Integrated fuel injection and mixing systems for fuel reformers and methods of using the same
US7547002B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 15, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jun 16, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 17, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S261/55
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Systems and methods for injecting and mixing a liquid hydrocarbon fuel to provide a uniform, homogenous fuel vapor mixture for introduction into a fuel reformer for use with a fuel cell are disclosed. Preferably, the system includes a fuel injector that generates and aspirate a liquid fuel in the presence of an atomizing gas stream; a diverging-converging mixing chamber, into which the atomized fuel and a secondary fluid stream are introduced, to enhance the mixing of the fuel and the added heated gas or steam; and a mixer/swirler, which can be centrally located in the mixing chamber between the upper and lower chambers, to stabilize the fuel vapor mixture further for greater uniformity and homogeneity. More preferably, grooves and/or brazed wires can be provided on the surfaces of the mixing chamber and/or mixer/swirler to channel any accumulated fuel so as to provide sufficient time to evaporate the accumulated fuel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.