PSFC/JA-02-30 Onboard Plasmatron Generation of Hydrogen Rich Gas for Diesel Engine Exhaust Aftertreatment and Other Applications

Diesel plasmatron reformer technology can provide substantial throughputs without the need of using a catalyst The use of the special plasma facilitates robust noncatalytic conversion of diesel fuel into hydrogen rich gas with hydrogen yields that could be sufficient for NOx trap regeneration applications. Higher yields can be obtained with the use of a catalyst. Plasmatron reformers could also be used for manufacturing of ethene, which could be useful as a selective reducing agent. In addition, plasmatron reformer technology can be used for converting a range of biofuels into hydrogen rich gas. These fuels include various oils. This capability may improve the prospects for use of renewable fuels in a variety of vehicular applications. This paper discussed the status of plasmatron diesel fuel reformers and possible applications to diesel engine exhaust aftertreatment. Onboard Plasmatron Generation of Hydrogen rich Gas for Diesel Engine Exhaust Aftertreatment and Other Applications L. Bromberg*, D.R. Cohn*, J. Heywood**, A. Rabinovich* * Plasma Science and Fusion Center **Dept. of Mechanical Engineering and Sloan Automotive Laboratory. Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge MA 02139