US 6,391,484 B1 · Fuel processor temperature monitoring and control

Abstract

In one embodiment, the method of the invention monitors one or more of the following conditions: a relatively low temperature value of the gas stream; a relatively high temperature value of the gas stream; and a rate-of-change of monitored temperature. In a preferred embodiment, the rate of temperature change is monitored to prevent the occurrence of an unacceptably high or low temperature condition. Here, at least two temperatures of the recirculating gas stream are monitored over a period of time. The rate-of-change of temperature versus time is determined. Then the monitored rate-of-change of temperature is compared to a preselected rate-of-change of value. The monitoring of rate-of-change of temperature provides proactive means for preventing occurrence of an unacceptably high temperature in the catalytic reactor.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A method for converting a hydrocarbon fuel into a gaseous product stream, that includes hydrogen for use in a fuel cell stack, comprising:

(a) providing means to inject hydrocarbon fuel into a stream of recirculating gases;
(b) positioning a heater and a catalytic reactor such that said catalytic reactor is downstream of said heater with a discharge end of said heater in fluid flow communication with an inlet of said reactor;
(c) providing means to recirculate gases throughout said catalytic reactor and said heater;
(d) recirculating said gases through said heater and catalytic reactor;
(e) heating said recirculating gases in said heater;
(f) monitoring a temperature of said recirculating gases between the discharge end of said heater and the inlet of said catalytic reactor at two or more points in time;
(g) calculating the rate-of-change of said temperatures versus time;
and
(h) comparing said rate-of-change of temperature to a preselected rate-of-change value.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Fuel processor temperature monitoring and control

Life of this patent

Fuel processor temperature monitoring and control

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17