MAAT ENERGY CO — Department of Energy SBIR Phase I: 20d

Description

Two main problems have motivated the proposed research: (1) the increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is altering the climate of the planet; and (2) fossil fuel reserves are dwindling, yet the demand for fuel in the aviation industry is increasing. Alternative jet fuels that use carbon dioxide as a carbon source will reduce future carbon dioxide emissions and still allow predicted growth in aviation. This proposal outlines the development of a novel microwave plasma catalysis reformer that has both high yield and selectivity in the conversion of carbon dioxide and methane into synthesis gas, a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Fischer-Tropsch processes can then be used to convert the synthesis gas into jet fuel or other fuels and chemical products. The plasma catalysis reformers can also be used to convert excess electrical energy to chemical potential and provide stability to the electrical grid. A microwave-based plasma source provides certain advantages: (1) reduced maintenance and contamination through electrodeless operation; (2) higher throughput by operating at atmospheric pressure; (3) nearly 100% efficient coupling to plasma, and (4) inexpensive sources. The technical objectives in phase I are threefold: first, reforming carbon dioxide and methane to synthesis gas with an energy efficiency of more than 60 %; second, conversion fraction of carbon dioxide and methane into synthesis gas of more than 90 %; and third, establishment of a techno-economic and carbon life cycle basis for commercialization of alternative jet fuel production using plasma catalysis reforming and Fischer-Tropsch process with up to 90 % reduction in carbon emissions as compared to fossil-based fuel.There is significant demand for low carbon intensity jet fuel, and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis is an approved pathway. The current supply of alternative jet fuel is approximately 5 million gallons per year and is forecast to rise to 120 million gallons by 2020. Initial techno-economic analysis of the combined plasma catalysis reformation and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis of alternative jet fuel projected a minimum selling price near the market price of conventional jet fuel with a 30-90 percent reduction of carbon dioxide emissions (depending on feedstocks). If the project is successful, the environmental and economic impact is billions of gallons of displaced conventional jet fuel: for every billion gallons displaced, a potential ten million tonnes of CO2 emissions can be reduced.