Description:
OBJECTIVE: Develop a system to generate hydrogen from water on site for use in combatant craft diesel engines to decrease dependency of Naval Special Warfare on petroleum fuels and to increase craft fuel economy and range. DESCRIPTION: Improving fuel economy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing fuel costs associated with Military vehicles is a necessity given dwindling budgets and the ability to affect significant savings through operational efficiencies. One of the easiest and most cost effective ways to achieve this is through the use of alternative fuels/technology that can fully or partially replace petroleum derived fuels using existing internal combustion engine technology without extensive or costly modification. The proposed work within Naval Special Warfare Group Four (NSWG-4) is to investigate the performance, efficiency, and emission characteristics of diesel engines designed at the factory to use conventional diesel fuel exclusively, when introduced to mixtures of hydrogen and oxygen, as well as pure hydrogen. The hydrogen introduced into the engine will be generated from water on site. Targeted efficiencies include potential petroleum fuel savings of 30 to 50 percent and potential power and payload increases given the inherent complete burn of fuel. PHASE I: Conduct a feasibility study on the generation of hydrogen from water on site and the introduction of varying amounts of hydrogen and oxygen into the air stream of a diesel internal combustion engine at the time of induction, so that no extra injection system or additional modifications to existing engine hardware is required. Comment on the fuel consumption (efficiency), engine out Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) to be reduced by introducing small amounts of hydrogen and oxygen in the airstream of a conventional diesel engine. Identify experiments and a systematic approach to quantify the reduction in fuel consumption and harmful emissions output. Conduct experiments and laboratory studies to quantify results. Report on the electrical energy and costs required to produce hydrogen from water on site, including equipment weight and size, and compare these costs to the costs of petroleum. Report on the hydrogen applications to offer operational energy solutions that challenge the math, method and logistics associated with expeditionary maneuver to, from and within the Battlespace. The objective of this USSOCOM Phase I SBIR effort is to conduct and document the results of a thorough feasibility study to investigate what is in the art of the possible within the given trade space that will satisfy a needed technology. The feasibility study should investigate all known options that meet or exceed the minimum performance parameters specified in this write up. It should also address the risks and potential payoffs of the innovative technology options that are investigated and recommend the option that best achieves the objective of this technology pursuit. The funds obligated on the resulting Phase I SBIR contracts are to be used for the sole purpose of conducting a thorough feasibility study using scientific experiments and laboratory studies as necessary. Operational prototypes will not be developed with USSOCOM SBIR funds during Phase I feasibility studies. Operational prototypes developed with other than SBIR funds that are provided at the end of Phase I feasibility studies will not be considered in deciding what firm(s) will be selected for Phase II. PHASE II: Perform testing on a prototype diesel/gas engine to be provided (loaned) by Naval Special Warfare Group Four. Generate Hydrogen from water on site and introduce varying amounts of hydrogen and oxygen into the air stream of a diesel internal combustion engine at the time of induction, so that no extra injection system or additional modifications to existing engine hardware is required. Report on energy require to produce hydrogen from water on site, engine fuel consumption (efficiency), engine out Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) to be reduced by introducing small amounts of hydrogen and oxygen to the intake airstream. Identify the optimum level of hydrogen for reducing engine out Nitrogen (NOx) levels. The testing and a systematic approach shall quantify the reduction in fuel consumption and harmful emissions output. Report on the electrical energy and costs required to produce hydrogen from water on site, including equipment weight and size, and compare these costs to the costs of petroleum. Report on the hydrogen applications to offer operational energy solutions that challenge the math, method and logistics associated with expeditionary maneuver to, from and within the Battlespace. PHASE III DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Applicable to Special Naval Special Warfare combatant craft diesel engines. Commercial use application is based on improving fuel economy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing fuel costs associated with commercial internal combustion engines.
