Transportation Technical Expertise From National Labs
U.S. Department of Energy’s national laboratories offer customized problem-solving assistance to overcome transportation technology challenges in vehicles, fueling infrastructure, and alternative fuels. They leverage robust data, tools, analysis, and real-world technical experience to help organizations make informed choices that align with their project goals. A wide variety of organizations, including Clean Cities and Communities coalitions, fleets, industry stakeholders, original equipment manufacturers, and fuel providers, can reach out for assistance.
National laboratory experts are available to respond to any question—big or small. From issues that can be solved over email or phone, to complex challenges, strategic guidance requests, and technical questions, experienced staff is ready to help.
Customized Problem Solving
The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) team has more than 30 years of experience tackling transportation challenges through customized problem-solving and lasting partnerships. They provide unbiased support to help evaluate, plan for, and deploy alternative fuel vehicles, infrastructure, and innovative mobility options. Experienced staff can help with inquiries related to all alternative fuel types, advanced transportation technologies, and associated infrastructure.
Transportation Technical Expertise in Action: Increasing Uptime for Propane Forklifts
NLR partnered with the Propane Education & Research Council to solve fuel system challenges with propane forklifts at an aluminum alloy wheel warehouse facility. Fuel issues were taking forklifts out of service and costing the manufacturer $500,000 annually. NLR’s analysis showed that a lack of propane filtering was leading to clogged fuel systems. They provided recommendations to install on-site propane storage to increase the amount of fuel they have on hand and implement filtering. This would save money on fees for labor markup and frequent deliveries from the fuel supplier and allow the manufacturer to capture the residual propane in forklift tanks that are exchanged for refilling.
Areas of Expertise
National laboratory expertise includes, but is not limited to:
- Alternative fuel vehicle and infrastructure deployment
- Vehicle maintenance facility design and guidelines
- Training, safety, and workforce development
- Analysis and planning for innovative mobility options
- Business and public administration
- Power needs analysis and working with utilities
- Distributed energy resource and back-up power solutions.
Contact Us to Get Started
Use this form to request technical assistance. You can expect a response to your initial inquiry within two business days. The National Laboratory of the Rockies will connect you with a team member whose expertise matches your need.
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