Abstract:
A fuel reformer is operated in one mode of operation to generate and supply a particular quantity and/or composition of reformate gas to a first component such as a NOx trap, and then is operated in a different mode of operation to generate and supply and different quantity and/or composition of reformate gas to a different component such as a soot particulate filter. In a similar manner, the fuel reformer is operated in one mode of operation to generate and supply a particular quantity and/or composition of reformate gas to a fuel cell, and then is operated in a different mode of operation to generate and supply and different quantity and/or composition of reformate gas to an emission abatement device. A method of operating a fuel reformer is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A method of operating a power system (10) including a fuel reformer (11) and an internal combustion engine (12) is disclosed. The engine is shutdown subsequent to shutdown of the fuel reformer (11). A fuel reformer system for supplying a reformate gas to the engine is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A fuel reforming assembly (10) has a control unit (16) electrically coupled to a temperature sensor (34) to determine the temperature of a catalyst (78) positioned in the reaction chamber (44) of a plasma fuel reformer (12). Based on the temperature of the catalyst (78), operation of the reformer's plasma-generating assembly (42) may be selectively actuated and deactuated. A method of operating a plasma fuel reformer (12) is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A power system has a fuel reformer, an emission abatement device, and a fuel cell. The fuel reformer reforms hydrocarbons fuels so as to produce a reformate gas which is supplied to both the emission abatement device and the fuel cell. A method of operating a fuel reformer so as to generate and supply a reformate gas to both an emission abatement device and a fuel cell is also disclosed.
Abstract:
An integrated electronic control unit is configured to execute a routine for controlling operation of the internal combustion engine, along with a routine for controlling operation of the fuel reformer. In one specific implementation, the electronic control unit is embodied as an engine control unit of a vehicle or a stationary power generator. A method of controlling an engine and a fuel reformer is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A plasmatron (10) reforms hydrocarbon fuels so as to produce a reformed gas, which is supplied to a remote device such as an internal combustion engine or a fuel cell. The plasmatron (10) includes an air jacket (16), which removes heat from the reaction chamber (20) of the plasmatron (10) and supplies heated air to the plasma-generating assembly (12) of the plasmatron (10). A method of operating a plasmatron (10) is also disclosed.