Lab-scale fast fill system for natural gas fuel research

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As the cleanest-burning and lowest-carbon fossil fuel, natural gas is at the heart of energy discussions across the world. Given the increasing energy demand and high greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions associated with conventional fossil fuels, the transportation sector is a key market for natural gas in the world. Compressed natural gas (CNG) stations have been built to fill natural gas vehicles (NGV) as fast as fueling conventional vehicles at gasoline stations. Due to significant temperature rise during fast fill, CNG cylinders can be filled only to less than 80% of rated capacity. The limited fill efficiency and the reduced vehicle driving range that results is a serious obstacle to the widespread adoption of NGVs. As the leading provider of natural gas fuel systems for heavy duty commercial vehicles, Agility Fuel Systems is looking for an innovative solution to increase the fill efficiency of fast fill. Essential to the research and development of the solution, a lab-scale CNG fast fill system must be available for in-depth investigation of current fill process and extensive validation of new fill solutions. As the first step of a long term research collaboration plan, the Electronics Cooling & Multiphase Flows Lab at UBC Okanagan is collaborating with Agility Fuel Systems to develop a lab-scale CNG fast fill system. Based on accurate calculations and analysis, the system will be designed, built, and tested at UBC. This system will be the first fast fill system in a Canadian university research lab, and will become a research facility dedicated to the R&D of CNG fuel technologies. The project will help increase the penetration of CNG into the Canadian transportation sector, thereby resulting in energy efficiency increases and GHG emission reductions. The benefits will be a significant contribution to Canada's sustainable energy and environment future. The project will strengthen Canada's competitiveness in the world-wide CNG fuel system and NGV markets. The project fits into Canada's agenda to support industry competitiveness and also supports Canada's aims for environmental protection.