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

本小企业创新研究（SBIR）第一阶段项目将研究自适应紧凑型燃料重整器（ACFR）的优点和可行性，采用基于自热过程的超细均质雾化器。柴油重整器是为燃料电池辅助动力装置（APU）提供合成气（H2+CO）的关键，可以显著降低发动机怠速燃料成本。富氢合成气与EGR可有效同时降低发动机NOx和PM排放，但大多数柴油重整器面临着自燃控制、结焦和燃料泄漏、尺寸和重量减小以及耐用性问题等挑战。自适应紧凑型燃料重整器的关键创新在于超细雾化器，该雾化器具有创新的微型圆形孔口，可同时耦合燃料喷雾、蒸汽和空气流的超薄层。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蒸发并转化为合成气，而不会自燃、结焦和滑脱。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试验。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大的潜在利益。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入的柴油改革理解。

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.