs to further increase pressure and lower costs.