Electric Fuel Conversion with Hydrogen Production by Multiphase Plasma at Ambient Pressure

Abstract Electrifying refinery for unconventional/heavy oils, significant emission reductions, and alternative/bio fuels, faces major technological challenges: conversion, energy efficiency, modularity and integration with renewable electricity. Here, we introduce a multi-phase non-thermal plasma reactor that uses electrical discharges to co-convert liquid fuel and natural gas. Normal hexadecane was treated with methane plasma to validate conversion chemistry, and quantify the pathways of vapor, condensate, liquid and residue mass conversion. A complete mass balance and characterization of all products were determined. Using 500 kJ/kg-hexadecane energy input (∼1% of hexadecane’s energy content) this plasma process co-converts 9.36% of the hexadecane and 20% of the methane by mass. Distribution of products are: 2.18% hydrogen, 45.9% C2-C4, 28.9% high octane gasoline (C5-C11), 16.4% diesel (C12-C18), 2.78% heavier hydrocarbons, and 1.7% coke. Lighter product yields (C5-C15) were ∼9 molecules/100 eV, and modeled by a molecule dissociation mechanism. Hydrogen yield was 34.8 kWh/kg-H2 with minimal GHG emissions. Plasma-chemical conversion efficiency was ∼30%. This conversion process has higher efficiency, and reduces GHG emission compared to traditional technologies.