A Plasma-Based Multi-Fuel Reformer

Inexpensive methods of producing large amounts of high-quality hydrogen are critical barriers to the implementation of a hydrogen-based transportation economy. Technology has been rapidly progressing in the field of hydrocarbon reformers; however, no single reformer currently exists that can reform both liquid and gaseous hydrocarbon feed stocks into hydrogen gas. During Phase I, Lynntech demonstrated the validity of a multi-fuel, plasma-based reformer that can consume any liquid or gaseous hydrocarbon feedstock. The reformer has no catalysts to be poisoned, is completely scalable, and produces hydrogen gas and fine solid carbon particulate that can be sequestered, or oxidized to power the reforming process. The process is environmentally friendly, and hydrogen clean up is easier than competing reforming technologies due to the high hydrogen content at the outlet of the plasma (< 15 vol% of CO, CO2, H2S, and other poisons). During the Phase II effort Lynntech will optimize the plasma-based multi-fuel reformer, add the balance of plant, and demonstrate the prototype system to USAF personnel. Lynntech will integrate the carbon to electricity subcomponents to the prototype system in the optional Phase II Plus Up period. The final system will produce 3-5 kg/day of PEM fuel cell quality hydrogen at 3000-5000 psi.