fuel economy and can carry 20 percent more passengers could debut by the middle of next year. At the heart of the bus is an ultra-high-strength stainless steel body and chassis that would actually be up to 30 percent less expensive to build than the standard bus body. ORNL researchers are helping develop the lightweight structure and chassis by performing computer crash studies. Results show the side intrusion to be within allowable limits. The bus would be much quieter and have far less of an environmental impact compared to typical diesel-powered buses. The bus would also provide significant operational cost savings. The hybrid electric bus is being developed through a collaboration of several partners, including Autokinetics of Rochester Hills, Mich., Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Department of Energy Office of FreedomCAR and Vehicle Technologies Program. [Contact: Ron Walli, (865) 576-0226; wallira@ornl.gov]

ENERGY -- Easier hydrogen flow . . .

Oak Ridge National Laboratory research on fiber-reinforced polymer pipes could help distribute hydrogen more efficiently to service stations of the future. High-pressure fluidized hydrogen can cause cracks, leaks and other failures in metallic piping. The ORNL team led by Tim Armstrong has found fiber-reinforced polymer material significantly reduces embrittlement created in metallic materials. Polymer material also reduces the number of welds and joints, where failures tend to occur. The research has determined installation of the polymer pipeline is cheaper and allows for installation of sensors that can more quickly and accurately identify the pipeline failures. The funding source is the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Hydrogen, Fuel Cells and Infrastructure Program office. [Contact: Fred Strohl, (865) 574-4165; strohlhf@ornl.gov]

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Contact: Mike Bradley
bradleymk@ornl.gov
865-576-9553
DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory
16-Oct-2006

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