Chart Releases Cold Fuel Solution for LNG Vehicle Fuel Systems (USA)

Chart Industries announced the release of a device that can be added or retrofitted to Chart LNG vehicle fuel systems which ensures compatibility with fuel stations optimized for various engine technologies, including Spark Ignition (SI) and Compression Ignition diesel engines with both Indirect (CI-IDI) and Direct (CI-DI) Injection.

Previously, LNG fuel stations were required to deliver LNG at two different pressures and saturation temperatures to support SI and CI-IDI, as well as CI-DI, engines, driving fuel station infrastructure complexity and cost. Most engines require comparatively low pressure and utilize a Chart developed system that delivers fuel from the station to the vehicle typically above 100 psi and a related saturation temperature of -200o F. This enables a simplified vehicle fuel system, which does not require additional complexity, such as an on-board vehicle pump to deliver fuel to the engine. Diesel engines with CI-DI use fuel systems with on-board pumps that operate better with the colder fuel. Offloading and dispensing an unsaturated colder fuel through a fuel station delivers LNG to the vehicle at typically less than 60 psi, and a related fuel saturation temperature of -215o F. Chart provides fuel station designs which effectively deliver both fuel saturation conditions.

Chart’s new on-board vehicle “Cold-Fuel Pressure Builder” (“CPB”) is designed to accept cold fuel (saturated at less than 60 psi) and consistently support most engine pressure requirements. The CPB, together with existing Chart LNG vehicle fuel systems, will work safely and reliably and with minimized chance of venting during both vehicle operation and refuelling. This feature enables simplified fuel station design and reliable SI engine operation independent of LNG fuel station capability.

A CPB equipped Chart LNG vehicle fuel system will operate just as it does now when it receives saturated LNG (typically above 100 psi) from a fuel station. If it receives lower pressure (and saturation temperature) cold fuel from the fuel station, the CPB automatically raises the pressure (and temperature) of the vehicle fuel tank to reliably meet the engine’s pressure requirements.

The CPB, combined with the Chart LNG vehicle fuel system, minimizes emissions and reduces the higher cost associated with alternative LNG fuel systems requiring cold fuel. In addition, the CPB maintains all the current features and benefits of Chart’s existing LNG vehicle fuel system, such as extended hold time and elimination of venting or fugitive methane emissions during refuelling.

“Chart created the LNG system solution of optimized fuel stations and on-board fuel systems that has proven to be simple and reliable and minimizes the risk of methane emissions. The new CPB further facilitates reliable, low cost implementation benefiting fuel station owners, vehicle manufacturers and fleet operators,” stated Tom Carey, Chart D&S Group President. “Chart’s key customers, both fuel station operators and truck manufacturers, believe this is the right solution to address immediate challenges.”

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