Abstract
A method for the production of a hydrogen-rich gas on board a vehicle was suggested and driving- and bench-tested for application in studies on energy-efficient internal combustion engines with minimum CO, CO2, CH, and NO x emissions. The generated gas is further added to the main fuel fed to the engine. Catalysts for hydrocarbon fuel conversion to syngas were developed. A compact on-board syngas generator mounted under the motor hood and a generator control system adapted to the engine control system were designed. It was shown experimentally that the suggested solution allows a reduction of 13–40% in the fuel rate depending on the operating mode under the urban cycle conditions and considerably decreases the release of CO, CO2, and NO x . Prospects for the applications of this technology for creating ecologically clean engines were assessed.