Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., (Nasdaq: QTWW) announced the U.S. Department of Energy has awarded the company Phase 2 of its $2.6 million program for the development and advancement of next generation hydrogen storage technologies. Quantum and the U.S. Department of Energy are working under a Cooperative Agreement to advance hydrogen storage systems in support of fuel cell vehicle commercialization. The overall project focuses on optimizing the storage capacity of Quantum’s ultra lightweight advanced composite 10,000-psi hydrogen storage tank technology, previously developed by Quantum and the U.S. Department of Energy, and reducing costs to deliver next generation hydrogen storage systems.
The specifics of Phase 2 include evaluating and incorporating new developments into high-pressure hydrogen storage systems, such as optimization of materials and fabrication methodologies, advanced structural monitoring systems, and higher density hydrogen storage.
As researchers develop solid-state materials for low pressure hydrogen storage in the long term, safe and durable tanks will also be required. Quantum’s new concepts may eventually be applicable to long-term hydrogen storage engineering issues like thermal management and system optimization, as well as to off-board storage and hydrogen delivery.
“Quantum, working in concert with the U.S. Department of Energy in 2001, was the first to develop and certify a 10,000-psi hydrogen storage system for vehicles,” said Alan P. Niedzwiecki, President and CEO of Quantum. “That achievement was the first step toward providing enough fuel on board a vehicle to achieve a 300 mile driving range for specific vehicle platforms. The current project with the DOE will focus on the next step along the commercialization continuum — advancing the design in order to further increase capacity, reduce costs and weight, and maintaining high levels of safety.”
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