Abstract: Plasma reformer having a high voltage electrode spaced apart from a grounded electrode creating a volume therebetween. At least one electrically floating electrode is disposed between the high voltage electrode and the grounded electrode and a fuel atomizer is disposed to inject a hydrocarbon fuel into the volume. Structure is provided for introducing air into the volume and a high voltage source establishes a high voltage between the high voltage electrode and grounded electrode to create a cascade arc in the volume. The electrically floating electrodes increase the arc length and the discharge volume to create a cascade arc having a combined extended length and increased contact time with an air-fuel mixture for reforming a hydrocarbon fuel.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: High enthalpy low power plasma reformer. An annular ground electrode includes a air intake manifold and helical structure for directing an air helically along the ground electrode in a heat transfer relation. A high voltage electrode is spaced from the ground electrode to create a gap through which preheated air flows, the high voltage electrode including a passage for delivery of hydrocarbon fuel to an atomizer. A plasma discharge occurs within an electric arc discharge region within the annular ground electrode in which the fuel is partially pyrolized to produce hydrogen rich gas.

Abstract: Plasma reformer having a high voltage electrode spaced apart from a grounded electrode creating a volume therebetween. At least one electrically floating electrode is disposed between the high voltage electrode and the grounded electrode and a fuel atomizer is disposed to inject a hydrocarbon fuel into the volume. Structure is provided for introducing air into the volume and a high voltage source establishes a high voltage between the high voltage electrode and grounded electrode to create a cascade arc in the volume. The electrically floating electrodes increase the arc length and the discharge volume to create a cascade arc having a combined extended length and increased contact time with an air-fuel mixture for reforming a hydrocarbon fuel.