Transportation Fuel Research and Development

Status

Sequential Number

Matching Research Agency

Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC), Missouri Transportation Institute (MTI), National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM), University of Missouri-Rolla (UMR)

Principal Investigator

Student Involvement

Yes

Project Objectives

UMR has determined to pursue research and development activities in the area of alternative transportation fuels, as this area of interest has become an area of critical importance to the nation.

Project Abstract

The recent establishment of the National University Transportation Center at UMR under the "Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users," expands the research and education activities to include alternative transportation fuels and other issues that are at the forefront of society and the national agenda. UMR in partnership with MTI will establish a rural hydrogen transportation test bed for developing, demonstrating, evaluating, and promoting hydrogen-based technologies in a real-world environment. The State of Missouri is ideally suited to develop and demonstrate the proper operation of hydrogen highways in a rural setting, which represents over 25 percent of the nation's transportation needs and which is not well-represented in the current major national projects. A holistic approach will be taken to address not just the technology but also public perception, permitting, safety standards, and education and training. A key partner already engaged is the NASFM, who regards this project as an "excellent candidate for the model approach to introducing hydrogen to communities." The tasks identified in five areas, viz., Infrastructure Development and Deployment, High-Pressure Composite Cylinders, Inspection and Monitoring, Statistically Validated Codes and Standards, and Safety, constitute a comprehensive research, development and demonstration program to address some of the challenges described in the U.S. Department of Transportation Hydrogen Roadmap 2005.

Anticipated Benefits

Results from this project will be helpful to develop the next generation transportation fuel systems that will reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil, environmental pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions.

Modal Orientation

Hydrogen transportation systems

Milestones

Relationship to other Research/Projects

This project builds on previous studies on manufacturing of composites, non-destructive testing and evaluation, and expands UMR-UTC's current theme. The proposed activities are aimed at initiating the research related to the development of a rural hydrogen transportation test bed that will demonstrate, evaluate and promote hydrogen-based technologies in a real-world environment. Click on the links below for futher explanations of the related activities under this proposal.

On-site Generation of Hydrogen from Ethanol

Modeling of Composite Hydrogen Storage Cylinders Using Finite Element Analysis

Non-Destructive Testing and Evaluation (NDT&E)

High Voltage Disconnect Systems (HVDS)

Statistically Validated Codes and Standards - Stationary Fuel Cells

Hydrogen Flammability Limits and Implications on Fire Safety of Transportation Vehicles

Blast Wave Modeling

Show Me the Road to Hydrogen: UTC/Transportation Fuel Research and Development

Technology Transfer Activities

Lessons learned and technologies developed will be transferred to support national efforts, and critical links will be maintained with other national hydrogen centers.

Transportation Research Board Keywords

Hydrogen Transportation Systems, Composite Storage Tanks, Infrastructure Development and Deployment, Non-Destructive Testing and Evaluation, Safety Codes and Standards, Safety Education, Outreach and Training

Matching Funds

It is anticipated that matching funds will be provided by an energy supplier who will build and operate a multi-fuel filling station at Fort Leonard Wood (FLW), MoDOT, MRPC, MTI, NASFM and UMR.