Generation of hydrogen-rich gas using non equilibrium plasma discharges

This dissertation investigates Non equilibrium plasma discharges, particularly gliding arc plasma discharge and dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) as alternative techniques to thermal or catalytic conversion of hydrocarbons to hydrogen rich gas mixtures. This dissertation comprehensively addresses two important problems associated with the large scale use of biomass, municipal wastes, coal and other hydrocarbons as energy sources. One of the problems is the fouling effect of the by-product of pyrolysis and gasification on process equipment. The by-products are collectively known as pyrogas. Pyrogas comprises of light hydrocarbons, heavy hydrocarbons, tar as well as water, CO2, CO and hydrogen. Some of the negative impacts of tar in fuel reforming include engine wear, disruption of process equipment and high maintenance costs. The other important fuel reforming drawback is the emission of carbon dioxide (a major greenhouse gas responsible for climate change) into the atmosphere. Many scientific studies have elaborated on the impact of anthropogenic CO2 on global climate. Non equilibrium plasma discharge is demonstrated to effectively reform pyrogas into hydrogen rich synthesis gas. A syngas (hydrogen and CO) concentration from 47% to 80%, hydrogen yield of 55% and CO yield of 60% were achieved after plasma assisted pyrogas reforming. Non equilibrium plasma discharge is also shown to be effective in the reforming of hydrocarbon fuels into hydrogen and carbon suboxide without the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Detailed analyses, evaluation and results are presented.Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering -- Drexel University, 201