Bringing a new LNG-tank technology to industrial readyness

Project Information

Cryoshelter

Grant agreement ID: 673853

DOI

10.3030/673853

Project closed

EC signature date 17 April 2015

Start date 1 May 2015

End date 31 March 2017

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Smart, Green And Integrated Transport

Total cost

€ 2 433 382,50

EU contribution

€ 1 700 000,00

Coordinated by

CRYOSHELTER GMBH
Austria

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - Cryoshelter (Bringing a new LNG-tank technology to industrial readyness)

Reporting period: 2016-04-01 to 2017-03-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Switching from Diesel to Methane is the most effective path to sustainable heavy duty truck transport. CO2 and NOx emissions are reduced substantially, particulate matter emissions are virtually eliminated. This process has started by use of natural gas establishing the filling station network and building up the truck fleet have begun. Renewable biogas will be added along the way to a full sustainability as CO2 reduction will gain an increasing economic value.
Within this project Cryoshelter has brought a 2nd generation LNG tank technology for heavy duty trucks to industrial readiness. Cryoshelter’s unique selling proposition are the biggest fuel capacity within a given frame space, the longest hold time on the market and the most adaptable tank design with intuitive operation.
The primary objective of this project was to verify a commercially viable tank by putting tanks on the road, demonstrate durability, demonstrate a target production capacity, demonstrate profitability and fulfill the required industry’s certifications. This has been achieved.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The work focused on bringing the Cryoshelter second generation LNG tank technology to industrial readiness. The product design was brought from prototype status to series design which included the development of an assembly rig to prove that the technology can be industrialized achieving the required tact times and quality. The assembly process has been developed with demonstration of each step. Quality systems (ISO9001 and IATF 16949) have been implemented. Tanks have been put on the road.
Cryoshelter is in the process of forming a partnership with an Tier 1 supplier for the series production of Cryoshelter LNG tanks for an OEM contract. Cryoshelter has global patents protection of its key technology elements and has already gained some global attention with coverage in LNG relevant media.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Cryoshelter’s unique selling proposition are the biggest fuel capacity within a given frame space, the longest hold time on the market and the most adaptable tank design with intuitive operation.
The widespread introduction of LNG as a clean an competitive fuel alternative to Diesel has begun. The build-up of critical filling station coverage of the main truck routes across Europe – which is being supported under the EU Blue-Corridors project – is moving ahead. The natural gas truck market is already shifting from retrofitting solutions to OEM solutions. Dedicated natural gas engines are clean, quiet and increase in power. If fueled with renewable methane – biogas – these trucks achieve close to zero-emissions, CO2 neutral and virtually particulate matter free. NOx emissions are more than 70% below the current EURO VI emissions limits without the use of SCR.

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