Compact plasmatron-boosted hydrogen generation technology for vehicular applications

Onboard hydrogen generation using compact plasmatron devices could provide important new possibilities for reducing pollution from motor vehicles, mak ing use of alternative fuels, and increasing engine efficiency. These impro vements would involve the use of the plasmatron as a very small, rugged, ra pid response and highly flexible means of electrical heating of gases. Plas matron heating could be used to facilitate conversion of a wide range of hy drocarbon fuels into hydrogen-rich gas onboard a vehicle. Use of combinatio ns of fuels is possible through potential transformation of a variety of fu els into hydrogen-rich gas. Another advantage of use of onboard plasmatron generation of hydrogen is that it could be used only when required and coul d be readily turned on and off. Preliminary experimental studies of plasmat ron conversion of difficult-to-use alternative fuels (biofuels), iso-octane (representative of gasoline), and diesel fuel are described. Concepts for application to trucks and other heavy duty vehicles, sport utility vehicles and automobiles are discussed. (C) 1999 International Association for Hydr ogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.