ClearFlame

ClearFlame Engine Technologies, incorporated in 2016, is a strategic player in the decarbonization of heavy-duty transportation. The company was founded by Dr. Julie Blumreiter and Dr. BJ Johnson, who developed the core technology during their doctoral studies at Stanford University. Their research focused on creating a practical solution to reduce emissions from diesel engines without requiring a complete overhaul of the existing transportation infrastructure. The company's technology modifies the architecture of existing diesel engines, enabling them to operate on a wide range of carbon-free or low-carbon liquid fuels, such as ethanol, methanol, and ammonia. This approach allows for the retention of the high torque and performance characteristics inherent in traditional diesel engines, a critical factor for the heavy-duty trucking, agriculture, and power generation sectors it serves.

The business model centers on providing this patented engine modification technology to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and fleet operators. By retrofitting existing engines, ClearFlame offers a capital-efficient pathway for its clients to meet increasingly stringent emissions regulations and achieve their sustainability targets. The core of their offering is a system that adjusts the engine's temperature to achieve continuous, high-temperature combustion, which is necessary for burning cleaner fuels efficiently. This process of “sootless” combustion eliminates the need for complex and costly after-treatment systems typically required to scrub pollutants from diesel exhaust. The company has secured significant partnerships and has completed successful pilot programs with major players in the trucking and agricultural industries, demonstrating the viability and performance of its solution in real-world conditions. Revenue is generated through technology licensing, the sale of retrofit kits, and engineering services to integrate their solution into different engine platforms.

The journey of the founders is central to the company's trajectory. Both Dr. Johnson, who serves as CEO, and Dr. Blumreiter, the Chief Technology Officer, possess deep expertise in combustion science and engine technology. Their academic background at Stanford's advanced engine research lab provided the foundational knowledge to tackle the challenge of diesel emissions. This technical acumen is combined with a pragmatic business strategy focused on leveraging the hundreds of billions of dollars already invested in the diesel engine manufacturing and support ecosystem. By offering a solution that works with what already exists, ClearFlame positions itself as a transitional technology that can accelerate the move toward a net-zero carbon future for hard-to-abate sectors.

Keywords: diesel engine modification, decarbonization, alternative fuels, ethanol combustion, methanol engine, heavy-duty transportation, emissions reduction, engine retrofit, clean technology, sustainable logistics