IRVINE, Calif., 26 Oct. 2005. Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. today announced that it has been awarded a contract by Lockheed-Martin to develop a hydrogen and oxygen fuel storage module for a regenerative power supply system for space exploration.
Utilizing its expertise in ultra-lightweight all-composite gaseous fuel storage, Quantum will develop a unique storage module with higher system weight efficiency than it has demonstrated in the past for Lockheed Martin. Additionally, the storage system will be designed to withstand the extreme conditions experienced on lunar surfaces.
"This program will push the boundaries of storage technologies and advance Quantum's core technology," said Alan P. Niedzwiecki, president and CEO of Quantum. "Quantum will develop ultra-lightweight hydrogen and oxygen tanks well suited to meet the extreme temperature and light weight performance requirements of this program. Meeting these extreme requirements also has the potential to advance our current technologies for hydrogen vehicle commercialization, where temperature and weight considerations are also significant."
The first phase of the program is a one-year effort to design the hydrogen and oxygen tanks. Test tanks will be built to validate the design. Additional activities during the first year will be to design the storage module and test subscale tanks for leakage and permeation of the stored commodities.
Later phases of the program may be awarded. Activities for these phases would include full validation of the tank design, construction of deliverable tanks, and fabrication of a deliverable storage module, with the final tanks integrated.
Quantum and its subsidiary, Tecstar Automotive Group, are leaders in powertrain engineering, system integration and manufacturing of packaged fuel systems and accessories for specialty vehicles and applications including fuel cells, hybrids, alternative fuels, hydrogen refueling, new body styles, mid-cycle vehicle product enhancements and high performance engines and drive trains for OEMs and consumers of aftermarket parts and accessories. Quantum also designs and manufactures hybrid and fuel cell vehicles.
Quantum has product commercialization alliances with General Motors, AM General, Sumitomo and IMPCO. Quantum's customer base includes General Motors, Toyota, Opel, Hyundai, Suzuki, Ford, DaimlerChrysler, Sunline, Yamaha, AeroVironment, and the U.S. Army. For more information, see www.qtww.com.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 130,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2004 sales of $35.5 billion. For more information, see www.lockheedmartin.com/data/assets/9355.pdf.
