Plasma Technology

The Microplasmatron Fuel Converter (Plasmatron)

Division head Dan Cohn (left), Kamal Hadidi, Leslie Bromberg and Alex Rabinovich work on the plasmatron, a device that converts hydrocarbon fuel into a cleaner burning hydrogen gas.

The microplasmatron fuel converter (plasmatron, winner of the 1999 Discover Award for Technological Innovation) is a device that would be used on a vehicle to transform gasoline or other hydrocarbons into hydrogen rich gas. The plasmatron uses an electrically conducting gas (a plasma) to accelerate reactions that generate hydrogen rich gas. The hydrogen-gas, which is a high quality fuel, is then used as a fuel in the engine resulting in greatly reducing pollution. The small size and rapid response of the plasmatron make it suitable for use onboard vehicles. There is also a need to reduce air pollution from cars, trucks and buses. There is also a need to better use a greater variety of fuels, to reduce green house gas production and to conserve nonrenewable energy resources. Use of plasmatron will provide a means to meet these needs at acceptable cost and without the requirement to reduce vehicle range and performance.

More about the plasmatron.

For more information contact: Dr. Leslie Bromberg

Other Division Research:

Microwave Continuous Emissions Monitor for Metals

Millimeter-Wave Nuclear Waste Glass Melter Measurements

High Power Electrodeless Plasma Torch