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Appendix B: Project Summary

U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH PROGRAM SOLICITATION NUMBER PR-NC-98-12211
PHASE I-FY 99
PROJECT SUMMARY: (Limit to One Page)
TOPIC OF PROPOSAL:
"Clean Internal Combustion Engine Emissions with Catalytic Ignition System and Water-Alcohol Fuels"
TOPIC LETTER: G
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER: Mark A. Cherry

(1) TECHNICAL ABSTRACT:

This SBIR will address the problem of Nox and toxic air pollutant (TAP) emissions from stationary and mobile internal combustion engine sources. Pollution from internal combustion engine sources constitutes an environmental problem of global magnitude. During Phase I the investigator will demonstrate innovative and cost effective solutions to these problems. The investigator has developed a catalytic ignition system (patented SmartPlug) allowing engine operation utilizing low proof ("wet") alcohol. Engine operation on low proof alcohol (typically 70% ethanol or methanol/30% water) is made possible by the extremely efficient combustion event generated by the SmartPlug. Initial testing of small utility engines using the SmartPlug and alcohol-water fuels has demonstrated very significant reductions in engine emissions. Third party testing demonstrated over 90% reductions in NOx and CO, the absence of S02 and very low C02 as well as 65% reductions in HC levels. This with an INCREASE in power of 20% over the spark-fired gasoline baseline. During Phase I of this SBIR low emissions levels will be documented, even in "cold start models without the necessity of gasoline or other high emissions additives. Phase 11 deliverables will include commercially viable product and scientific mathematical modeling.

(11) ANTICIPATED RESULTS/POTENTIAL CO RCL4,L APPLICATIONS:

Successful completion of Phase I will result in the development and testing of SmartPlug catalytic ignition systems with pre-production durability characteristics (100+ hours) and the development of a mathematical modeling theory which explains system operation and benefits. The innovative and cost effective characteristics offered by the SmartPlug and water-alcohol fuels offer significant commercial opportunities. The system not only reduces costs of OEM ignition systems (simple SmartPlug replaces distributor, high tension leads, spark plugs, etc.), but offers a readily retrofit answer to emissions regulated off-road vehicles, utility engines, weed eaters and other power gardening tools, underground mining engine uses as well as potentially transportation system utilization. Developing countries may become major customers for this technology, which decreases dependence on foreign oil as well as significantly reducing "greenhouse gas" emissions. The investigator was recently awarded a NASA Phase I SBIR, recognizing the SmartPlug's applications in aviation. Phase 11 of the EPA SBIR will involve Two Stroke International (manufacturers of 2 stroke engines), Ski-Free (personal watercraft), Alcohol USA (methanol suppliers) and J.R. Simplot Co. (ethanol producers). Participation by both end users and fuel suppliers will assure and greatly accelerate commercialization of this technology