Consortium to Test Disruptive Compression Technology for CNG Refueling

Northwest Natural Gas Company (NYSE: NWN), dba NW Natural, of Portland, Oregon and Carnot Compression LLC based in Scotts Valley, California have formed a consortium to build and test an innovative CNG refueling unit.

The planned 2-GGE/hour prototype compressor will use Carnot’s proprietary isothermal micro-bubble compression technology, which utilizes the weight of a working liquid in a centrifugal (g-force) environment to compress natural gas. The Carnot Compressor will be designed to approach isothermal or constant temperature compression and is projected to cut the energy utilized for compression by 30 percent or more over conventional technology.

Carnot will engineer, design and manufacture the prototype CNG refueling unit (HRA/VRA range) in collaboration with NW Natural and the consortium. According to Carnot CEO, Todd Thompson, “Carnot’s system is designed to deliver dry and pure output gas, superior reliability, and scalability within a relatively small footprint.” The project will validate system performance for Carnot’s patent-pending technology in a real-world setting.

“We welcome additional consortium members from the natural gas pipeline and utility businesses, CNG/NGV industry and other interested parties,” said Chris Galati, CNG program manager for NW Natural. He noted that Fortis BC has recently joined the consortium. “The great thing about becoming a consortium member is that each participant can leverage their individual Research, Development and Demonstration funds.”

The consortium approach allows companies of varied sizes to take part in bringing a new technology to drive CNG refueling infrastructure growth. Empirical data will be collected and verified by the University of Portland and George Fox universities under a separate grant.

Added Galati, “This path could lower the infrastructure costs for vehicle refueling while increasing reliability, and that could drive greater adoption of natural gas as a transportation fuel.”

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