Alexander RABINOVICH, et al.: Plasmatron Fuel Reformer [**rexresearch.com**](http://rexresearch.com/)[**rexresearch1.com**](http://rexresearch1.com/) --- **Alexander RABINOVICH, et al.** **Plasmatron Fuel Reformer** --- **Onboard Plasmatron Hydrogen Production for Improved Vehicles Bromberg, L., et al.****[ [PDF](06ja003plasmatron.pdf) ]** --- [**https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0360319998000135**](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0360319998000135)**Compact plasmatron-boosted hydrogen generation technology for vehicular applications****Bromberg, et al.**Onboard hydrogen generation using compact plasmatron devices could provide important new possibilities for reducing pollution from motor vehicles, making use of alternative fuels, and increasing engine efficiency. These improvements would involve the use of the plasmatron as a very small, rugged, rapid response and highly flexible means of electrical heating of gases. Plasmatron heating could be used to facilitate conversion of a wide range of hydrocarbon fuels into hydrogen-rich gas onboard a vehicle. Use of combinations of fuels is possible through potential transformation of a variety of fuels into hydrogen-rich gas. Another advantage of use of onboard plasmatron generation of hydrogen is that it could be used only when required and could be readily turned on and off. Preliminary experimental studies of plasmatron 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. --- [**https://trid.trb.org/view/481296**](https://trid.trb.org/view/481296)**ONBOARD PLASMATRON GENERATION OF HYDROGEN FOR EXTREMELY LOW EMISSION VEHICLES WITH INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES**Plasmatron-internal combustion engine systems could be used to provide very large reductions in pollutant emissions from vehicles using gasoline and other fuels. Plasmatron devices could convert polluting and lower cost fuels into higher quality, cleaner burning hydrogen-rich gas (hydrogen and carbon monoxide). Compact plasmatron units could provide highly controllable electrical heating of ionized mixtures of gasoline and air thereby facilitating production of high-purity hydrogen-rich gas by partial oxidation. Hydrogen-rich gas and hydrogen-rich gas/gasoline mixtures would then be combusted in internal combustion engines operated with very lean fuel/air mixtures (equivalence ratios of 0.5 to 0.7). The electricity required by the plasmatron would be provided by a generator driven by the engine. The increased engine efficiency provided by the use of the hydrogen-rich gas could compensate for the power loss resulting from the plasma-boosted partial oxidation process. Overall emissions levels of NOx, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons could be extremely low relative to present vehicles with three-way catalytic converters. NOx levels could be reduced by factors of 10 to 100. Key feasibility issues that must be investigated include plasmatron energy requirements, purity of plasmatron-generated hydrogen-rich gas and plasmatron electrode lifetime. (A) --- [**https://www.inderscienceonline.com/doi/abs/10.1504/IJVD.1994.061858**](https://www.inderscienceonline.com/doi/abs/10.1504/IJVD.1994.061858)**Plasmatron internal combustion engine system for vehicle pollution reduction****Alexander Rabinovich, Daniel R. Cohn and Leslie Bromberg**A system in which an onaboard compact plasmatron processes gasoline or other hydrocarbon fuels (ethanol, methanol, natural gas, JP4 and possibly oil) to produce hydrogenarich gas for vehicular internal combustion engines is considered. Use of the hydrogenarich gas as either the entire fuel or as an additive in the internal combustion engine could substantially reduce NOx, CO and hydrocarbon emissions. The electricity to provide the fuel processing in the plasmatron is provided by a generator driven by the internal combustion engine. An important feature of the system is the avoidance of an unacceptably large decrease in overall fuel efficiency resulting from the electricity requirement of the plasmatron. Using controlled fuel injection, it may be possible to readily switch during driving between 100% gasoline operation, hydrogen additive operation and 100% hydrogenarich gas operation. --- [**https://par.nsf.gov/servlets/purl/10313082**](https://par.nsf.gov/servlets/purl/10313082)**Scaling Up of NonaThermal Gliding Arc Plasma Systems****for Industrial Applications****Alexander Rabinovich, et al.****[ [PDF](plasmatron3.pdf) ]**Scaling up of transitional awarma plasmas to industrial level gives possibility to develop plasma systems that combine advantages of thermal and non thermal discharges such as low temperature and high process selectivity (compare to thermal plasma) at high pressure and average power density. Non-equilibrium acolda gliding arcs (with observation of equilibrium to non equilibrium transition) has been demonstrated at power level 2a3 kW and proved to be a highly efficient plasma stimulators of several plasma chemical and plasma catalytic processes, including hydrogen/syngas generation from biomass, coal and organic wastes, exhaust gas cleaning, fuel desulfurization and water cleaning from emerging contaminants. The gliding arc evolution includes initial micro-arc phase with fast transition to transient non-equilibrium phase with elevated electric field, low gas and high electron temperatures, as well as selective generation of active species typical for cold plasmas. The paper will describe experimentally achieved scaling up of the non-equilibrium gliding arc discharges to the level of 10a15 kW, as well as theoretical scaling up limitations of this powerful non-equilibrium plasma systems. --- [**https://www.researchgate.net/publication/255220693\_Low\_current\_plasmatron\_fuel\_converter\_having\_enlarged\_volume\_discharges**](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/255220693_Low_current_plasmatron_fuel_converter_having_enlarged_volume_discharges)**Low current plasmatron fuel converter having enlarged volume discharges**A novel apparatus and method is disclosed for a plasmatron fuel converter ("plasmatron") that efficiently uses electrical energy to produce hydrogen rich gas. The volume and shape of the plasma discharge is controlled by a fluid flow established in a plasma discharge volume. A plasmatron according to this invention produces a substantially large effective plasma discharge volume allowing for substantially greater volumetric efficiency in the initiation of chemical reactions within a volume of bulk fluid reactant flowing through the plasmatron --- [**https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ppap.201800159**](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ppap.201800159)**Process optimization of methane reforming to syngas using Gliding Arc Plasmatron****Shridhar B. Shenoy, Alexander Rabinovich, Alexander Fridman, Howard Pearlman**The main objective of this paper is analysis of the advantages of using non-thermal gliding arc plasma for natural gas reforming to Syngas. The key feature of gliding arc reforming process is that non-equilibrium plasma is used only as a catalyst thus ensuring minimum energy consumption (3a5% of fuel heating value). The dependence of Specific Energy Requirement (SER), Electric Power Consumption and produced syngas composition on incoming air/methane flow rate, O/C ratio and preheating temperature is discussed. The optimal parameters of the process (SER a0.25akW-hama3 of syngas at O/C ratio a 1.3 and electric power consumption <5%) could be achieved by preheating incoming air/methane mixture with highly efficient heat exchanger (simulated in experiments by external electrical heater). With the aim of possible industrial applications, the results obtained are at high flowrate (40a80 SLPM), O/C ratio 1.1a1.5, preheating temperature a 800aK and high Syngas concentration (H2- 25a27 vol.%; CO 15a17 vol%). --- [**https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/15/3/1071**](https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/15/3/1071)**A Developed Plasmatron Design to Enhance Production of Hydrogen in Synthesis Gas Produced by a Fuel Reformer System****by Ahmed A. Alharbi, et al.****[ [PDF](energies1501071v3.pdf) ]**Feeding IC engines with hydrogen-rich syngas as an admixture to hydrocarbon fuels can decrease pollutant emissions, particularly NOx. It offers a potential technique for low-environmental impact hydrocarbon fuel use in automotive applications. However, hydrogen-rich reformate gas (syngas) production via fuel reforming still needs more research and optimization. In this paper, we describe the effect of a plasma torch assembly design on syngas yield and composition during plasma-assisted reforming of gasoline. Additionally, erosion resistance of the cathode-emitting material under the conditions of gasoline reforming was studied, using hafnium metal and lanthanated tungsten alloy. The gasoline reforming was performed with a noncatalytic, nonthermal, low-current plasma system in the conditions of partial oxidation in an air and steam mixture. To find the most efficient plasma torch assembly configuration in terms of hydrogen production yield, four types of anode design were tested, i.e., two types of the swirl ring, and two cathode materials while varying the inlet air and fuel flow rates. The experimental results showed that hydrogen was the highest proportion of the produced syngas. The smooth funnel shape anode design in Ring 1 at air/fuel flow rates of 24/4, 27/4.5, and 30/5 g/min, respectively, was more effective than the edged funnel shape. Lanthanated tungsten alloy displayed higher erosion resistance than hafnium metal. ![](plasmatron4.webp) ![](plasmatron4a.webp) **Figure 2. View of the test bench showing the following components: (A) power supply; (B) steam generator; (C) air heater; (D) reactor; (E) gas filters; (F) cooler.** --- [**https://www.dl.begellhouse.com/journals/5a5b4a3d419387fb,25266a5313ab0f35,45d0685f58ea04a0.html**](https://www.dl.begellhouse.com/journals/5a5b4a3d419387fb,25266a5313ab0f35,45d0685f58ea04a0.html)**Plasma Acid Production in a Gliding Arc Plasmatron**Plasma acid is an acidic solution simply produced from water and a carrier gas in an electrical discharge. These produced solutions are of high value for biological decontamination and industrial pollutant abatement applications. While several electrical discharges have been shown to produce plasma acid, the subject of this study is the gliding arc plasmatron, a rotating gliding arc discharge. Air and oxygen were used as gases to carry for distilled water through the discharge, and pH and conductivity of the resulting solution was measured. Consistent with other studies of plasma acid, solutions with a lower pH were obtained with air at the carrier gas than with oxygen, and the conductivity increased appropriately with the pH decrease. Other studies noted a transient change in plasma acid after treatment in an air carrier gas, whereas in this study, oxygen also was observed to temporally decrease the acidity over several days. --- **US5425332A****Plasmatron-internal combustion engine system****[ [PDF](US5425332A.pdf) ]** **![](US5425332.jpg)** Rotary power system. The system includes a source of hydrocarbon fuel which is supplied to a plasmatron which reforms the fuel into a hydrogen-rich gas. An internal combustion engine is connected to receive the hydrogen-rich gas from the plasmatron. The engine powers an electrical generator and the generated electricity is connected to the plasmatron. In one embodiment, the engine also receives hydrocarbon fuel along with the hydrogen rich gas. The combination of plasmatron and internal combustion engine results in lowered exhaust emissions. --- **WO0114702****LOW POWER COMPACT PLASMA FUEL CONVERTER** **[ [PDF](WO0114702A1.pdf) ]** **![](wo0114702.jpg)** The plasma fuel converter includes an electrically conductive structure for forming a first electrode and a second electrode is disposed to create a gap with respect to the first electrode in a reaction chamber. A fuel-air mixture is introduced into the gap and the power supply is connected to the first and second electrodes to provide voltage in the range of approximately 100 volts to 40 kilovolts and current in the range of approximately 10 milliamperes to 1 ampere to generate a glow discharge to reform the fuel. The high voltage low current plasmatron of the invention is low cost, has long electrode life, utilizes a simple power supply and control and eliminates the need for an air compressor. --- **US5437250****Plasmatron-internal combustion engine system****[ [PDF](US5437250A.pdf) ]**Rotary power system. The system includes a source of hydrocarbon fuel which is supplied to a plasmatron which reforms the fuel into a hydrogen-rich gas. An internal combustion engine is connected to receive the hydrogen-rich gas from the plasmatron. The engine powers an electrical generator and the generated electricity is connected to the plasmatron. In one embodiment, the engine also receives hydrocarbon fuel along with the hydrogen rich gas. The combination of plasmatron and internal combustion engine results in lowered exhaust emissions. The plasmatron may include water plasmatrons and partial oxidation plasmatrons. --- **US2007289291****Apparatus and Method for NOx Reduction****[ [PDF](US2007289291A1.pdf) ]** **![](US200728929.jpg)** Apparatus and method for NOx reduction. A reducing catalyst is provided on a monolith or other suitable catalytic converter element. A multi-mode fuel processor of liquid hydrocarbon fuel is capable of delivering a required quantity and composition of a reducing agent while operating in a desired sequence of the following modes: partial oxidation, incomplete pyrolysis, evaporation, combustion, and atomization. Temperature sensors detect the catalyst temperature and means are provided to introduce the reducing agent into the exhaust stream at a rate correlated to the measured temperature. Means also provided to implement a predetermined control algorithm. --- **US5887554****Rapid response plasma fuel converter systems****[ [PDF](US5887554A.pdf) ]** Systems for producing hydrogen-rich gases including rapid response plasma fuel converters are provided. The rapid response plasma fuel converters systems are suitable for use in vehicles and the like in which the systems are capable of instantaneously providing hydrogen-rich gas, reducing pollutants during vehicle startup and allowing use of hydrogen-rich gas during load changes. The systems are preferably capable of responding on the order of a second or less. The systems include a plasma fuel converter for receiving hydrocarbon fuel and reforming the hydrocarbon fuel into a hydrogen-rich gas, an internal combustion engine adapted to receive the hydrogen-rich gas from the plasma fuel converter, a generator powered by the engine and connected to deliver electrical energy to power the plasma fuel converter, and a power supply circuit capable of rapidly providing power to the plasma fuel converter in response to a stimulus. The stimulus can be movement in the accelerator pedal controlled by the driver of the vehicle. The plasma fuel converters can be operated pulsed or non-pulsed modes of operation and can utilize arc or high frequency discharges. The plasma fuel converter can be either separated from the engine or directly integrated into the engine to allow for more efficient use of the thermal energy produced by the plasma fuel converter. --- **US5852927 Integrated plasmatron-turbine system for the production and utilization of hydrogen-rich gas [ [PDF](US5852927A.pdf) ]** Systems for producing hydrogen-rich gases including rapid response plasma fuel converters are provided. The rapid response plasma fuel converters systems are suitable for use in vehicles and the like in which the systems are capable of instantaneously providing hydrogen-rich gas, reducing pollutants during vehicle startup and allowing use of hydrogen-rich gas during load changes. The systems are preferably capable of responding on the order of a second or less. The systems include a plasma fuel converter for receiving hydrocarbon fuel and reforming the hydrocarbon fuel into a hydrogen-rich gas, an internal combustion engine adapted to receive the hydrogen-rich gas from the plasma fuel converter, a generator powered by the engine and connected to deliver electrical energy to power the plasma fuel converter, and a power supply circuit capable of rapidly providing power to the plasma fuel converter in response to a stimulus. The stimulus can be movement in the accelerator pedal controlled by the driver of the vehicle. The plasma fuel converters can be operated pulsed or non-pulsed modes of operation and can utilize arc or high frequency discharges. The plasma fuel converter can be either separated from the engine or directly integrated into the engine to allow for more efficient use of the thermal energy produced by the plasma fuel converter. --- **US6981472 Homogeneous charge compression ignition control utilizing plasmatron fuel converter technology [ [PDF](US6981472B2.pdf) ]** A method and apparatus for operation of an internal combustion engine running under a homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) mode with fuel partially reformed by an onboard fuel reformer. In one embodiment, the onboard fuel reformer is a plasmatron fuel converter. The temperature and composition of the gaseous charge into the cylinders of the engine can be adjusted by mixing the charge into the cylinder (which contains air, exhaust gas and/or unreformed fuel) with hydrogen rich gas from the onboard reformer. The fuel reformer transforms the fuel to a mixture of hydrogen, CO and other light hydrocarbons. By adjusting operation in the reformer, the composition of the reformate can be altered. In addition to thermal management of the cylinder charge, the reformate can be used as a fuel blending agent in order to adjust the octane/cetane number of the air charge and thus control the ignition timing of the overall fuel/air charge to the cylinder. --- **US7407634 PLASMATRON FUEL CONVERTER HAVING DECOUPLED AIR FLOW CONTROL [ [PDF](US7407634B2.pdf) ]**A novel apparatus and method is disclosed for a plasmatron fuel converter ("plasmatron") that efficiently uses electrical energy to produce hydrogen rich gas. The plasmatron (10) has multiple decoupled gas flow apertures or channels (30, 40, 50, 60, 80) for performing multiple functions including fuel atomization, wall protection, plasma shaping, and downstream mixing. In one aspect, the invention is a plasmatron fuel converter comprising a first electrode (20) and a second electrode (24) separated from the first electrode by an electrical insulator (22) and disposed to create a gap with respect to the first electrode (20) so as to form a discharge region (26) adapted to receive a reactive mixture. A power supply (18) is connected to the first and second electrodes and adapted to provide voltage and current sufficient to generate a plasma discharge within the discharge region (26). Fluid flows are established in the vicinity of the plasma discharge region (26) by multiple decoupled flow establishing means. --- **US2006075991 HYDROGEN AND CARBON MONOXIDE ENHANCED KNOCK RESISTANCE IN SPARK IGNITION GASOLINE ENGINES [ [PDF](US2006075991A1.pdf) ]**A method for reducing required octane number and spark ignition gasoline engine system with hydrogen-enhanced knock resistance. The method includes the addition of hydrogen or hydrogen-rich gas containing carbon monoxide to gasoline. Octane number can be improved. A spark ignition gasoline engine system is provided to supply gasoline and hydrogen or hydrogen-rich gas to the engine at a varying hydrogen or hydrogen-rich gas to gasoline ratio selected both to prevent knock and to ensure a desired level of combustion stability. The engine system may be normally aspirated or boosted and EGR may be added. The hydrogen-rich gas to gasoline ratio may be controlled as a function of boost pressure, torque, engine speed, or air/fuel mixture ratio. --- ---