Experimental Investigation of Plasma Assisted Reforming of Propane
Plasmatron fuel converters have been investigated for the conversion of a wide range of fuels. This paper is one of a series of paper investigating the performance of plasmatron reformers. In this paper a systematic experimental investigation is carried out of the reformation of propane in a plasmatron fuel reformer. The effect upon reformation of flow rate distribution and electrical power level are investigated for a given geometry that has been thoroughly studied with a similar gaseous fuel, methane. A limited set of startup experiments with propane are discussed
A comparative study of non-thermal plasma assisted reforming technologies
On board hydrogen production out of hydrocarbons (reforming) for fuel cells feed is subject to problems when used with traditional catalysts. High device weight, a relatively long transient time and poisoning problems make the integration onboard a vehicle complex. In response to these challenges, hydrocarbons reforming processes assisted by non-thermal plasmas for hydrogen production have been implemented over recent years. This paper aims to provide an overview of the setting up, feasibility and efficiency of the existing technologies here investigated. This state-of-the-art technology review explains the key characteristics of plasma reforming through various original approaches. The performances of some of the systems are then compared against each other and discussed.
Stretch in Premixed Laminar Flames Under IC Engine Conditions
Flamelet models for turbulent combustion provide an approach (via the laminar flame) to include detailed flame chemistry into fluid dynamic simulations of IC engines. The flamelet model postulates that a turbulent flame is a statistical distribution of premixed, laminar flames. However. turbulence affects the laminar flames through strain (a) and curvature. The effect of positive strains (outflow condition) on counter-flow flames is evaluated by integrating the species destruction (or formation) through the flame.This integral is the net reaction per area of the flame and is compared to the integral for the unstrained flame. Strain reduces the net reaction rate per unit area. Flame stretch is a measure of the reduction in fuel consumption due to turbulent strain. Flame stretch is a property tending to slow turbulent flame speeds by the reduction in fuel consumption. In a strained flame, reactant and product reaction rates are changed by different amounts indicating that the internal structure of the flame...