Not sure if this has been posted, but thought it was pretty interesting. At least we know the DOE is publicly recognizing HTI's technology and although it is awarding a competitor, I'm quite happy to see this public exposure. IMO
3 winners of DOE’s “America’s Next Top Energy Innovator”
US Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced three winning startup companies—based on a public vote and an expert review—out of the 14 participating in the US Department of Energy (DOE) “America’s Next Top Energy Innovator” challenge. (Earlier post.)
Initially, 36 start-up companies elected to participate in this first-of-its-kind effort. Of those 36 companies, 14 signed option agreements allowing them to license advanced technologies developed and patented by one of the DOE 17 National Laboratories and the Y-12 National Security Complex. The three winning companies are:
•Umpqua Energy, a startup company based in Medford, Oregon, is using an Argonne National Laboratory technology to develop a system that allows a gasoline engine to operate in an extreme lean burn mode in order to increase gasoline mileage. One negative side effect of a lean burn engine, whether powered by gasoline or diesel fuel, is an increase in the amount of emissions released to the environment.
Umpqua Energy’s EVOPAC system combines an advanced hydrogen-injection system using a plasma reformer with a DeNOx Catalyst. The plasma reformer, installed into the engine compartment, convert fuel into hydrogen. The hydrogen is then injected into the combustion chambers and ignites the fuel earlier in the engine’s process, causing more power in the downward stroke. The hydrogen causes the fuel to burn more completely, resulting in greater fuel efficiency, less emissions, and more power.
The DeNOx Catalyst attaches to the tailpipe and has been proven to reduce NOx emissions by 85%. Combined with hydrogen injection, the complete EVOPAC system provides the most complete emission reduction system yet, according to Umpqua.
Tests have demonstrated reductions in fuel usage in hydrogen-injection systems compared with conventional combustion engines. The introduction of hydrogen into the engine virtually eliminates fuel emissions while greatly reducing the emissions of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide.
(see article for the other two winners )
