Design and Analysis of LNG Cryogenic Tank for Heavy Commercial Vehicle Applications

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Swami Vivekanand College of Engineering, Indore. (M.P)

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Abstract

The transportation industry, particularly in heavy-duty commercial vehicles, contributes significantly to global environmental pollution due to the high emissions associated with conventional diesel fuels. As part of the global push for cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has emerged as a promising alternative fuel for heavy commercial vehicles. LNG offers substantial reductions in carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter emissions, making it an attractive solution for mitigating the environmental impact of long-haul transport. However, the efficient storage and transportation of LNG present significant engineering challenges, particularly when it comes to maintaining the fuel in its cryogenic state during transit. This project focuses on the design, development, and analysis of a LNG cryogenic tank tailored for use in heavy commercial vehicles, addressing the critical factors of structural integrity, thermal insulation, safety, and space optimization. The study employs advanced simulation tools such as ANSYS for Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to model the tank's performance under various operational conditions, including pressure variations, thermal gradients, and vehicle motion. Key objectives include optimizing the tank's design to ensure efficient fuel storage, minimizing boil-off, and ensuring safety under dynamic load conditions while adhering to space and weight limitations typical in commercial vehicles. The final design is validated through rigorous simulations and testing, aiming to provide a cost-effective, lightweight, and safe LNG storage solution that can support the broader adoption of LNG in the transportation sector. Ultimately, the project seeks to advance the development of sustainable technologies that align with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote energy-efficient solutions in the heavy-duty vehicle industry.