Highly Efficient, Compact Hydrogen Generator for use in Marine Diesel Engines

The proposed study will investigate several technology concepts capable of producing hydrogen on site from water and supplying it to an operating marine diesel engine. Addition of a small amount of hydrogen to the intake air-fuel charge can enable the engine to operate with better performance, efficiency, and with fewer harmful greenhouse gas emissions. The concepts being considered will be thoroughly analyzed and included in a well documented feasibility study. The result of this study is the recommendation of the concept that best meets the requirements set forth by the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM). Advanced Cooling Technologies (ACT) will carefully evaluate what is in the art of possible to meet the specifications set forth by SOCOM. Advanced computational engine modeling will be carried out by ACT"s partners and utilized for validation of the proposed concepts in the Phase I study. Special attention will be paid to the overall energy balance of each technology in order to maximize gains in engine efficiency while meeting or exceeding current engine performance. ACT expects to both identify and establish a development plan for the most promising technology by the end of the Phase I effort.