EMISSIONS REDUCTION USING HYDROGEN FROM PLASMATRON FUEL CONVERTERS

CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ABOUT PLASMATRON WORKING TYPES ADVANTAGES CONCLUSION

INTRODUCTION Now-a-days, pollution has become a major threat to the Environment. Vehicular exhaust(NOx,CO,HC etc…) are mainly responsible for the pollution. PLASMATRON fuel converter technology is the new technique introduced in this field to reduce the concentration levels of emissions.

ABOUT PLASMATRON Engineers have long known that adding hydrogen to gasoline makes an engine run cleaner and more efficiently. In the mid-1990s, scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) began looking at plasma technology as a possible solution to this problem. Suitable for both fuel pretreatment and for exhaust after-treatment applications.

SCHEMATIC FIGURE OF PLASMATRON FUEL CONVERTER

TYPES 1)Emission control methods a) Fuel pre-treatment b) Exhaust after-treatment 2)Plasmatron fuel converters a) Thermal type b) Low current type

LOW ENGINE EMISSION CONCEPT Gasoline (e.g. 25%) Hydrogen-rich gas (H2+CO) Onboard PlasmatronFuel Converter Fuel Tank Ultra lean Burn Gasoline engine Reduced pollutants (NOx) Increased efficiency Gasoline (e.g. 75%)

H2-Assisted NOx Trap: Test Set-up Power Air Fuel Reformer Fuel Reformate NOx Trap A To Tailpipe Engine Brake Valve NOx Trap B Switching Valve

Normal Operation Regeneration Diesel Engine Emissions Aftertreatment Concept Normal Operation Regeneration Small side stream of diesel fuel Hydrogen rich gas Exhaust from engine (Oxygen rich) NOx Absorber Catalyst Absorber Catalyst Plasmatron Reformer Clean exhaust Clean exhaust

WORKING Plasmatron fuel converters provide electrical discharge in flowing gases of hydrocarbon fuels and air. The resulting generation of reactive species in the following gases along with the increased mixing accelerates reformation of hydrocarbon fuels into hydrogen rich gas. They may also be utilised for increase in gas stream enthalpy,futher accelerating the reaction rate.

WORKING(contd…) The boost provided by the plasma can facilitate partial oxidation reactions with negligible soot production. Under ideal stoichiometric conditions the partial oxidation reaction is, CnHm + n/2 O2 nCO +m/2 H2 (Exothermic reaction) It provides continuos ignition at the entrance of the fuel and helps in the gasification of fuel.

ADVANTAGES Has the potential to increase gasoline engine efficiency by 20 to 25%. Could potentially reduce U.S. oil imports by 1.5 million barrels per day. May reduce diesel engine exhaust emissions by 90% Requires modest engine modifications,but no major redesign of the vehicle

CONCLUSION The basic reason behind introducing this type of advancements is that it is our responsibility to protect our environment from emission hazards…