Burner Control Sensor Configuration

Abstract

In domestic installations of any type of furnace or equivalent, proof of lean combustion is necessary to satisfy requirements of certification agencies. Exhibiting proof of lean combustion during the operation of an integrated fuel reformer and fuel cell system can be problematic because the point of combustion and its nature may shift during operation. In addition, the preferred ratio of fuel to air in these fuel-reforming systems is often near a stoichiometry of one. In the present invention, the combination of a flame-detecting device, a temperature sensing device and an oxygen or hydrocarbon sensor is used to verify the occurrence of combustion, and show proof of lean combustion.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]The present application is related to and claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 524,986 filed Nov. 25, 2003.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]The field of invention pertains to combustion detection within a burner or tail gas combustor that is part of a fuel processing system comprising a fuel reformer and a fuel cell.BACKGROUND[0003]Hydrogen, which is used in fuel cells, is most commonly created by steam reforming. The steam reforming reaction in a fuel processing system is endothermic, meaning heat is absorbed by the reaction. Therefore, heat needs to be supplied to the system to drive the reaction. In “pure” steam reforming, heat is supplied from an outside source to a catalyst bed. In “partial oxidation” and “autothermal reforming,” heat is created within the catalyst bed by oxidation of some fuel with air.[0004]The need to transport heat from an outside source to a catalyst bed can be an obstacle to rapid startup or rapid change of operating...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

If the difference between any two outputs of different sensors exceeds a predetermined value, then a “system error” is registered.

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