Onboard Plasmatron Hydrogen Production for Improved Vehicles

The National Nuclear Security Administration Service Center in Oakland plans to issue a change order increasing the value of an existing contract with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to expand the scope of work. The original contract, awarded on a sole source basis, focuses on research and development aimed at reducing emissions from diesel engines and enhancing fuel efficiency. Central to this effort is MIT’s Plasma Fusion Center, which is developing and optimizing a patented compact plasma reformer, known as the Plasmatron, for transportation applications. This technology emphasizes increasing hydrogen throughput and the capability to use biofuels, contributing to cleaner, more efficient vehicle operation. MIT is uniquely positioned to advance the Plasmatron technology due to its pioneering role in plasma physics and fusion research, as well as holding multiple patents on the device. The Center brings together expertise in plasma physics, hydrocarbon chemistry, diesel engines, materials science, and electrical engineering to develop a durable, cost-effective reformer. The Plasmatron originated from fusion reactor R&D at MIT and continues to evolve under the institute’s stewardship, aiming to mature the technology for practical, onboard hydrogen production to improve vehicle emissions and fuel economy.