HYDROGEN TANK CONVERSION
KEYWORDS: : : Bus, Transit, Mobility, Finite Element Analysis, Crashworthiness
Delivered a safe, lightweight hydrogen tank mounting solution for mobility van conversions by optimizing tank layout, frame design, and mounting durability under real-world driving and crash conditions.
Key Highlights:
- Conducted packaging feasibility studies for ceiling-mounted vs roof-mounted hydrogen tank layouts
- Compared two large tanks vs multiple smaller tanks for capacity-to-weight efficiency and overall vehicle integration
- Designed a lightweight aluminum frame utilizing existing roof rack mounts, with additional fasteners along the roof skin perimeter
- Integrated reinforcement brackets under the ceiling while clearing headliner, ducting, and other interior components
- Provided detailed drawings, fabrication support, and shims for streamlined installation
- Performed finite element analysis of tank mounts under durability events (jounce, twist, cornering, braking over bumps and potholes) using full vehicle models
- Conducted simplified crash analysis (30g fore-aft/lateral) to evaluate mounting frames and bracketry
- Sized and validated fasteners using InDepth’s proprietary fastener validation software