Abstract: 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.

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: A method and apparatus for a multistage plasmatron fuel reformer system having a wide dynamic operational range. In one aspect, the system includes a plasmatron configured for low flow operation followed by a reaction extension cylinder and then by a nozzle section capable of providing additional air and/or fuel inputs. The nozzle section is then followed by another reaction extension region. When high flow rate of the system is needed, the low fuel flow rate provided by the plasmatron followed by the first reaction extension region provides the high temperature used to effectively initiate the partial oxidation reaction in the next section. The initiation of this reaction may also be facilitated by the presence of hydrogen.

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: A plasmatron-catalyst system. The system generates hydrogen-rich gas and comprises a plasmatron and at least one catalyst for receiving an output from the plasmatron to produce hydrogen-rich gas. In a preferred embodiment, the plasmatron receives as an input air, fuel and water/steam for use in the reforming process. The system increases the hydrogen yield and decreases the amount of carbon monoxide.

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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a multistage plasmatron fuel reformer system having a wide dynamic operational range. In one aspect, the system includes a plasmatron configured for low flow operation followed by a reaction extension cylinder and then by a nozzle section capable of providing additional air and/or fuel inputs. The nozzle section is then followed by another reaction extension region. When high flow rate of the system is needed, the low fuel flow rate provided by the plasmatron followed by the first reaction extension region provides the high temperature used to effectively initiate the partial oxidation reaction in the next section. The initiation of this reaction may also be facilitated by the presence of hydrogen.

Abstract: An inexpensive, robust, and adhesive-free method and apparatus is disclosed for efficiently coupling first and second optical components together utilizing a flexure assembly for fine alignment. An initial three-dimensional rough alignment process positions the first and second optical components proximate to each other and aligns them in three dimensions. The first and second components are then misaligned by a fixed amount, causing a defocus, and then securely fastened together. The fine alignment process uses standard machine screws, or other easily attainable, robust tensioning means to progressively increase the tension around the periphery of the flexure assembly, which causes the flexure to bend and the second optical component to translate along the longitudinal axis of the flexure assembly and tilt with respect to the longitudinal axis of the flexure assembly, which re-focuses and three-dimensionally finely aligns the optical components for optimum coupling efficiency in a simple and secure manner.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A plasmatron-catalyst system. The system generates hydrogen-rich gas and comprises a plasmatron and at least one catalyst for receiving an output from the plasmatron to produce hydrogen-rich gas. In a preferred embodiment, the plasmatron receives as an input air, fuel and water/steam for use in the reforming process. The system increases the hydrogen yield and decreases the amount of carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A plasmatron-catalyst system. The system generates hydrogen-rich gas and comprises a plasmatron and at least one catalyst for receiving an output from the plasmatron to produce hydrogen-rich gas. In a preferred embodiment, the plasmatron receives as an input air, fuel and water/steam for use in the reforming process. The system increases the hydrogen yield and decreases the amount of carbon monoxide.

Abstract: An inexpensive, robust, and adhesive-free method and apparatus is disclosed for efficiently coupling first and second optical components together utilizing a flexure assembly for fine alignment. An initial three-dimensional rough alignment process positions the first and second optical components proximate to each other and aligns them in three dimensions. The first and second components are then misaligned by a fixed amount, causing a defocus, and then securely fastened together. The fine alignment process uses standard machine screws, or other easily attainable, robust tensioning means to progressively increase the tension around the periphery of the flexure assembly, which causes the flexure to bend and the second optical component to translate along the longitudinal axis of the flexure assembly and tilt with respect to the longitudinal axis of the flexure assembly, which re-focuses and three-dimensionally finely aligns the optical components for optimum coupling efficiency in a simple and secure manner.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A plasmatron-catalyst system. The system generates hydrogen-rich gas and comprises a plasmatron and at least one catalyst for receiving an output from the plasmatron to produce hydrogen-rich gas. In a preferred embodiment, the plasmatron receives as an input air, fuel and water/steam for use in the reforming process. The system increases the hydrogen yield and decreases the amount of carbon monoxide.

Abstract: 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.