A Feasibility Evaluation of a Thermal Plasma Fuel Reformer for Supplemental Hydrogen Addition to Internal Combustion Engines

December 30, 1999

Conference Paper

A Feasibility Evaluation of a Thermal Plasma Fuel Reformer for Supplemental Hydrogen Addition to Internal Combustion Engines

Abstract

This paper reports on a mass and energy balance model that has been developed to evaluate the overall system efficiencies of a thermal reformer-heat exchanger system capable of delivering hydrogen to the air intake of a gasoline engine. The mass and energy balance model is utilized to evaluate the conditions where energy losses associated with fuel reformation may be offset by increases in engine efficiencies.

Revised: August 18, 2009 | Published: December 30, 1999

Citation

Virden J.W., J.E. Surma, L. Bromberg, A. Rabinovich, D.R. Cohn, and J.S. Armfield. 1999. A Feasibility Evaluation of a Thermal Plasma Fuel Reformer for Supplemental Hydrogen Addition to Internal Combustion Engines. In Government/Industry Meeting, April 26-28, 1999, Washington DC. SAE Technical Paper Series, Paper no. 1999-01-2239. Warrendale, Pennsylvania:Society of Automotive Engineers. PNNL-SA-32534.