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U.S. Department of Energy
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E. Plasma Catalysis for NOx Reduction from Light-Duty Diesel Vehicles

Book ·
OSTI ID:966331

In this program, we have been developing a novel plasma/catalyst technology for the remediation of NOx under lean (excess oxygen) conditions, specifically for compression ignition direct injection (CIDI) diesel engines that have significant fuel economy benefits over conventional stoichiometric gasoline engines. Our previous work has shown that a non-thermal plasma in combination with an appropriate catalyst can provide NOx emission reduction efficiency of 60-80% using a simulated diesel exhaust. Based on these levels of NOx reduction obtained in the lab, a simple model was developed in this program last year that allows for the estimation of the fuel economy penalty that would be incurred by operating a plasma/catalyst system. Results obtained from this model suggest that a 5% fuel economy penalty is achievable with the then current state-of-the-art catalyst materials and plasma reactor designs.

Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
966331
Report Number(s):
PNNL-13728; VT0401000
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English