Internal combustion engine having catalyzed heat exchanger for steam reformation and delivery of hydrogen to a fuel cell
US10859040B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 8, 2019 |
| Grant date | Dec 8, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 8, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/12
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of providing electrical power to on-board electrical devices of a vehicle. The engine has an EGR (exhaust gas recirculation loop) which may be a high pressure loop, a low pressure loop, or a dedicated cylinder loop. A catalyzed heat exchanger on the EGR loop has a steam reformation catalyst and a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger uses hot exhaust gas from the main exhaust line to heat the catalyst. A methane fuel source adds methane to the recirculated exhaust stream before it enters the catalyst, and the catalytic reaction increases the amount of hydrogen in the recirculated exhaust. The hydrogen is then delivered to a PEM fuel cell.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.