Engine Reformer Systems for Lower Cost, Smaller Scale Manufacturing of Methanol and Other Gas to Liquid (GTL) Products

Exclusively Licensed

A reformer-liquid fuel manufacturing system that utilizes an engine to generate hydrogen-rich gas is disclosed. The engine operates at very rich conditions, such as 2.5<φ<4.0. In doing so, it creates an exothermic reaction, which results in the production of syngas. In addition, the system utilizes the energy from the exothermic reaction to rotate a shaft and also utilizes the heat in the syngas to heat the reactants. A mechanical power plant is in communication with the rotating shaft and can be used to produce oxygen, provide electricity or operate a compressor, as require. The hydrogen-rich gas is supplied to a chemical reactor, which converts the gas into a liquid fuel, such as methanol.

Researchers

Daniel Cohn / Amrit Jalan / Alexander Sappok / William H. Green / Leslie Bromberg

Departments: MIT Energy Initiative, Office of the Vice President for Research, Plasma Science and Fusion Center
Technology Areas: Chemicals & Materials: Catalysis & Synthesis / Energy & Distribution: Distribution, Electrochemical Devices, Hydrocarbons / Industrial Engineering & Automation: Manufacturing & Equipment

  • engine reformer systems for lower cost, smaller scale manufacturing of liquid fuels
    United States of America | Granted | 9,909,491
  • engine reformer systems for lower cost, smaller scale manufacturing of liquid fuels
    United States of America | Granted | 9,169,773
  • engine reformer systems for lower cost, smaller scale manufacturing of liquid fuels
    China | Published application

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