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PCI Awarded NSF SBIR Phase I Grant for Increasing Methane in Diesel Fuel Reformate NORTH HAVEN, CT -- (July 6, 2006) -- Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) today announced it has been awarded a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to develop a technology for increasing the methane content in diesel fuel reformate. Methane in the reformate is helpful to solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) systems, since its utilization in the stack reduces stack temperature and increases stack life. The proposed simpler, higher efficiency reformer will displace secondary methanation and associated support components. Successful development of this technology would help lower cost, raise efficiency and lengthen life for SOFC and MCFC systems operating on diesel fuel. Achieving sufficiently robust, efficient and low cost reforming of liquid fuels suitable for SOFC/MCFC systems would help broaden the applicability of these fuel cell technologies. Key initial applications would be for commercial and military truck APUs and military ships. Microlith® reactors have already been demonstrated for use in catalytic partial oxidation (CPOX) and autothermal reforming (ATR) and are being developed for JP-8 and diesel fuel reforming in DOD-funded SBIR and other programs. This new program will build upon t fuel processor hese existing programs to address the methane requirements of high temperature fuel cell systems. Kevin Burns, PCI’s President commented, “The ability to reform to higher methane levels will add yet another advantage that our Microlith® fuel processor technology brings to the fuel cell industry. This builds on our ability to catalytically reform both natural gas and logistics fuels such as diesel without coking, and our reactors’ competitively small size, low weight, fast transient response and high efficiency all provide benefits for mobile applications. I’m especially pleased with this NSF award because it is validates the scientific potential for our methanation advantage, and gives us support in building added value for our customers.” Precision Combustion, Inc. (www.precision-combustion.com) is a clean energy technology company developing and manufacturing a range of catalytic devices and systems for energy sector applications. PCI products include RCL® ultra-low NOx catalytic combustors for gas turbines, high heat rate downhole steam generators for heavy oil production, and Microlith® compact, high efficiency catalytic reactors and systems for fuel processors, fuel cell systems, compact burners, IC engine emissions aftertreatment, chemical reactors, adsorption-based air cleaning and other applications. Customers of PCI include gas turbine, aerospace system, engine and fuel cell system manufacturers as well as the U.S. government. CONTACT: Precision Combustion, Inc.
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