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

这个小型企业创新研究（SBIR）第一阶段项目将研究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。柴油转化炉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油成本。采用EGR的富氢合成气能够有效地同时降低发动机NOx和PM的排放。然而，大多数柴油改造都面临着自动点火控制、焦化和燃油滑落、尺寸和重量减轻以及耐久性问题等方面的挑战。自适应紧凑型燃料重整器的关键创新是超细雾化器，该雾化器具有创新的微圆孔耦合超薄层燃料喷雾，蒸汽和空气同时流动。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、结焦和滑动。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台架规模的测试。这项研究的广泛/商业影响对美国能源安全和环境保护具有重要的潜在效益。潜在客户包括发动机oem和汽车制造商。产学研合作将帮助研究生进行基础研究，同时为商业应用提供对柴油燃料改造的更深入了解。

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.