Agility Fuel Systems said it has produced a new behind-the-cab compressed natural gas fuel system that has a higher capacity and lighter weight. The announcement was made this week at the 2014 Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) Conference and Expo.
The updated system holds 160 DGE (up from 155 DGE) and weighs 500 lbs. less than the previous model. The improvements to the system come from the Agility Hexagon joint venture’s first new product: a new higher capacity and lighter cylinder design, the company explained.
The system utilizes four of the newly designed cylinders, for a total weight of only 2,050 lbs., and requiring only 31 ¼ in. of frame rail space. Depending on the application, the system can deliver a driving range of 600 plus miles before refueling.
While it serves as a stand-alone system, it can also be packaged with up to 126 DGE side-mounted systems for a total of 286 DGE and a range in excess of 1,100 mi.
The Type 4 cylinders are plastic lined and externally constructed exclusively with carbon fiber. They are more than 70% lighter than steel tanks and not subject to corrosion.
Both fast and time fill receptacles are easily accessible and come complete with an easy to read high-pressure gauge for accurate filling. Area pressure relief devices monitor a larger area than “point” pressure relief devices. The system can be mounted inside existing fairings to maintain the truck’s aerodynamic profile.
Agility also announced a new product support service center. The 5,000 sq. ft. facility, located in Santa Ana, CA, will provide both end-users and service providers with technical assistance, warranty authorization and processing, parts distribution and more. It is staffed by over 50 employees and supports a network with 150 service providers and four parts depots.
