Hydrogen sensor for fuel processors of a fuel cell
US6770391B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 4, 2001 |
| Grant date | Aug 3, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 15, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T90/40
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus estimate hydrogen concentration in a reformate stream produced by a fuel processor of a fuel cell. A sensor measures carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and water in the reformate stream. A fuel meter controls fuel input to the fuel processor. An air meter controls air input to the fuel processor. A water meter controls water input to the fuel processor. A transport delay estimator recursively estimates transport delay of the fuel processor. A hydrogen estimator associated with the transport delay estimator, the air, water and fuel meters, and the sensor estimates hydrogen concentration in the reformate stream. The hydrogen estimator includes a fuel processor model that is adjusted using the estimated transport delay. The carbon monoxide, the carbon dioxide and the water are measured using a nondispersive infrared (NDIR) sensor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.