Analytical Approach on Fuel Tank Design for LPG Vehicle

Abstract

LPG vehicles are advantageous in terms of emissions and fine dust compared to diesel cars, but the power performance is low, and LPDI (Liquified Petroleum Gas Direct Injection) system using turbo direct injection technology is currently being developed. Nevertheless, LPG prices are expected to continue to decline due to the increase in shale gas production, and are expected to contribute to eco-friendly vehicles through the development of commercial LPG vehicles. In 2017, the public can own LPG cars that have been registered for more than 5 years, and the "Safety Management and Business Law of Liquefied Petroleum Gas" was revised. Therefore, from October 2017, the general public has been able to purchase LPG RVs, etc. that use LPG fuel. Since 2018, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has given the first grade to electric hydrogen vehicles, the first to third grades for gasoline, the first to fifth grades for gasoline and gas, and the third to fifth grade for diesel vehicles. Therefore, it is expected that customers will be interested in purchasing LPG vehicles in the future. Moreover, in March 2019, the Ministry of Environment made it possible for the general public to purchase LPG vehicles as part of countermeasures against fine dust. The purpose of this study was to develop an optimal fuel tank in the form of a donut by utilizing the tire space stored in the existing trunk to secure the LPG storage tank in the LPG passenger car as the demand for LPG cars increased. As a development method, structural analysis and destruction experiments according to the internal pressure on the tank were applied.