High efficiency, high temperature heat recuperation for reduced plasma energy consumption

The proposed program will develop a novel non-thermal plasma-based reactor for converting relatively inexpensive natural gas methane) to higher value products. With our unique design, the reformate desired product) yields can be increased with minimal electrical power. As such, the proposed technology will further reduce the cost of fuel reforming and enable the technology to be more commercially competitive with non-plasma based fuel reforming technologies. The proposed new reactor design is the key innovation that will enable increased reformate yields and higher thermal efficiency. Modeling work will be performed to guide the experimental program. A bench-scale demonstration unit will be developed and tested. Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. will also work closely with our industrial partner to commercialize the technology. A new reactor with very high thermal efficiency will be designed, fabricated and tested in partnership with Professor Fridman and Dr. Rabinovich at the Drexel Plasma Institute. The technology leverages a compact, lightweight, patent- pending heat exchanger technology developed at Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. Efforts to commercialize the technology will be made with support from our industry partner. Abundant inexpensive reserves of natural gas can be reformed to more valuable fuels, including syngas, hydrogen, methanol, acetylene, ethylene, and other products. The proposed technology will enable plasma reforming to be more competitive with alternative reforming techniques.