Rapid start fuel reforming systems and techniques
US8968432B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 23, 2011 |
| Grant date | Mar 3, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 23, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P20/10
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An on-board fuel processor includes a microchannel steam reforming reactor (30) and a water vaporizer (40) heated in series with a combustion gas. The reformer (30) and the vaporizer (40) are both of a cross-flow panel configuration that allows for low combustion side pressure drop. Fuel is directly injected into the steam, and during a rapid cold start, both the combustion gas flow rate and the steam to carbon ratio are substantially increased relative to their steady state operating values. A rapid cold start can be achieved in under 30 seconds with a manageable amount of electric power consumption, removing impediments to use in automotive fuel cell applications.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.