ADVANCED NATURAL-GAS VEHICLE DEVELOPMENT

The Applied Physics Laboratory, working in conjunction with private industry, has developed a compact-sized natural gas-powered automobile. This prototype, the Advanced Natural Gas Vehicle, operates with a high-compression, four-valve-per-cylinder engine tailored to natural gas, incorporates chassis and rear-suspension modifications to increase space for fuel storage, and uses composite-material tanks arranged into fuel storage assemblies as well as specially designed tires. The integrated design of the fuel storage system and chassis enables the prototype to carry sufficient compressed natural gas fuel for a 300-mi driving range, while maintaining adequate trunk storage space. Ultralow exhaust emissions have been demonstrated.