A Reformer to Convert Engine Exhaust Gases, Reducing Harmful Emissions and Producing Hydrogen to be Reused in the Fuel System

The transport sector contributes 23% of total world CO2 emissions, with road transport
responsible for the highest share of emissions globally. The impact of growing demand for
transport in terms of environment, energy use & efficiency demands a step change in
performance to deliver a sustainable transport system. A number of innovations are receiving
interest in the mkt place, one of these being ‘multi-fuel’ engine technology. G-Volution (GV)
Limited have developed a unique patented fuel control technology, the ‘Optimiser’ which
allows a large diesel engine to operate on a mixture of two (or more) fuels that are combusted
simultaneously. Using diesel & a secondary fuel (e.g. LPG) the Optimiser provides a ‘bolt-on’
solution that delivers significant fuel cost (10-15%) & CO2 emissions savings (7-9%). Despite
these significant benefits, there is a major emissions challenge with multifuel engines as they
have higher hydrocarbon (HC) emissions than single fuel engines. HCs react with ground
level ozone to form smog which is the most widespread & intractable urban air pollution
problem.
With support from the TSB, GV aim to address this issue through the development of a
‘basic’ prototype of a ‘reformer technology’ that involves the reformation of the exhaust & a
fuel in the presence of a catalyst to produce a reformate mixture which can be used as a
tertiary fuel in the engine, & thus utilise the excess HC emissions. When combined with the
Optimiser, GV believe that CO2 emissions & fuel costs will be further reduced & efficiency
will increase, whist reducing HC emissions in the atmosphere. The technology will initially be
targeted in the HGV sector where a 10-15% fuel cost saving can make a big impact
(transferability into the domestic transport mkt is envisaged). GV believe the reformer has the
potential to enhance the ‘transitional’ role of the Optimiser to revolutionise the transport
sector. Further prototyping will follow with expected mkt introduction in 2013.