SBIR Phase I: Developing an Adaptive Compact Fuel Reformer with an Ultra-Fine Homogenous Atomizer

该小型企业创新研究(SBIR)第一阶段项目将调查使用基于自热过程的超细均匀雾化器的自适应紧凑型燃料重整器(ACFR)的优点和可行性。柴油重整装置是为燃料电池辅助动力装置(APU)提供合成气(H2+CO)的关键，可显著降低发动机怠速燃料成本。富氢合成气与废气再循环是同时降低发动机NOx和PM排放的有效手段。然而，大多数柴油重整器面临着自动点火控制、结焦和燃油滑移、尺寸和重量减轻以及耐用性等问题。自适应紧凑型燃料重整器的关键创新是超细雾化器，它具有创新的微圆形小孔，同时连接了燃油喷雾、蒸汽和空气的超薄层。该雾化器可以产生非常小的燃料液滴(~10微米)和均匀的混合物，可以在很小的空间内快速汽化并转化为合成气，而不会自燃、结焦和打滑。第一阶段工作将完成燃料重整器的关键设计工作，并对关键部件进行实验室小试。这项研究的更广泛/更广泛的商业影响对美国能源安全和环境保护具有重要的潜在好处。潜在客户包括发动机OEM和汽车制造商。产学合作研究将帮助研究生进行基础研究，同时为商业应用提供更深层次的柴油改革理解。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Project will investigate the merits andfeasibility of an Adaptive Compact Fuel Reformer (ACFR) using an Ultra-Fine HomogeneousAtomizer based on an autothermal process. Diesel reformer is the key to provide syngas (H2+CO) forfuel cell auxiliary power unit (APU) which can significantly reduce engine idling fuel cost. Hydrogenrich syngas with EGR is effective for simultaneously reducing engine NOx and PM emissions.However, most diesel reformers face challenges of auto-ignition control, coking and fuel slip, sizeand weight reduction, and durability issues, etc. The key innovation of the adaptive compact fuelreformer is an ultra-fine atomizer, which has an innovative micro-circular orifice coupling ultra-thinlayer of fuel spray, steam and air flow simultaneously. The atomizer can produce very small fueldroplets (~10 micron) and homogenous mixture, which can be quickly vaporized and converted intosyngas in a small space without auto-ignition, coking and slip. The Phase I work will complete thekey design work for the fuel reformer and conduct lab bench scale testing for key components.The broader/commercial impacts of this research are significant potential benefits for USenergy security and environment protection. The potential customers include engine OEMs and automakers. The industry-university collaborated research will help graduate students carry onfundamental research while providing deeper understanding of diesel fuel reformation for commercialapplications.