By January 27, 2016 Read More →

Consortium to test ‘disruptive compression technology’ for CNG refueling

Carnot Compressor projected to cut the energy utilized for CNG compression by 30%

CNG

Carnot CEO, Todd Thompson

PORTLAND, Ore. – A new industry consortium comprised of companies from the United States and Canada has been created to build and test an innovative CNG refueling unit.

The planned 2-GGE/hour prototype compressor will use Carnot’s proprietary isothermal micro-bubble CNG compression technology, which utilizes the weight of a working liquid in a centrifugal (g-force) environment to compress natural gas.

The Carnot Compressor will be designed to approach isothermal or constant temperature compression and is projected to cut the energy utilized for compression by 30 per cent or more over conventional technology.

Carnot will engineer, design and manufacture the prototype CNG refueling unit (HRA/VRA range) in collaboration with NW Natural and the consortium.

Northwest Natural Gas Company, dba NW Natural, of Portland, Oregon and Carnot Compression LLC based in Scotts Valley, California, Fortis BC from Canada, are the partners in the consortium.

“Carnot’s system is designed to deliver dry and pure output gas, superior reliability, and scalability within a relatively small footprint. The project will validate system performance for Carnot’s patent-pending technology in a real-world setting,” said Carnot CEO Todd Thompson in a press release.

“We welcome additional consortium members from the natural gas pipeline and utility businesses, CNG/NGV industry and other interested parties,” said Chris Galati, CNG program manager for NW Natural.

CNGHe noted that Fortis BC has recently joined the consortium.

“The great thing about becoming a consortium member is that each participant can leverage their individual Research, Development and Demonstration funds,” said Galati.

The consortium approach allows companies of varied sizes to take part in bringing a new technology to drive CNG refueling infrastructure growth. Empirical data will be collected and verified by the University of Portland and George Fox universities under a separate grant.

“This path could lower the infrastructure costs for vehicle refueling while increasing reliability, and that could drive greater adoption of natural gas as a transportation fuel,” said Galati.

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