摘要:
A reformer substrate for supporting a catalyst in a hydrocarbon reformer, comprising a graded structure that is inhomogeneous either radially, longitudinally, or both. The inhomogeous graded structure components are selected and arranged to maintain the catalyst operating temperature during extended periods of catalytic inactivity. Selection is based primarily on heat capacity and/or thermal loss properties. Generally, the perimeter of the substrate, radially and/or longitudinally comprises a thick wall of high thermal mass materials to reduce conductive and radiated heat loss, and a high thermal capacity material within the substrate to reduce radiated heat loss. Preferred materials are open-cell rigid foams such as zirconia-toughened alumina reticulated foam, for negative thermal loads in endothermic reaction regimes, and zirconia-mullite honeycomb monolith, for positive or neutral thermal loads in exothermic or autothermic reaction regimes.
摘要:
A glow sensor (10, 60, 72) which combines functions of a diesel engine glow plug with an ion sensor for sensing engine combustion initiation and characteristics includes a ceramic rod (16) retained in a supporting ceramic sleeve (14) carried by a metal shell (12) mountable in an engine cylinder head. The ceramic rod (16) includes a heating element (42) in a glow tip (38) at the inner end (36) of the rod (16) which, in use, extends into an engine combustion chamber or pre-chamber. A conductive material (40) such as platinum or palladium is coated on the lower end (34) of the glow tip (38) and connected by a conductor (44) with a source of electric voltage. In use, the voltage produces a current carried by electrons generated by ionization of the combustion chamber gases during combustion. The current varies with the degree of ionization and the amount of electrons generated during various phases of the combustion event. The resulting information is usable in controlling engine operation or evaluating its operation for test purposes. Various construction features of disclosed embodiments include an internal conductor (54) through the ceramic rod (16) from the platinum or palladium material to a lead (56) or an external conductor (62) applied on the surface of the ceramic rod (16) with which an insulating ceramic sleeve (64) is utilized to mount the rod (16) within its supporting shell (12). Grounding connections through an additional lead (68) from the outer end (34) of the ceramic rod (16) or via metallic connections through the ceramic sleeve (64) to the shell (12) are alternatively disclosed.
摘要:
A glow sensor (10, 60, 72) which combines functions of a diesel engine glow plug with an ion sensor for sensing engine combustion initiation and characteristics includes a ceramic rod (16) retained in a supporting ceramic sleeve (14) carried by a metal shell (12) mountable in an engine cylinder head. The ceramic rod (16) includes a heating element (42) in a glow tip (38) at the inner end (36) of the rod (16) which, in use, extends into an engine combustion chamber or pre-chamber. A conductive material (40) such as platinum or palladium is coated on the lower end (34) of the glow tip (38) and connected by a conductor (44) with a source of electric voltage. In use, the voltage produces a current carried by electrons generated by ionization of the combustion chamber gases during combustion. The current varies with the degree of ionization and the amount of electrons generated during various phases of the combustion event. The resulting information is usable in controlling engine operation or evaluating its operation for test purposes. Various construction features of disclosed embodiments include an internal conductor (54) through the ceramic rod (16) from the platinum or palladium material to a lead (56) or an external conductor (62) applied on the surface of the ceramic rod (16) with which an insulating ceramic sleeve (64) is utilized to mount the rod (16) within its supporting shell (12). Grounding connections through an additional lead (68) from the outer end (34) of the ceramic rod (16) or via metallic connections through the ceramic sleeve (64) to the shell (12) are alternatively disclosed.
摘要:
A glow sensor (10, 60, 100, 130, 140, 154) provides functions of both a diesel engine glow plug and an ion sensor for sensing engine combustion initiation and characteristics. The sensor includes a tubular metal sheath (14, 64) supported by various embodiments of electrical insulating and retaining means in a metal shell (12, 62) mountable in an engine cylinder head. The metal sheath (14, 64) includes a heating element (24) in a glow tip (22) at an inner end of the sheath (14, 64) which, in use, extends into an engine combustion chamber or pre-chamber and is connected by a conductor with a source of electric voltage. In use, the voltage produces a current carried by electrons generated by ionization of the combustion chamber gases during combustion. The current varies with the degree of ionization and the amount of electrons generated during various phases of the combustion event. The resulting information is usable in controlling engine operation or evaluating its operation for test purposes. Various construction features of disclosed embodiments include isolated or non-isolated heating coils for electric heaters (24) within the glow tip (22) with various arrangements for internally connecting and grounding the electrical elements in the glow sensor (10, 60, 100, 130, 140, 154).
摘要:
A glow sensor (10, 74, 78, 90) provides functions of both a diesel engine glow plug for aiding fuel ignition during starting and low temperature operation and an ion sensor for sensing engine combustion initiation and characteristics. Compact glow sensor components may be assembled directly in combination with an engine combustion chamber defining component, such as a cylinder head, to provide a combination in which separate housings or shells for the glow sensors are not needed. Thus, the glow sensor elements (32, 76, 80, 91) and insulation may be made larger to provide greater electrical resistance in the ion sensor electrical circuit and enhance the operation of the ion sensor function. Various forms of glow sensors may optionally be used in such a combination including, for example, metal sheath (48) type glow sensors with either isolated or non-isolated coils and ceramic rod (82) or flat plate (92) type glow sensors. Exemplary embodiments of glow sensor components mounted in a cylinder head are disclosed.
摘要:
A reformer substrate for supporting a catalyst in a hydrocarbon reformer, comprising a graded structure that is inhomogeneous either radially, longitudinally, or both. The inhomogeous graded structure components are selected and arranged to maintain the catalyst operating temperature during extended periods of catalytic inactivity. Selection is based primarily on heat capacity and/or thermal loss properties. Generally, the perimeter of the substrate, radially and/or longitudinally comprises a thick wall of high thermal mass materials to reduce conductive and radiated heat loss, and a high thermal capacity material within the substrate to reduce radiated heat loss. Preferred materials are open-cell rigid foams such as zirconia-toughened alumina reticulated foam, for negative thermal loads in endothermic reaction regimes, and zirconia-mullite honeycomb monolith, for positive or neutral thermal loads in exothermic or autothermic reaction regimes.
摘要:
A glow sensor (10, 74, 78, 90) provides functions of both a diesel engine glow plug for aiding fuel ignition during starting and low temperature operation and an ion sensor for sensing engine combustion initiation and characteristics. Compact glow sensor components may be assembled directly in combination with an engine combustion chamber defining component, such as a cylinder head, to provide a combination in which separate housings or shells for the glow sensors are not needed. Thus, the glow sensor elements (32, 76, 80, 91) and insulation may be made larger to provide greater electrical resistance in the ion sensor electrical circuit and enhance the operation of the ion sensor function. Various forms of glow sensors may optionally be used in such a combination including, for example, metal sheath (48) type glow sensors with either isolated or non-isolated coils and ceramic rod (82) or flat plate (92) type glow sensors. Exemplary embodiments of glow sensor components mounted in a cylinder head are disclosed.
摘要:
A glow sensor (10, 60, 100, 130, 140, 154) provides functions of both a diesel engine glow plug and an ion sensor for sensing engine combustion initiation and characteristics. The sensor includes a tubular metal sheath (14, 64) supported by various embodiments of electrical insulating and retaining means in a metal shell (12, 62) mountable in an engine cylinder head. The metal sheath (14, 64) includes a heating element (24) in a glow tip (22) at an inner end of the sheath (14, 64) which, in use, extends into an engine combustion chamber or pre-chamber and is connected by a conductor with a source of electric voltage. In use, the voltage produces a current carried by electrons generated by ionization of the combustion chamber gases during combustion. The current varies with the degree of ionization and the amount of electrons generated during various phases of the combustion event. The resulting information is usable in controlling engine operation or evaluating its operation for test purposes. Various construction features of disclosed embodiments include isolated or non-isolated heating coils for electric heaters (24) within the glow tip (22) with various arrangements for internally connecting and grounding the electrical elements in the glow sensor (10, 60, 100, 130, 140, 154).