US20070137106A1 - Method and apparatus for component control by fuel reformer operating frequency modulation - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for component control by fuel reformer operating frequency modulation Download PDFInfo
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- US20070137106A1 US20070137106A1 US11/311,570 US31157005A US2007137106A1 US 20070137106 A1 US20070137106 A1 US 20070137106A1 US 31157005 A US31157005 A US 31157005A US 2007137106 A1 US2007137106 A1 US 2007137106A1
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- C01B3/00—Hydrogen; Gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen; Separation of hydrogen from mixtures containing it; Purification of hydrogen
- C01B3/02—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen
- C01B3/32—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air
- C01B3/34—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air by reaction of hydrocarbons with gasifying agents
- C01B3/342—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air by reaction of hydrocarbons with gasifying agents with the aid of electrical means, electromagnetic or mechanical vibrations, or particle radiations
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- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/02—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/0205—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas containing a reforming step
- C01B2203/0227—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas containing a reforming step containing a catalytic reforming step
- C01B2203/0233—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas containing a reforming step containing a catalytic reforming step the reforming step being a steam reforming step
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
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- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/02—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/0205—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas containing a reforming step
- C01B2203/0227—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas containing a reforming step containing a catalytic reforming step
- C01B2203/0238—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas containing a reforming step containing a catalytic reforming step the reforming step being a carbon dioxide reforming step
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/02—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/0205—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas containing a reforming step
- C01B2203/0227—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas containing a reforming step containing a catalytic reforming step
- C01B2203/0244—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas containing a reforming step containing a catalytic reforming step the reforming step being an autothermal reforming step, e.g. secondary reforming processes
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
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- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/02—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/025—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas containing a partial oxidation step
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/02—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/0283—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas containing a CO-shift step, i.e. a water gas shift step
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/06—Integration with other chemical processes
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/06—Integration with other chemical processes
- C01B2203/066—Integration with other chemical processes with fuel cells
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
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- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/08—Methods of heating or cooling
- C01B2203/0805—Methods of heating the process for making hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/0861—Methods of heating the process for making hydrogen or synthesis gas by plasma
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
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- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/16—Controlling the process
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
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- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/16—Controlling the process
- C01B2203/1614—Controlling the temperature
- C01B2203/1619—Measuring the temperature
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/16—Controlling the process
- C01B2203/1685—Control based on demand of downstream process
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
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- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/16—Controlling the process
- C01B2203/169—Controlling the feed
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
- Y02P20/00—Technologies relating to chemical industry
- Y02P20/141—Feedstock
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for operation of a fuel reformer.
- Fuel reformers are operated to reform fuel into reformate gas (e.g., H 2 and/or CO).
- reformate gas e.g., H 2 and/or CO
- Such reformate gas may be supplied to a variety of components to enhance their operation.
- reformate gas may be supplied to an emission abatement device, an internal combustion engine, or a fuel cell, to name just a few exemplary components.
- an apparatus comprising a component, a fuel reformer, and a reformer modulator.
- the fuel reformer is fluidly coupled to the component to supply reformate gas thereto and has a variable operating frequency.
- the reformer modulator is configured to modulate the operating frequency of the fuel reformer so as to promote maintenance of an operating parameter associated with the component at a predetermined setpoint.
- the component may be embodied as an emission abatement device.
- the emission abatement device may be a particulate filter (e.g., diesel particulate filter) for removing particulate matter from exhaust gas of an engine or a NOx trap or selective catalytic reduction device for removing nitrogen oxides (NOx) from such exhaust gas.
- a particulate filter e.g., diesel particulate filter
- NOx nitrogen oxides
- the reformer modulator comprises a controller electrically coupled to at least one sensor for sensing information related to the operating parameter and electrically coupled to the fuel reformer.
- the controller comprises (i) a processor, and (ii) a memory device electrically coupled to the processor, the memory device having stored therein a plurality of instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to operate the fuel reformer, and to modulate the operating frequency of the fuel reformer.
- the operating parameter may be, for example, a temperature associated with the component.
- the temperature may be a temperature associated with the inlet and/or outlet of the emission abatement device.
- it may be desirable to maintain the temperature of the inlet at a predetermined temperature setpoint. Excursions beyond the predetermined temperature setpoint could potentially result in thermal damage to the device. Modulation of the operating frequency of the fuel reformer may be used to maintain the temperature at the setpoint to avoid such thermal damage.
- FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of an apparatus including a fuel reformer that supplies reformate gas to a component (e.g., engine, fuel cell, emission abatement device) and has a variable operating frequency to be modulated by a reformer modulator to promote maintenance of an operating parameter associated with the component at a predetermined setpoint;
- a fuel reformer that supplies reformate gas to a component (e.g., engine, fuel cell, emission abatement device) and has a variable operating frequency to be modulated by a reformer modulator to promote maintenance of an operating parameter associated with the component at a predetermined setpoint;
- FIG. 2 is an exemplary control routine for use with the apparatus of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of an embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of another embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1 .
- the reformer modulator 15 comprises a controller 16 and at least one sensor 18 .
- the controller 16 is used to control operation of the fuel reformer 14 in response to input(s) from the at least one sensor 18 which is configured to sense information related to the operating parameter.
- the at least one sensor 18 senses information related to the operating parameter and outputs that information on at least one electrical line 24 coupled to the controller 16 .
- the at least one sensor 18 may sense the operating parameter directly or indirectly. In the direct sensing situation, the information related to the operating parameter may simply be the operating parameter itself. Regarding indirect sensing, the at least one sensor 18 may sense one or more other parameters which, taken together, may be indicative of the operating parameter. The information related to the operating parameter may thus be such other parameter(s) indicative of the operating parameter associated with the component 12 .
- the controller 16 determines if the operating parameter satisfies predetermined criteria, the predetermined criteria being based on the predetermined setpoint for the operating parameter. If the operating parameter satisfies the predetermined criteria, the operating frequency is modulated.
- the predetermined criteria may take a variety of forms.
- the predetermined criteria may call for frequency modulation if the operating parameter is beyond the setpoint (e.g., outside an acceptable range of temperatures, such as 650° C.+/ ⁇ 20° C., wherein this range is the setpoint) or nearing a boundary of the setpoint (e.g., nearing an upper limit or lower limit of the setpoint).
- there may be a look-up table stored in the controller 16 the look-up table matching possible values of the operating parameter to corresponding operating frequency values.
- the memory device 22 may cause the processor 20 to query the look-up table to determine the operating frequency to be applied to the reformer 14 for a given operating parameter value.
- the controller 16 is electrically coupled to the fuel reformer 14 to control operation of the fuel reformer 14 .
- the fuel reformer 14 reforms fuel (e.g., diesel, gasoline) into reformate gas in the form of, for example, H 2 and/or CO.
- the fuel reformer 14 may be embodied in any of a number of ways.
- the fuel reformer 14 may be a partial oxidation fuel reformer, a steam reformer, a water-shifting reformer, an autothermal fuel reformer, any combination of such reformers, or the like.
- Each of these reformers may be embodied as a catalyst having one or more precious metals (e.g., platinum, palladium, rhodium) for catalyzing the respective reaction.
- the fuel reformer 14 may take the form of a plasma fuel reformer.
- the plasma fuel reformer may be configured as a type of partial oxidation fuel reformer that receives inputs of fuel, air, and electricity.
- a fuel valve 26 may be used to control flow of fuel from a fuel source (not shown) to the reformer 14 .
- An air valve 28 may be used to control flow of air from an air source (not shown) to the reformer 14 .
- Electricity received from a power source (not shown) is supplied to a plasma generator 30 which generates a plasma (e.g., an arc) through which the air and fuel are advanced to initiate partial oxidation of the fuel into reformate gas.
- a catalyst downstream from the plasma generator 26 may be included to increase the yield of reformate gas.
- the fuel reformer 14 has a variable operating frequency (e.g., between 40 Hz and about 400 Hz).
- each of the fuel valve 26 , the air valve 28 , and the plasma generator 30 may be under the control of the controller 16 via respective electrical lines 32 , 34 , 36 .
- the controller 16 may be used to modulate the operating frequency of the fuel valve 26 , the air valve 28 , and/or the plasma generator 30 to promote maintenance of the operating parameter at the predetermined setpoint.
- the operating parameter is a temperature associated with the component 12
- the operating frequency of the fuel valve 26 may be increased to lower the temperature or decreased to increase the temperature.
- the operating frequency of the air valve 28 may be increased to increase the temperature or decreased to decrease the temperature.
- the operating frequency of the plasma generator 30 may be modulated to adjust the temperature of the reformate gas supplied to the component 12 and thus adjust the temperature of the component 12 .
- the controller 16 may modulate the operating frequency of the reformer 14 so as to promote maintenance of the temperature of the component 12 at a predetermined temperature setpoint if the controller 16 determines that the temperature satisfies the predetermined criteria.
- the pulse width of the reformer 14 may also be modulated by the controller 16 .
- the controller may modulate the pulse width of the fuel valve 26 , the air valve 28 , and/or the plasma generator 30 , thereby further promoting maintenance of the operating parameter at the setpoint.
- the reformate gas may be used with a particulate filter to facilitate removal of particulate matter therefrom to regenerate thereof, a NOx trap to remove NOx or SOx (i.e., oxides of sulfur) therefrom to regenerate the NOx trap, or a selective catalytic reduction catalyst to remove NOx from exhaust gas.
- a particulate filter to facilitate removal of particulate matter therefrom to regenerate thereof
- NOx trap to remove NOx or SOx (i.e., oxides of sulfur) therefrom to regenerate the NOx trap
- SOx i.e., oxides of sulfur
- the controller 16 operates the fuel reformer 14 to initially establish the operating parameter at the predetermined setpoint. For example, when the operating parameter is a temperature associated with the component 12 , the fuel reformer 14 is operated to elevate the temperature to the setpoint (e.g., 650° C.+/ ⁇ 20° C.).
- the controller 16 determines the operating parameter by use of the input(s) from the at least one sensor 18 . At the beginning of the process, the controller 16 does this to confirm that the operating parameter is at the setpoint. As the process continues, the controller 16 periodically checks the operating parameter to determine its relationship to the setpoint and, in particular, whether modulation of the reformer 14 is needed. To make this determination, the routine 38 advances to step 44 .
- the controller 16 determines if the operating parameter associated with the component 12 satisfies the predetermined criteria for reformer modulation. If no, the routine 38 goes back to step 42 . If yes, the routine 38 advances to step 46 where the controller 16 modulates the operating frequency of the fuel reformer 14 (e.g., the fuel valve 26 , the air valve 28 , and/or the plasma generator 30 ) to promote maintenance of the operating parameter at the setpoint.
- the controller 16 determines whether to continue use of the fuel reformer 14 . If no, the routine ends. If yes, the routine 38 goes back to step 42 .
- a yes answer may result from, for example, a vehicle shutdown request or, in the case of regeneration of an emission abatement device, may result from controller input(s) indicating that regeneration is complete.
- the predetermined temperature setpoint may be a filter inlet temperature of about 650° C.+/ ⁇ 20° C.
- the controller 16 may modulate the operating frequency of the fuel valve 26 , the air valve 28 , and/or the plasma generator 30 .
- the emission abatement device 12 may be a NOx trap. Reformate gas may be supplied to the NOx trap to provide a fuel-rich atmosphere about the NOx trap to promote release and reduction of NOx and/or SOx trapped thereby.
- the controller 16 may modulate the operating frequency of the fuel valve 26 , the air valve 28 , and/or the plasma generator 30 . Relatively higher temperatures are typically needed for SOx release and reduction.
- modulation of the operating frequency of the fuel reformer 14 may be particularly useful during SOx release and reduction to avoid or at least reduce the risk of thermal damage that might otherwise occur to the NOx trap as a result of temperature excursions beyond the setpoint.
- thermal management may also be useful with a selective catalytic reduction device or other type of emission abatement device.
- the at least one sensor 18 may thus include at least one temperature sensor (e.g., thermocouple).
- a temperature sensor may be at the inlet of the device 12 (as suggested in FIG. 3 ) and/or at the outlet of the device 12 . This temperature information may then be provided to the controller 16 via line(s) 24 .
- Such information may be used by the controller 16 to determine the temperature of the device 12 and whether the temperature satisfies the predetermined criteria for modulation and, if so, to modulate the operating frequency of the reformer 14 and possibly the pulse width of the reformer 14 to promote maintenance of the temperature at the setpoint.
- the controller 16 and the at least one sensor 18 of the embodiment of FIG. 3 cooperate to provide an example of the reformer modulator 15 of the apparatus 10 .
- the controller 16 may also control the position of the valve 50 in a manner that allows adjustment of the amount of reformate gas advanced to the devices 12 a , 12 b and/or adjustment of the amount of oxygen present in exhaust gas advanced to the devices 12 a , 12 b.
- the controller 16 , the at least one sensor 18 , and the valve 50 of the embodiment of FIG. 4 cooperate to provide an example of the reformer modulator 15 of the apparatus 10 .
Abstract
An apparatus comprises a component, a fuel reformer, and a reformer modulator. The fuel reformer is fluidly coupled to the component to supply reformate gas thereto and has a variable operating frequency. The reformer modulator is configured to modulate the operating frequency of the fuel reformer so as to promote maintenance of an operating parameter associated with the component at a predetermined setpoint. An associated method is disclosed.
Description
- The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for operation of a fuel reformer.
- Fuel reformers are operated to reform fuel into reformate gas (e.g., H2 and/or CO). Such reformate gas may be supplied to a variety of components to enhance their operation. For example, reformate gas may be supplied to an emission abatement device, an internal combustion engine, or a fuel cell, to name just a few exemplary components.
- According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus comprising a component, a fuel reformer, and a reformer modulator. The fuel reformer is fluidly coupled to the component to supply reformate gas thereto and has a variable operating frequency. The reformer modulator is configured to modulate the operating frequency of the fuel reformer so as to promote maintenance of an operating parameter associated with the component at a predetermined setpoint. An associated method is disclosed.
- The component may be embodied as an emission abatement device. Exemplarily, the emission abatement device may be a particulate filter (e.g., diesel particulate filter) for removing particulate matter from exhaust gas of an engine or a NOx trap or selective catalytic reduction device for removing nitrogen oxides (NOx) from such exhaust gas.
- Illustratively, the reformer modulator comprises a controller electrically coupled to at least one sensor for sensing information related to the operating parameter and electrically coupled to the fuel reformer. The controller comprises (i) a processor, and (ii) a memory device electrically coupled to the processor, the memory device having stored therein a plurality of instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to operate the fuel reformer, and to modulate the operating frequency of the fuel reformer.
- The operating parameter may be, for example, a temperature associated with the component. In the case of an emission abatement device, the temperature may be a temperature associated with the inlet and/or outlet of the emission abatement device. For example, during regeneration of a particulate filter or NOx trap, it may be desirable to maintain the temperature of the inlet at a predetermined temperature setpoint. Excursions beyond the predetermined temperature setpoint could potentially result in thermal damage to the device. Modulation of the operating frequency of the fuel reformer may be used to maintain the temperature at the setpoint to avoid such thermal damage.
- The above and other features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description and the attached drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of an apparatus including a fuel reformer that supplies reformate gas to a component (e.g., engine, fuel cell, emission abatement device) and has a variable operating frequency to be modulated by a reformer modulator to promote maintenance of an operating parameter associated with the component at a predetermined setpoint; -
FIG. 2 is an exemplary control routine for use with the apparatus ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of an embodiment of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 ; and -
FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of another embodiment of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 . - While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives following within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
- Referring to
FIG. 1 , there is shown anapparatus 10 for controlling operation of acomponent 12 by use of modulation of an operating frequency of afuel reformer 14 fluidly coupled to thecomponent 12 to supply reformate gas (e.g., H2 and/or CO) thereto. Theapparatus 10 thus has areformer modulator 15 configured to modulate the operating frequency of thefuel reformer 14 so as to promote maintenance of an operating parameter associated with thecomponent 12 at a predetermined setpoint to avoid or otherwise reduce excursions of the operating parameter beyond the setpoint, thereby promoting the effectiveness of thecomponent 12. - Illustratively, the
reformer modulator 15 comprises acontroller 16 and at least onesensor 18. Thecontroller 16 is used to control operation of thefuel reformer 14 in response to input(s) from the at least onesensor 18 which is configured to sense information related to the operating parameter. - The at least one
sensor 18 senses information related to the operating parameter and outputs that information on at least oneelectrical line 24 coupled to thecontroller 16. The at least onesensor 18 may sense the operating parameter directly or indirectly. In the direct sensing situation, the information related to the operating parameter may simply be the operating parameter itself. Regarding indirect sensing, the at least onesensor 18 may sense one or more other parameters which, taken together, may be indicative of the operating parameter. The information related to the operating parameter may thus be such other parameter(s) indicative of the operating parameter associated with thecomponent 12. - The
controller 16 monitors the output of the at least onesensor 18 on the at least oneelectrical line 24 to receive the information related to the operating parameter. Thecontroller 16 comprises aprocessor 20 and amemory device 22 electrically coupled to theprocessor 20. Thememory device 22 has stored therein a plurality of instructions which, when executed by theprocessor 20, cause theprocessor 20 to perform the functions of thecontroller 16. Such functions include, but are not limited to, operating thefuel reformer 14 so as to advance reformate gas to thecomponent 12, determining if the operating frequency is to be modulated, and, if so, modulating the operating frequency of thefuel reformer 14 so as to promote maintenance of the operating parameter at the predetermined setpoint. - In determining whether the operating frequency is to be modulated, the
controller 16 determines if the operating parameter satisfies predetermined criteria, the predetermined criteria being based on the predetermined setpoint for the operating parameter. If the operating parameter satisfies the predetermined criteria, the operating frequency is modulated. - The predetermined criteria may take a variety of forms. For example, the predetermined criteria may call for frequency modulation if the operating parameter is beyond the setpoint (e.g., outside an acceptable range of temperatures, such as 650° C.+/−20° C., wherein this range is the setpoint) or nearing a boundary of the setpoint (e.g., nearing an upper limit or lower limit of the setpoint). In other examples, there may be a look-up table stored in the
controller 16, the look-up table matching possible values of the operating parameter to corresponding operating frequency values. In such a case, thememory device 22 may cause theprocessor 20 to query the look-up table to determine the operating frequency to be applied to thereformer 14 for a given operating parameter value. - The
controller 16 is electrically coupled to thefuel reformer 14 to control operation of thefuel reformer 14. Thefuel reformer 14 reforms fuel (e.g., diesel, gasoline) into reformate gas in the form of, for example, H2 and/or CO. Thefuel reformer 14 may be embodied in any of a number of ways. For example, thefuel reformer 14 may be a partial oxidation fuel reformer, a steam reformer, a water-shifting reformer, an autothermal fuel reformer, any combination of such reformers, or the like. Each of these reformers may be embodied as a catalyst having one or more precious metals (e.g., platinum, palladium, rhodium) for catalyzing the respective reaction. - In other examples, the
fuel reformer 14 may take the form of a plasma fuel reformer. The plasma fuel reformer may be configured as a type of partial oxidation fuel reformer that receives inputs of fuel, air, and electricity. Afuel valve 26 may be used to control flow of fuel from a fuel source (not shown) to thereformer 14. Anair valve 28 may be used to control flow of air from an air source (not shown) to thereformer 14. Electricity received from a power source (not shown) is supplied to aplasma generator 30 which generates a plasma (e.g., an arc) through which the air and fuel are advanced to initiate partial oxidation of the fuel into reformate gas. A catalyst downstream from theplasma generator 26 may be included to increase the yield of reformate gas. Such a catalyst may take the form of any of the aforementioned fuel-reforming catalysts. Exemplary fuel reformers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,409,784; 5,425,332; 5,437,250; 5,887,554; 6,651,597; 6,702,991; 6,851,398; and 6,903,259, and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2003/0143442; 2003/0143445; 2003/0140622; 2004/0238349; 2005/0255011; and 2005/0126160, the disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. - The
fuel reformer 14 has a variable operating frequency (e.g., between 40 Hz and about 400 Hz). In particular, each of thefuel valve 26, theair valve 28, and theplasma generator 30 may be under the control of thecontroller 16 via respectiveelectrical lines controller 16 may be used to modulate the operating frequency of thefuel valve 26, theair valve 28, and/or theplasma generator 30 to promote maintenance of the operating parameter at the predetermined setpoint. For example, if the operating parameter is a temperature associated with thecomponent 12, the operating frequency of thefuel valve 26 may be increased to lower the temperature or decreased to increase the temperature. On the other hand, the operating frequency of theair valve 28 may be increased to increase the temperature or decreased to decrease the temperature. The operating frequency of theplasma generator 30 may be modulated to adjust the temperature of the reformate gas supplied to thecomponent 12 and thus adjust the temperature of thecomponent 12. As such, thecontroller 16 may modulate the operating frequency of thereformer 14 so as to promote maintenance of the temperature of thecomponent 12 at a predetermined temperature setpoint if thecontroller 16 determines that the temperature satisfies the predetermined criteria. - The pulse width of the
reformer 14 may also be modulated by thecontroller 16. In particular, the controller may modulate the pulse width of thefuel valve 26, theair valve 28, and/or theplasma generator 30, thereby further promoting maintenance of the operating parameter at the setpoint. - The
component 12 may be embodied in a number of ways. For example, thecomponent 12 may be a component onboard a vehicle. In such a case, thecomponent 12 may be an internal combustion engine, a fuel cell, or an emission abatement device. In particular, thereformer 14 may be used to supply H2 to the engine for hydrogen-enhanced combustion therein. Reformate gas may be used by the fuel cell in the production of electricity for use onboard the vehicle. The emission abatement device may be embodied as any type of emission abatement device that can use reformate gas in its operation. For example, the reformate gas may be used with a particulate filter to facilitate removal of particulate matter therefrom to regenerate thereof, a NOx trap to remove NOx or SOx (i.e., oxides of sulfur) therefrom to regenerate the NOx trap, or a selective catalytic reduction catalyst to remove NOx from exhaust gas. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , there is shown asimplified control routine 38 for use with theapparatus 10 or any embodiment thereof (e.g., such as those disclosed in connection withFIGS. 3 and 4 ). Atstep 40, thecontroller 16 operates thefuel reformer 14 to initially establish the operating parameter at the predetermined setpoint. For example, when the operating parameter is a temperature associated with thecomponent 12, thefuel reformer 14 is operated to elevate the temperature to the setpoint (e.g., 650° C.+/−20° C.). Atstep 42, thecontroller 16 determines the operating parameter by use of the input(s) from the at least onesensor 18. At the beginning of the process, thecontroller 16 does this to confirm that the operating parameter is at the setpoint. As the process continues, thecontroller 16 periodically checks the operating parameter to determine its relationship to the setpoint and, in particular, whether modulation of thereformer 14 is needed. To make this determination, the routine 38 advances to step 44. - At
step 44, thecontroller 16 determines if the operating parameter associated with thecomponent 12 satisfies the predetermined criteria for reformer modulation. If no, the routine 38 goes back tostep 42. If yes, the routine 38 advances to step 46 where thecontroller 16 modulates the operating frequency of the fuel reformer 14 (e.g., thefuel valve 26, theair valve 28, and/or the plasma generator 30) to promote maintenance of the operating parameter at the setpoint. Next, atstep 48, thecontroller 16 determines whether to continue use of thefuel reformer 14. If no, the routine ends. If yes, the routine 38 goes back tostep 42. A yes answer may result from, for example, a vehicle shutdown request or, in the case of regeneration of an emission abatement device, may result from controller input(s) indicating that regeneration is complete. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , there is shown theapparatus 10 in which thecomponent 12 is exemplarily embodied as an emission abatement device that removes emissions present in exhaust gas of anengine 13. In such a case, the operating parameter of interest is a temperature associated with theemission abatement device 12. The temperature may be at the inlet of thedevice 12, the outlet of thedevice 12, some combination temperature that is a function of the inlet and outlet temperatures, or other temperature associated with thedevice 12. - For example, to regenerate a particulate filter, the predetermined temperature setpoint may be a filter inlet temperature of about 650° C.+/−20° C. To promote maintenance of the filter inlet temperature at this setpoint, the
controller 16 may modulate the operating frequency of thefuel valve 26, theair valve 28, and/or theplasma generator 30. - In other examples, the
emission abatement device 12 may be a NOx trap. Reformate gas may be supplied to the NOx trap to provide a fuel-rich atmosphere about the NOx trap to promote release and reduction of NOx and/or SOx trapped thereby. To promote maintenance of the NOx trap at a predetermined temperature setpoint (the value being dependent on whether NOx or SOx is targeted for release and reduction), thecontroller 16 may modulate the operating frequency of thefuel valve 26, theair valve 28, and/or theplasma generator 30. Relatively higher temperatures are typically needed for SOx release and reduction. As such, modulation of the operating frequency of thefuel reformer 14 may be particularly useful during SOx release and reduction to avoid or at least reduce the risk of thermal damage that might otherwise occur to the NOx trap as a result of temperature excursions beyond the setpoint. Such thermal management may also be useful with a selective catalytic reduction device or other type of emission abatement device. - The at least one
sensor 18 may thus include at least one temperature sensor (e.g., thermocouple). In particular, a temperature sensor may be at the inlet of the device 12 (as suggested inFIG. 3 ) and/or at the outlet of thedevice 12. This temperature information may then be provided to thecontroller 16 via line(s) 24. - In the case where the temperature of the
device 12 is to be determined indirectly, other sensor(s) 18 may be used in place of such temperature sensors. For example, the at least onesensor 18 may include, but is not limited to, an oxygen sensor that senses the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas, a flow rate sensor that senses the flow rate (e.g., mass flow rate) of the exhaust gas, an engine speed sensor that senses the speed of theengine 13, and/or an engine load sensor that senses load on the engine, to name just a few. Such information may be used by thecontroller 16 to determine the temperature of thedevice 12 and whether the temperature satisfies the predetermined criteria for modulation and, if so, to modulate the operating frequency of thereformer 14 and possibly the pulse width of thereformer 14 to promote maintenance of the temperature at the setpoint. - The
controller 16 and the at least onesensor 18 of the embodiment ofFIG. 3 cooperate to provide an example of thereformer modulator 15 of theapparatus 10. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , there is shown theapparatus 10 in which thecomponent 12 is exemplarily embodied as twoemission abatement devices engine 13. Avalve 50 under the control of thecontroller 16 via anelectrical line 52 controls flow of exhaust gas and reformate gas between thedevices devices valve 50 controls which of thedevices fuel valve 26, theair valve 28, and/or the plasma generator 30), thecontroller 16 may also control the position of thevalve 50 in a manner that allows adjustment of the amount of reformate gas advanced to thedevices devices - The operating parameter may be a temperature of the
respective device device device controller 16 for use thereby in determining whether and to what extent to modulate the operating frequency of thereformer 14 and/or adjust the position of thevalve 50. In other examples, as discussed above, there may be other sensors that provide information related to the temperatures of thedevices controller 16 for such purposes. - As such, the temperature or other operating parameter associated with each
device controller 16 may be configured to determine if such an operating parameter satisfies the predetermined criteria and, if so, to modulate the operating frequency of thefuel reformer 14, possibly the pulse width of thefuel reformer 14, and also possibly the position of thevalve 50 to promote maintenance of the operating parameter at the setpoint for eachdevice - The
controller 16, the at least onesensor 18, and thevalve 50 of the embodiment ofFIG. 4 cooperate to provide an example of thereformer modulator 15 of theapparatus 10. - While the concepts of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.
- There are a plurality of advantages of the concepts of the present disclosure arising from the various features of the systems described herein. It will be noted that alternative embodiments of each of the systems of the present disclosure may not include all of the features described yet still benefit from at least some of the advantages of such features. Those of ordinary skill in the art may readily devise their own implementations of a system that incorporate one or more of the features of the present disclosure and fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. A method, comprising the steps of:
operating a fuel reformer so as to advance reformate gas to a component, and
modulating an operating frequency of the fuel reformer so as to promote maintenance of an operating parameter associated with the component at a predetermined setpoint.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the modulating step comprises determining if the operating parameter satisfies predetermined criteria that is based on the predetermined setpoint.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein:
the determining step comprises determining if a temperature associated with the component satisfies the predetermined criteria, and
the modulating step comprises modulating the operating frequency of the fuel reformer so as to promote maintenance of the temperature at a predetermined temperature setpoint if the temperature satisfies the predetermined criteria.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the determining step comprises monitoring output of a temperature sensor associated with the component.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein:
the component comprises an emission abatement device, and
the modulating step comprises modulating the operating frequency of the fuel reformer so as to promote maintenance of the operating parameter associated with the emission abatement device at the predetermined setpoint.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the modulating step comprises modulating a pulse width of the fuel reformer in conjunction with modulation of the operating frequency of the fuel reformer.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein:
the fuel reformer comprises a fuel valve, and
the modulating step comprises modulating an operating frequency of the fuel valve.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein:
the fuel reformer comprises an air valve, and
the modulating step comprises modulating an operating frequency of the air valve.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein:
the fuel reformer comprises a plasma generator, and
the modulating step comprises modulating an operating frequency of the plasma generator.
10. An apparatus, comprising:
a component,
at least one sensor configured to sense information related to an operating parameter associated with the component,
a fuel reformer fluidly coupled to the component to supply reformate gas thereto, the fuel reformer having a variable operating frequency, and
a controller electrically coupled to the at least one sensor and the fuel reformer, the controller comprising (i) a processor, and (ii) a memory device electrically coupled to the processor, the memory device having stored therein a plurality of instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to:
operate the fuel reformer so as to advance reformats gas to the component, and
modulate the operating frequency of the fuel reformer so as to promote maintenance of the operating parameter at a predetermined setpoint.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein:
the at least one sensor comprises a temperature sensor electrically coupled to the controller and positioned to sense a temperature associated with the component, and
the plurality of instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to:
determine if the temperature satisfies predetermined criteria that is based on a predetermined temperature setpoint for the temperature, and
modulate the operating frequency of the fuel reformer so as to promote maintenance of the temperature at the predetermined temperature setpoint if the temperature satisfies the predetermined criteria.
12. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein:
the fuel reformer comprises a fuel valve, and
the plurality of instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to modulate an operating frequency of the fuel valve.
13. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein:
the fuel reformer comprises an air valve, and
the plurality of instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to module an operating frequency of the air valve.
14. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein:
the fuel reformer comprises a plasma generator, and
the plurality of instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to modulate an operating frequency of the plasma generator.
15. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the component is an emission abatement device.
16. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the component is a particulate filter.
17. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the component is a NOx trap.
18. An apparatus, comprising:
a component,
a fuel reformer fluidly coupled to the component to supply reformate gas thereto, the fuel reformer having a variable operating frequency, and
a reformer modulator configured to modulate the operating frequency of the fuel reformer so as to promote maintenance of an operating parameter associated with the component at a predetermined setpoint.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein:
the component is an emission abatement device, and
the operating parameter is a temperature associated with the emission abatement device.
20. The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the reformer modulator is configured to modulate a pulse width of the fuel reformer in conjunction with modulation of the operating frequency of the fuel reformer so as to promote maintenance of the operating parameter at the predetermined setpoint.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/311,570 US20070137106A1 (en) | 2005-12-19 | 2005-12-19 | Method and apparatus for component control by fuel reformer operating frequency modulation |
EP06839772A EP1968736A2 (en) | 2005-12-19 | 2006-11-08 | Method and apparatus for component control by fuel reformer operating frequency modulation |
PCT/US2006/060672 WO2007076175A2 (en) | 2005-12-19 | 2006-11-08 | Method and apparatus for component control by fuel reformer operating frequency modulation |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/311,570 US20070137106A1 (en) | 2005-12-19 | 2005-12-19 | Method and apparatus for component control by fuel reformer operating frequency modulation |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070137106A1 true US20070137106A1 (en) | 2007-06-21 |
Family
ID=38171770
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/311,570 Abandoned US20070137106A1 (en) | 2005-12-19 | 2005-12-19 | Method and apparatus for component control by fuel reformer operating frequency modulation |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20070137106A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1968736A2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2007076175A2 (en) |
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US20100005788A1 (en) * | 2008-07-14 | 2010-01-14 | Mcconnell Campbell R | Method For Regenerating A Diesel Particulate Filter |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2007076175A3 (en) | 2007-12-06 |
WO2007076175A2 (en) | 2007-07-05 |
EP1968736A2 (en) | 2008-09-17 |
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Owner name: ARVIN TECHNOLOGIES, INC., MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:IVERSON, ROBERT J.;CRANE, JR., SAMUEL N.;REEL/FRAME:017299/0022 Effective date: 20060310 |
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