Low-Cost Conformable Storage to Maximize Vehicle Range

Although liquefied petroleum gas and compressed natural gas are attractive contenders for converting vehicles from gasoline and diesel to alternative fuels, two factors inhibit conversion: additional vehicle costs and reduced range compared to gasoline. In overcoming these barriers, a key element of the alternative fuel system becomes the storage tank for these pressurized fuels. ThiokolCorporation has developed and is now producing a conformable aluminum storage system for liquefied petroleum gas, which increases the fuel storage in a given rectangular envelope. This project's goal was to develop the technology for a similar conformable tank made of injection-molded plastic to decrease costs.