Fuel reformer and methods for using the same
US7691160B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 17, 2005 |
| Grant date | Apr 6, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 4, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P20/52
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
In one embodiment, a fuel reformer can comprise: a mixing zone capable of mixing a fuel and an oxidant to form a fuel mixture and a reforming zone disposed downstream of the mixing zone. The reforming zone comprises a primary substrate and a secondary substrate. The primary substrate is disposed upstream of the secondary substrate and has a primary thermal mass that is greater than a secondary thermal mass of the secondary substrate. One embodiment of a method for operating a fuel reformer can comprise: mixing an oxidant and a fuel to form a fuel mixture, combusting the fuel mixture, heating the secondary substrate above its light-off temperature, changing an air to fuel ratio of the fuel mixture to a reforming mixture, producing an exotherm and a reformate at the secondary substrate, heating a primary substrate with the exotherm to above its light-off temperature, and producing a reformate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.