Onboard Plasmatron Hydrogen Production for Improved Vehicles

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Service Center in Oakland plans to issue a change order to increase the value of an existing contract with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for additional research and development tasks. This contract, originally awarded on a sole source basis, focuses on advancing the reduction of emissions from diesel engines and improving fuel efficiency through innovative technology. MIT's Plasma Fusion Center is the key entity responsible for developing and optimizing a patented compact plasma reformer known as the Plasmatron, designed for transportation applications. The main objectives include enhancing the hydrogen throughput and enabling the use of biofuels, thereby improving vehicle performance and sustainability. MIT is uniquely qualified for this work due to its pioneering role in plasma reformer development, originating from fusion reactor research, and its possession of several related patents. The institute's multidisciplinary expertise spans plasma physics, hydrocarbon chemistry, diesel engine technology, materials science, and electrical engineering, all essential for creating a durable, cost-effective reformer. This contract demonstrates a strategic partnership aimed at mature development of Plasmatron technology to generate onboard hydrogen for cleaner, more efficient vehicles.