HydrogenSource Develops Diesel Reformer Technology For Diesel Emissions Reduction

SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn., March 9 -- HydrogenSource LLC, a leading developer of fuel processing systems, announced today that it has developed a compact diesel reformer that could enable diesel engines to meet future requirements for reduced Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions.

The HydrogenSource system reforms diesel fuel into a hydrogen-rich gas that can be used to significantly reduce NOx emissions from diesel engines.

HydrogenSource has collaborated with Ricardo Inc. to integrate the reformer into an exhaust system on a 2004 Ford F-250 diesel pickup truck to demonstrate a complete diesel emissions solution.

Diesel engines currently emit high levels of NOx and particulate matter that result from the diesel combustion process. Engine modifications alone are not likely to reduce these pollutants to 2010 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards. Instead, it is expected that diesel engines will require some form of catalytic exhaust-after treatment like the one developed by HydrogenSource to meet the strict new regulation.

The HydrogenSource approach uses lean NOx traps (LNTs) to remove NOx from the exhaust. These LNTs work by trapping NOx on a catalyst surface. The catalyst is "regenerated" by using a reductant to chemically convert the trapped NOx into nitrogen.

Diesel fuel can be used as a reductant for LNT regeneration by directly injecting it onto the LNT. However, diesel fuel is not very reactive at low temperatures, resulting in unreacted diesel fuel flowing through the system creating a high fuel penalty.

HydrogenSource has developed a unique diesel reformer to convert a small portion of diesel fuel to hydrogen-rich gas that can be used for regenerating LNTs. This reformer is based on its patented catalytic partial oxidation (CPO) technology for generating hydrogen on-board vehicles.

This approach offers many advantages because hydrogen is a far more effective reductant than diesel fuel. The use of hydrogen-rich gas allows the LNT catalyst to be regenerated at significantly lower temperatures improving catalyst life, reducing fuel penalty and lowering overall cost. Additionally, hydrogen can provide improved emissions control during cold startup.

HydrogenSource has collaborated with Ricardo Inc. to develop a complete exhaust after treatment system that is designed to meet future low NOx emissions standards. This system couples a compact CPO reformer with LNT catalysts and a diesel particulate filter. The system has been installed on a 2004 Ford F-250 diesel pickup truck, and HydrogenSource and Ricardo are currently commissioning the vehicle and will shortly begin operational testing of the prototype system.

"We are proud, not only of our diesel reforming technology, but also to be working with Ricardo to demonstrate our capability to reduce diesel emissions," said Fran Kocum, Vice President of Technology at HydrogenSource. "Packaging the system underneath a pickup truck and using it to demonstrate that a 2004 engine can approach future low NOx emissions standards will show the significant promise of this technology."

HydrogenSource LLC develops fuel processing solutions for the transportation and stationary fuel cell markets, as well as hydrogen generators for the merchant hydrogen and other non-fuel cell markets. Headquartered in South Windsor, Connecticut in the U.S., it also has research alliances in Japan and Europe. HydrogenSource is a joint venture company formed by Shell Hydrogen, a division of Shell Oil Products Company LLC, and by UTC Fuel Cells, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation.

Ricardo Inc. is the US operation of Ricardo plc, a leading engineering technology provider, undertaking research, design, development and strategic services to the world's automotive manufacturers. Ricardo plc is a public company based in the UK. Ricardo Inc., its North American headquarters, is located in Van Buren Twp., Michigan.

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