SBIR-STTR Award

Diesel and gasoline are difficult to reform in devices that have rapid response, are compact for onboard use and have high efficiency (ratio of heating value of reformate to heating value of hydrocarbon). The use of plasma energy in these hydrocarbon reforming offers the possibility of higher conversion rates, lower energy consumption and soot-free generation of hydrogen. A compact plasmatron fuel reformer system will be tested for the production of hydrogen from diesel and other heavy hydrocarbons (Fischer-Tropsch). The purpose of the proposed program is to extend plasma catalytic reforming of diesel for fuel cell applications. Two of the main issues is the cleanup of the hydrogen produced and the fast startup. The work scope includes the demonstration of the rapid response generation of hydrogen rich gas, as well as a conceptual design of an integrated unit that produces high purity hydrogen from diesel.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee:
Compact microplasmatron fuel converters have the potential of generating hydrogen from hard-to-reform fuels. The technology could find applications onboard vehicles that utilize fuel cells.