摘要:
A method for determining an optimal combustion interval during start-up of a hydrocarbon catalytic reformer under various conditions of temperature, fuel type, and combustion fuel flow rate. An initial catalyst temperature is measured and an algorithm is used to calculate a rate of heating of the catalyst by combustion based upon heat content of the fuel, selected fuel flow rate, and heat capacity and mass of the catalyst and reformer passages. From the initial temperature and the heating gradient, an optimal combustion interval is inferred through the algorithm and used to terminate combustion, initiate a combustion quench interval, and change over the fuel flow rate and mixture from combustion to reforming.
摘要:
A system and method for controlling an injection time of a fuel injector. The system includes a drive circuit configured to output a drive signal having a pulse width, wherein the injection time is influenced by the pulse width and a closing electrical decay of the fuel injector. A controller is configured to determine the closing electrical decay of the fuel injector and adapt the pulse width based on the closing electrical decay to control the injection time. The closing electrical decay includes a closing response. The controller determines the closing response based on an injector signal, such as a coil voltage of the fuel injector. By determining the closing response, the pulse width can be adjusted to compensate for fuel injector part-to-part variability, fuel injector wear, variations in fuel pressure received by the fuel injector, dirt in the fuel injector, and the like.
摘要:
An improved system for more uniformly distributing gaseous fuel over the anode surface of a fuel cell, comprising an interconnect subassembly for electrically connecting anodes and cathodes of adjacent fuel cells in a fuel cell stack. The subassembly includes a perforated plate disposed adjacent the anode surface. The plate may be parallel to or inclined to the anode surface and forms a first wall of a fuel plenum for uniformly distributing fuel via the perforations over the entire surface of the anode. The second wall of the plenum is a plate separating the fuel flow from air flowing across the cathode. Electrical continuity across the interconnect subassembly may be provided, for example, by non-planar upsets such as bumps and dimples in the two plenum plate components, or by metallic foam or filaments disposed between the plates and the electrodes.
摘要:
A fuel cell assembly having means for providing tempered air to, and removing spent air from, air-flow passages across the cathode. The air flow path includes means for reversing the direction of flow across the cathode periodically to reverse the roles of the leading and trailing edges of the cathode to prevent temperature differences across the cathode from exceeding 200° C., and thus to prevent damage to the cathode from thermally-induced stresses during startup heating and steady-state cooling.
摘要:
Apparatus and method for substantially reducing or eliminating pressure pulsations caused by the opening and closing of fuel injectors. A preferred embodiment provides a restriction orifice adjacent the inlet end of a fuel injector filter of a respective fuel injector.
摘要:
In a solid-oxide fuel cell system, the fuel cell stacks, the fuel reformer, tail gas combuster, heat exchangers, and fuel/air manifold, are contained in a “hot zone” within a thermal enclosure. A separate and larger structural enclosure surrounds the thermal enclosure, defining a “cool zone” outside the thermal enclosure for incorporation of “cool” components such as the air supply system and the electronic control system. To prevent unwanted temperature rise in the cool zone during shutdown, from residual heat escaping from the hot zone through the thermal enclosure, the structural enclosure is provided with vents through the lower and upper walls thereof to permit thermal convective circulation of air through the enclosure. The vents are baffled to prevent entry of splash and other contaminants, and the lower vent is provided with a float valve to prevent flooding of the enclosure in event of immersion of the SOFC system.
摘要:
A fuel cell having an optimized flow space for the passage of hydrogen gas across the surface of an anode. The invention prevents destructive oxidation of the anode by preventing the buildup of locally high levels of oxygen. The anode surface itself may be shaped in lateral plan to follow the natural contours of gas flow to eliminate hydrogen stagnation areas on the anode surface. Alternatively, the anode surface or the cathode surface may be coated in regions of anode stagnation to prevent the fuel cell reactions from occurring in those regions. Alternatively, the gas seals may be formed to cover the anode surface in stagnation regions. Alternatively, the cathode and/or electrolyte may be shaped or thickened to reduce or prevent diffusion of oxygen ions therethrough.
摘要:
Fuel concentrations are determinable in a solid oxide fuel cell through voltage measurement of one or more fuel cell units, which voltage is a function of hydrogen gas present in the fuel feed stream to the one or more fuel cell units. The voltage in the one or more fuel cell units is proportionally related to the fuel concentration in the fuel feed stream to the entire fuel cell. A sensor determines concentrations of the fuel flowing in the fuel cell. The sensor comprises a fuel cell unit, and an indicator electrically coupled to the fuel cell unit, the indicator being capable of displaying a voltage or being adapted to convert a voltage to a fuel concentration display. The voltage measured is correlated to the fuel concentration flowing in the fuel cell.
摘要:
Apparatus and method for substantially reducing or eliminating pressure pulsations caused by the opening and closing of fuel injectors. A preferred embodiment provides a restriction orifice adjacent the inlet end of a fuel injector filter of a respective fuel injector.
摘要:
A fuel rail assembly for injection of fuel includes a fuel injector socket having a fuel injector assembly inserted, a collar surrounding said fuel injector assembly and providing a gap there between; and a seal sealing the gap between the collar and the fuel injector assembly thereby forming a secondary chamber. Fuel vapors that escape the primary seal of the fuel injector installed in the fuel injector socket are captured in the secondary sealed chamber and are directed to an evaporative control system. The collar is designed such that only minimum modifications are required to both current injectors and current injector sockets. By integrating the collar into a DIG fuel rail assembly in accordance with the invention current DIG internal combustion engines may be converted to PZEV DIG engines.