Apparatus for reforming carbon-free fuel and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a carbon-free fuel reforming device, characterized by comprising: an electric heater-integrated catalyst for controlling the temperature of ammonia (NH3) flowing into a supply pipe; an exhaust pipe-integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device for controlling the temperature of ammonia (NH3) flowing in through the electric heater-integrated catalyst via exhaust gas heat exchange and supplying it to an engine; and a reforming device controller for controlling the temperature of the electric heater-integrated catalyst by determining a target reforming temperature to obtain optimal reforming efficiency according to output requirement information required from the outside to the engine.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a carbon-free fuel reforming apparatus and a control method thereof, which enables efficient reforming of carbon-free fuel through rapid temperature control of an electric heater-integrated reforming catalyst in response to the operating conditions of an engine. Background Technology

[0003] With the recent significant increase in interest in reducing greenhouse gases, there is growing interest in carbon-free fuels.

[0004] Among carbon-free fuels, ammonia (NH3) is attracting attention as an energy transfer medium for hydrogen fuel, and consequently, countries that import hydrogen fuel are showing increasing interest in ammonia (NH3) as a carbon-free fuel.

[0005] In particular, in the power generation sector, development is proceeding in the direction of reducing greenhouse gases by mixing ammonia (NH3) with coal and utilizing the combustion of ammonia (NH3) in gas turbines.

[0006] In addition, since ammonia (NH3), a carbon-free fuel, can be converted into hydrogen fuel through a fuel reformer, there is growing interest in its application in fuel cells using hydrogen fuel and engines utilizing reformed gas.

[0007] Meanwhile, for the use of ammonia (NH3) fuel in combustion devices such as engines (or generators), combustion stability suitable for operating conditions is an important factor.

[0008] However, since ammonia (NH3) fuel is a carbon-free fuel, its ignition energy and combustion speed are lower compared to hydrocarbon fuels, which limits engine operation to low speeds and has the disadvantage of generating a large amount of high-concentration ammonia (NH3) slip and nitrogen oxides (NOx).

[0009] To overcome these disadvantages, if the hydrogen concentration is increased by reforming the ammonia (NH3) fuel to suit the engine's operating conditions, the combustion speed increases and the flame extinguishing limit decreases, thereby enabling the expansion of the operating range for improved engine output (e.g., high-speed operation, high-load operation).

[0010] Accordingly, there is a need for a device and method to enable the reforming of ammonia (NH3) fuel to suit the engine's operating conditions.

[0011] The background technology of the present invention is disclosed in Korean Published Patent No. 10-2020-0006778 (January 21, 2020). The problem to be solved

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, the present invention is created to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a carbon-free fuel reforming apparatus and a control method thereof that enable efficient reforming of carbon-free fuel through rapid temperature control of an electric heater-integrated reforming catalyst in response to the operating conditions of an engine. means of solving the problem

[0015] A carbon-free fuel reforming device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: an electric heater-integrated catalyst for controlling the temperature of ammonia flowing into a supply pipe; an exhaust pipe-integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device for controlling the temperature of ammonia flowing through the electric heater-integrated catalyst through exhaust gas heat exchange and supplying it to an engine; and a reforming device controller for controlling the temperature of the electric heater-integrated catalyst by determining a target reforming temperature to obtain optimal reforming efficiency according to output requirement information required from the outside to the engine.

[0016] In the present invention, the carbon-free fuel reforming device further comprises an exhaust gas-utilizing fuel vaporizer or fuel preheater that preheats and primarily raises the temperature of ammonia introduced through the supply pipe.

[0017] In the present invention, the electric heater-integrated catalyst is characterized by secondarily raising the temperature of ammonia that has been primarily raised through an exhaust gas-using fuel vaporizer or fuel preheater.

[0018] In the present invention, the electric heater-integrated catalyst is characterized by being installed at least one of the following locations: an exhaust gas inlet where exhaust gas from an engine flows into an exhaust pipe-integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device; an ammonia inlet from a supply pipe to an exhaust pipe-integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device; and an ammonia (NH3) supply from the exhaust pipe-integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device to an engine.

[0019] In the present invention, the electric heater-integrated catalyst is characterized by being coated with a modified catalyst using a metal carrier or a ceramic carrier in which the heater is fused.

[0020] In the present invention, the exhaust pipe-integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst is characterized by being formed to include a plurality of heat exchange fins so that heat of the exhaust gas can be transferred.

[0021] In the present invention, the reforming device controller is characterized by being implemented by being integrated with an engine ECU that controls the engine.

[0022] In the present invention, the reforming device controller is characterized by controlling the temperature of the electric heater-integrated catalyst based on the ammonia temperature and pressure of the ammonia passing through the exhaust gas-using fuel vaporizer or fuel preheater, measured using a plurality of monitoring sensors, the catalyst temperature of the exhaust pipe-integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device, the engine temperature, and the temperature of the exhaust gas finally discharged through the exhaust pipe.

[0023] In the present invention, the reforming device controller is characterized by determining a target engine speed or ammonia required fuel amount based on the engine output, obtaining a reforming efficiency that can be stabilized based on this, and determining a target reforming temperature to obtain the reforming efficiency, wherein the target reforming temperature to obtain the reforming efficiency that can be stabilized is determined by using a lookup table that is pre-set through experiments.

[0024] In the present invention, the reforming device controller supplies ammonia fuel to the engine when the engine's condition is normal, and when the operation of the reforming device is normal, determines the required fuel amount corresponding to the previously inputted output requirement information for the engine, the optimal reforming efficiency, and the corresponding target reforming temperature using a lookup table, controls the temperature of the electric heater-integrated catalyst by the determined target reforming temperature, and also controls the engine speed by controlling the amount of ammonia fuel.

[0026] A control method for a carbon-free fuel reforming device according to another aspect of the present invention comprises: a step in which a reforming device controller controls an electric heater-integrated catalyst to regulate the temperature of ammonia introduced through a supply pipe; and a step in which the reforming device controller regulates the temperature of ammonia introduced through the electric heater-integrated catalyst by heat exchange with exhaust gas through an exhaust pipe-integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device and supplies it to an engine; wherein the reforming device controller determines a target reforming temperature to obtain optimal reforming efficiency according to output requirement information required from the outside to the engine and controls the temperature of the electric heater-integrated catalyst.

[0027] In the present invention, the electric heater-integrated catalyst is characterized by being installed at least one of the following locations: an exhaust gas inlet where exhaust gas from an engine flows into an exhaust pipe-integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device; an ammonia (NH3) inlet from a supply pipe to an exhaust pipe-integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device; and an ammonia (NH3) supply from the exhaust pipe-integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device to an engine.

[0028] In the present invention, to control the temperature of the electric heater-integrated catalyst, the reforming device controller controls the temperature of the electric heater-integrated catalyst based on the ammonia temperature and pressure of the ammonia passing through the exhaust gas-using fuel vaporizer or fuel preheater, the catalyst temperature of the exhaust pipe-integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device, the engine temperature, and the temperature of the exhaust gas finally discharged through the exhaust pipe, which are measured using a plurality of monitoring sensors.

[0029] In the present invention, when a target engine speed or ammonia required fuel amount is determined according to the output of the engine, the reforming device controller obtains a reforming efficiency that can be stabilized based on the target engine speed or ammonia required fuel amount, and determines a target reforming temperature to obtain the reforming efficiency, wherein the target reforming temperature to obtain the reforming efficiency that can be stabilized is determined using a lookup table that is pre-set through experiments.

[0030] In the present invention, in the step of controlling the temperature of the electric heater-integrated catalyst, the reforming device controller supplies ammonia fuel to the engine when the engine condition is normal, and when the operation of the reforming device is normal, determines the required fuel amount corresponding to the previously inputted output requirement information for the engine, the optimal reforming efficiency, and the corresponding target reforming temperature using a lookup table, controls the temperature of the electric heater-integrated catalyst by the determined target reforming temperature, and additionally controls the engine speed by controlling the amount of ammonia fuel. Effects of the invention

[0032] According to one aspect of the present invention, the present invention utilizes a reforming catalyst comprising a small active heater mountable to an engine or combustor, and controls the temperature of the active heater in response to load conditions (i.e., operating conditions or driving conditions) of the engine or combustor, thereby enabling the maintenance of appropriate reforming efficiency of carbon-free fuel and stable operation of the engine or combustor.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present invention, the invention reforms carbon-free fuel by controlling the temperature of the carbon-free fuel using exhaust waste heat from an engine or a combustor, and in cases where the target reforming efficiency of the carbon-free fuel is insufficient with only exhaust waste heat (i.e., when the hydrogen mixing ratio is small), rapidly responds to the reforming of the carbon-free fuel through rapid temperature control of an active heater, thereby improving the reforming efficiency of the carbon-free fuel and enabling stable operation of the system.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present invention, the invention enables efficient reforming of carbon-free fuel through rapid temperature control of an electric heater-integrated reforming catalyst in response to the operating conditions of an engine. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0036] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing the schematic configuration of a carbon-free fuel reforming device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a carbon-free fuel reforming device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an example diagram showing a lookup table (or map) for determining a target modification temperature to obtain optimal modification efficiency in FIG. 2. Figure 4 is an example diagram showing the step-by-step temperature change of the reforming device in the form of a graph in Figure 2. FIG. 5 is an example diagram shown to explain the schematic configuration of the electric heater-integrated catalyst and the exhaust pipe-integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device in FIG. 1. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0037] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a carbon-free fuel reforming apparatus and a control method thereof according to the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0038] In this process, the thickness of lines or the size of components depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated for the sake of clarity and convenience of explanation. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined considering their functions in the present invention, and these may vary depending on the intent or convention of the user or operator. Therefore, the definitions of these terms should be based on the content throughout this specification.

[0039] Below, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention.

[0040] However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0041] In addition, to clearly explain the invention in the drawings, parts unrelated to the explanation have been omitted, and similar parts throughout the specification have been given similar reference numerals.

[0042] Throughout the specification, when a part is described as "including" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components.

[0043] The implementations described herein may be implemented, for example, as methods or processes, devices, software programs, data streams, or signals. Even if discussed only in the context of a single form of implementation (e.g., discussed only as a method), the implementation of the discussed features may also be implemented in other forms (e.g., devices or programs). Devices may be implemented in appropriate hardware, software, and firmware, etc. Methods may be implemented in devices such as processors, which generally refer to processing devices including, for example, computers, microprocessors, integrated circuits, or programmable logic devices.

[0045] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing the schematic configuration of a carbon-free fuel reforming device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the carbon-free fuel reforming device according to the present embodiment is a device that supplies ammonia (NH3) reforming gas to an engine (120) (e.g., gas engine, generator) controlled by an engine ECU (Electronic Control Unit) (110), and includes an exhaust gas fuel vaporizer or fuel preheater (130), an electric heating catalyst (EHC) (140), an exhaust pipe heat exchange reforming catalyst device (150), a reforming device controller (160), and a plurality of monitoring sensors (TS).

[0047] The ammonia (NH3) supplied to the engine (120) through the supply pipe has its temperature raised primarily through the exhaust gas fuel vaporizer or fuel preheater (130). That is, the temperature of the ammonia (NH3) flowing into the supply pipe can be preheated through the exhaust gas fuel vaporizer or fuel preheater (130).

[0048] The ammonia (NH3), whose temperature has been raised in the first step, passes through an electric heater-integrated catalyst (140) and its temperature is raised in the second step.

[0049] The ammonia (NH3) whose temperature has been raised secondarily passes through an exhaust pipe-integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device (150) and its temperature is raised thirdly.

[0050] The reforming efficiency of ammonia (NH3) is determined by the time (i.e., residence time) it passes through an exhaust gas-based fuel vaporizer or fuel preheater (130), an electric heater-integrated catalyst (140), and an exhaust pipe-integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device (150), and by the catalyst temperature through a primary temperature rise, a secondary temperature rise, and a tertiary temperature rise.

[0051] FIG. 5 is an example diagram shown to explain the schematic configuration of the electric heater integrated catalyst (140) and the exhaust pipe integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device (150) in FIG. 1.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 5, the electric heater integrated catalyst (140) is installed at least one of the following locations: an inlet (①) of exhaust gas from the engine (120) to the exhaust pipe integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device (150), an inlet (②) of ammonia (NH3) from the supply pipe to the exhaust pipe integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device (150), and an ammonia (NH3) supply (③) from the exhaust pipe integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device (150) to the engine (120).

[0053] The electric heater-integrated catalyst (140) has the effect of improving the catalyst (surface) modification temperature characteristics through a modified catalyst coating using a metal or ceramic carrier fused with a heater, instead of a conventional heater that is difficult to use as a catalyst due to its small specific surface area.

[0054] If the temperature of the reforming catalyst is controlled using only exhaust gas heat exchange, there is a problem in that the operating temperature is limited by the temperature of the exhaust gas; however, this embodiment has the effect of enabling active response to the improvement of the catalyst reforming temperature and target temperature control by using an electric heater-integrated catalyst (140) with good reactivity.

[0055] At this time, the most desirable installation location for the electric heater-integrated catalyst (140) is the ammonia (NH3) inlet (②) from the supply pipe. However, it is not limited to this and may be installed at all three locations (①, ②, ③), or at any one or two of these locations.

[0056] In the exhaust pipe integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device (150), a plurality of heat exchange fins are formed by being arranged at designated intervals, and the heat exchange fins serve to ensure that the heat of the exhaust gas is transferred to the exhaust pipe integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device (150) to the maximum extent.

[0057] The ammonia (NH3) that has passed through the exhaust pipe-integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device (150) contains a mixture of ammonia (NH3) reformed gas and some unreformed ammonia (NH3).

[0058] In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the reforming device controller (160) and the engine ECU (110) are described as separate components, but it should be noted that in other embodiments, the engine ECU (110) and the reforming device controller (160) may be implemented as an integrated unit.

[0059] The reforming device controller (160) can be implemented by a processor (e.g., MCU).

[0060] The reforming device controller (160) uses a plurality of monitoring sensors (TS) to determine the ammonia temperature (T) of the ammonia (NH3) that has passed through the exhaust gas fuel vaporizer or fuel preheater (130). NH3 ), catalyst temperature (T) of the exhaust pipe integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device (150) cat The temperature of the engine (120) and the temperature of the exhaust gas finally discharged through the exhaust pipe are sensed.

[0061] The reforming device controller (160) controls the ammonia temperature (T) of the ammonia (NH3) that has passed through the exhaust gas-using fuel vaporizer or fuel preheater (130). NH3 ) and pressure, catalyst temperature (T) of the exhaust pipe integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device (150) cat The heating temperature of the electric heater-integrated catalyst (140) is controlled based on the temperature of the engine (120), the temperature of the exhaust gas finally discharged through the exhaust pipe, and the temperature of the engine (120).

[0062] The reforming device controller (160) determines the engine speed (rpm), the amount of fuel required for the load, and the reforming efficiency according to the required output (or engine operating conditions) output from the engine ECU (110) to the engine (120). That is, the reforming device controller (160) controls the temperature of the electric heater-integrated catalyst (140) for controlling the temperature of the reforming device according to the required information (or engine operating conditions) required from the outside to the engine (120).

[0063] In order to control the temperature (or heating temperature) of the electric heater integrated catalyst (140), the reformer controller (160) may use a lookup table prepared in advance through experimentation (i.e., a table of the appropriate catalyst temperature of the reformer or the temperature of the electric heater integrated catalyst (140) to be controlled according to the required output of the engine).

[0064] The exhaust gas emitted from the engine (120) is discharged through the exhaust pipe, passing through the exhaust pipe integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device (140) and the post-treatment device (i.e., exhaust gas reduction device).

[0065] At least one of the plurality of monitoring sensors (TS) is the ammonia temperature (T) of the ammonia (NH3) supplied to the electric heater integrated catalyst (150). NH3 It can sense ) and pressure. In addition, at least one of the plurality of monitoring sensors (TS) can sense the catalyst temperature (T) of the exhaust pipe integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device (140). cat It can sense ). In addition, at least one of the plurality of monitoring sensors (TS) can sense the temperature of the engine (120). In addition, at least one of the plurality of monitoring sensors (TS) can sense the temperature of the exhaust gas finally discharged through the exhaust pipe.

[0066] The specific operation of the reforming device controller (160) will be explained below with reference to FIG. 2.

[0067] Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the engine ECU (110) and the reforming device controller (160) may be implemented as an integrated unit.

[0068] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a carbon-free fuel reforming device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 2, when the reforming device controller (160) receives required information (e.g., output, operating time, etc.) from an external (or load) to the engine (120) (or generator) (S101), it drives the engine (120) (S102) and checks the state of the engine (120) (S103).

[0070] For example, the reforming device controller (160) checks the condition of the engine using the temperature and pressure sensed by sensors installed in the engine.

[0071] If, as a result of checking the condition of the engine (120), the condition of the engine (120) is abnormal (No in S104), the reforming device controller (160) displays an error through a display device (not shown) and turns off the engine (S109, S110).

[0072] When the condition of the engine (120) is checked and the condition of the engine (120) is normal (e.g., S104), the reforming device controller (160) supplies ammonia (NH3) fuel to the engine (120) (S105).

[0073] After supplying ammonia (NH3) fuel to the engine (120), the reformer controller (160) checks whether the motoring (no-load) operation of the engine (120) is normal (S106), and if the motoring (no-load) operation of the engine (120) is abnormal (No in S106), the reformer controller (160) displays an error through a display device (not shown) and turns off the engine (S109, S110).

[0074] If the motoring (no-load) operation of the engine (120) is normal (e.g., S106), the reformer controller (160) checks the appropriate operating conditions of the reformer (e.g., temperature, pressure, etc. of the reformer) (S107).

[0075] When the appropriate operating conditions of the reforming device (e.g., temperature and pressure of the reforming device, oxygen contained in the engine's exhaust gas, flow rate of air sucked into the engine, etc.) are checked, if the operation of the reforming device is abnormal (No in S108), the reforming device controller (160) displays an error through a display device (not shown) and turns off the engine (S109, S110).

[0076] When the appropriate operating conditions of the reforming device (e.g., temperature and pressure of the reforming device, oxygen contained in the engine's exhaust gas, flow rate of air sucked into the engine, etc.) are checked, and the operation of the reforming device is normal (e.g., example of S108) (i.e., if the specified appropriate range is satisfied), the reforming device controller (160) checks the required information (e.g., output, operating time, etc.) required for the engine (120) (or generator) that has been input (S111), and determines the required fuel amount corresponding to the required information, the reforming efficiency that can be stabilized, and the target reforming temperature accordingly (S112).

[0077] That is, the engine output (F) is determined by the target engine speed (rpm) or the required fuel amount of ammonia (NH3). Once the engine speed (rpm) or the required fuel amount is determined, a reforming efficiency that can be stabilized is obtained based on this, and a target reforming temperature is determined to obtain this reforming efficiency. At this time, the target reforming temperature to obtain the reforming efficiency that can be stabilized is determined by using a lookup table that is pre-set through experiments (e.g., a lookup table of required fuel amount (Q) - catalyst temperature) to determine the target reforming temperature (i.e., catalyst temperature) for obtaining the optimal reforming efficiency (see Fig. 3).

[0078] When a target reforming temperature (i.e., catalyst temperature) is determined to obtain optimal reforming efficiency (S112), the reforming device controller (160) controls the temperature of the entire reforming device (i.e., electric heater integrated catalyst (EHC) + exhaust pipe integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device) by controlling the temperature of the electric heater integrated catalyst (EHC) (140) (S113), and controls the engine speed by controlling the amount of ammonia (NH3) fuel (S114).

[0079] When the engine (120) performs normal power generation as a result of controlling the temperature of the entire reforming device (i.e., the electric heater integrated catalyst (EHC) + exhaust pipe integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device) and the amount of ammonia (NH3) fuel, power generation continues (S116), and when power generation is abnormal (S115 No), the reforming device controller (160) displays an error through a display device (not shown) and turns off the engine (S109, S110).

[0080] FIG. 3 is an example diagram showing a lookup table (or map) for determining a target modification temperature to obtain optimal modification efficiency in FIG. 2.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 3, when the target engine speed (rpm) or the required fuel amount of ammonia (NH3) is determined according to the engine output (F), a reforming efficiency that can be stabilized is obtained based on this, and a target reforming temperature to obtain this reforming efficiency is determined.

[0082] At this time, the target reforming temperature for obtaining a reforming efficiency that can be stabilized (or optimal reforming efficiency) can be determined by using a pre-set lookup table (e.g., a lookup table of required fuel amount (Q)-catalyst temperature) through experiments.

[0083] Figure 4 is an example diagram showing the step-by-step temperature change of the reforming device in the form of a graph in Figure 2.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 4, after driving the engine (120), ammonia (NH3) fuel is supplied to the engine (120) in steps S105 to S106, and the temperature (①) of the reforming device becomes the lowest state when the engine (120) is motored (no-load) operation.

[0085] In addition, when the reforming device operates normally in step S108, the engine (120) operates at the base speed (Base rpm), and the temperature of the reforming device rises further (②).

[0086] In addition, when the electric heater integrated catalyst (EHC) (140) is not operating (w / o EHC) and only the exhaust pipe integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device (150) is operating, the temperature of the reforming device becomes higher (③) as the engine operating conditions change, and when the exhaust pipe integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device (150) is operating and the electric heater integrated catalyst (EHC) (140) is also operating together, the temperature of the reforming device becomes higher (target reforming catalyst temperature maintenance state) (④).

[0087] As described above, this embodiment has the effect of improving the reforming efficiency of carbon-free fuel by using a reforming catalyst comprising a small active heater that can be mounted on an engine or combustor, and controlling the temperature of the active heater in response to the load conditions (i.e., operating conditions or driving conditions) of the engine or combustor.

[0088] In addition, this embodiment reforms the carbon-free fuel by controlling its temperature using exhaust waste heat from an engine or combustor. However, when the target reforming efficiency of the carbon-free fuel is insufficient with only exhaust waste heat (i.e., when the hydrogen mixing ratio is low), it rapidly responds to the reforming of the carbon-free fuel through rapid temperature control of an active heater, thereby maintaining the reforming efficiency of the carbon-free fuel at a desired level and stably operating the engine or combustor.

[0089] In addition, this embodiment has the effect of enabling rapid and efficient reforming of carbon-free fuel through rapid temperature control of the electric heater-integrated reforming catalyst in response to the engine's operating conditions.

[0090] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, this is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the technical scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the following claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0092] 110: Engine ECU 120 : Engine 130: Exhaust gas fuel carburetor or fuel preheater 140 : Electric heater integrated catalyst 150 : Exhaust pipe integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst 160 : Reforming device controller TS: Multiple monitoring sensors

Claims

Claim 1 A carbon-free fuel reforming device comprising: an electric heater-integrated catalyst for controlling the temperature of ammonia flowing into a supply pipe; an exhaust pipe-integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device for controlling the temperature of ammonia flowing through the electric heater-integrated catalyst via exhaust gas heat exchange and supplying it to an engine; and a reforming device controller for controlling the temperature of the electric heater-integrated catalyst by determining a target reforming temperature to obtain optimal reforming efficiency according to output requirement information required from the outside to the engine, wherein the reforming device controller controls the temperature of the electric heater-integrated catalyst based on the ammonia temperature and pressure of ammonia passing through an exhaust gas-utilizing fuel vaporizer or fuel preheater, the catalyst temperature of the exhaust pipe-integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device, the temperature of the engine, and the temperature of the exhaust gas finally discharged through the exhaust pipe, measured using a plurality of monitoring sensors. Claim 2 A carbon-free fuel reforming device according to claim 1, further comprising an exhaust gas-utilizing fuel vaporizer or fuel preheater that preheats and primarily raises the temperature of ammonia introduced through the supply pipe. Claim 3 A carbon-free fuel reforming device according to claim 1, wherein the electric heater-integrated catalyst secondarily raises the temperature of ammonia that has been primarily raised through an exhaust gas-using fuel vaporizer or fuel preheater. Claim 4 A carbon-free fuel reforming device according to claim 1, wherein the electric heater-integrated catalyst is installed at least one of the following locations: an exhaust gas inlet where exhaust gas from an engine flows into an exhaust pipe-integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device, an ammonia inlet from a supply pipe to an exhaust pipe-integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device, and an ammonia (NH3) supply from the exhaust pipe-integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device to an engine. Claim 5 A carbon-free fuel reforming device according to claim 1, wherein the electric heater-integrated catalyst is coated with a reforming catalyst using a metal carrier or ceramic carrier in which the heater is fused. Claim 6 A carbon-free fuel reforming device according to claim 1, wherein the exhaust pipe-integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst is formed to include a plurality of heat exchange fins so as to transfer heat from the exhaust gas. Claim 7 A carbon-free fuel reformer according to claim 1, characterized in that the reformer controller is implemented by being integrated with an engine ECU that controls the engine. Claim 8 delete Claim 9 A carbon-free fuel reforming device comprising: an electric heater-integrated catalyst for controlling the temperature of ammonia flowing into a supply pipe; an exhaust pipe-integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device for controlling the temperature of ammonia flowing through the electric heater-integrated catalyst via exhaust gas heat exchange and supplying it to an engine; and a reforming device controller for controlling the temperature of the electric heater-integrated catalyst by determining a target reforming temperature to obtain optimal reforming efficiency according to output requirement information required of the engine from the outside, wherein the reforming device controller is characterized by, when a target engine speed or ammonia required fuel amount is determined according to the output of the engine, obtaining a reforming efficiency that can be stabilized based thereon, and determining a target reforming temperature to obtain said reforming efficiency, wherein the target reforming temperature to obtain a reforming efficiency that can be stabilized is determined using a lookup table pre-set through experiments. Claim 10 A carbon-free fuel reforming device comprising: an electric heater-integrated catalyst for controlling the temperature of ammonia flowing into a supply pipe; an exhaust pipe-integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device for controlling the temperature of ammonia flowing through the electric heater-integrated catalyst via exhaust gas heat exchange and supplying it to an engine; and a reforming device controller for controlling the temperature of the electric heater-integrated catalyst by determining a target reforming temperature to obtain optimal reforming efficiency according to output requirement information required of the engine from the outside, wherein the reforming device controller supplies ammonia fuel to the engine when the engine condition is normal, and when the operation of the reforming device is normal, determines a required fuel amount corresponding to pre-entered output requirement information required of the engine, and an optimal reforming efficiency and a corresponding target reforming temperature using a lookup table, controls the temperature of the electric heater-integrated catalyst by the determined target reforming temperature, and additionally controls the engine speed by controlling the amount of ammonia fuel. Claim 11 A step in which a reforming device controller controls an electric heater-integrated catalyst to regulate the temperature of ammonia flowing in through a supply pipe; A method for controlling a carbon-free fuel reforming device, comprising the step of the reforming device controller controlling the temperature of ammonia introduced through the electric heater integrated catalyst through exhaust gas heat exchange via the exhaust pipe integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device and supplying it to the engine; wherein the reforming device controller determines a target reforming temperature to obtain optimal reforming efficiency according to output requirement information required from the outside to the engine and controls the temperature of the electric heater integrated catalyst, and in order to control the temperature of the electric heater integrated catalyst, the reforming device controller controls the temperature of the electric heater integrated catalyst based on the ammonia temperature and pressure of ammonia passing through the exhaust gas fuel vaporizer or fuel preheater measured using a plurality of monitoring sensors, the catalyst temperature of the exhaust pipe integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device, the temperature of the engine, and the temperature of the exhaust gas finally discharged through the exhaust pipe. Claim 12 A control method for a carbon-free fuel reforming device according to claim 11, wherein the electric heater-integrated catalyst is installed at least one of the following locations: an exhaust gas inlet where exhaust gas from an engine flows into an exhaust pipe-integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device, an ammonia (NH3) inlet from a supply pipe to an exhaust pipe-integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device, and an ammonia (NH3) supply from the exhaust pipe-integrated heat exchange reforming catalyst device to an engine. Claim 13 delete Claim 14 A method for controlling a carbon-free fuel reformer comprising: a step in which a reformer controller controls an electric heater-integrated catalyst to regulate the temperature of ammonia flowing in through a supply pipe; and a step in which the reformer controller regulates the temperature of ammonia flowing in through the electric heater-integrated catalyst by heat exchange of exhaust gas through an exhaust pipe-integrated heat exchange reformer catalyst device and supplies it to an engine; wherein the reformer controller determines a target reforming temperature to obtain optimal reforming efficiency according to output demand information required from the outside to the engine and controls the temperature of the electric heater-integrated catalyst, and when a target engine speed or ammonia-required fuel amount is determined according to the output of the engine, the reformer controller obtains a reforming efficiency that can be stabilized based on the target engine speed or ammonia-required fuel amount, and determines a target reforming temperature to obtain the reforming efficiency, wherein the target reforming temperature to obtain a reforming efficiency that can be stabilized is determined using a lookup table pre-set through experiments. Claim 15 A step in which a reforming device controller controls an electric heater-integrated catalyst to regulate the temperature of ammonia flowing in through a supply pipe; A method for controlling a carbon-free fuel reformer, comprising the step of the reformer controller controlling the temperature of ammonia introduced through the electric heater integrated catalyst through exhaust gas heat exchange via the exhaust pipe integrated heat exchange reformer catalyst device and supplying it to the engine; wherein the reformer controller determines a target reforming temperature to obtain optimal reforming efficiency according to output requirement information required from the outside to the engine and controls the temperature of the electric heater integrated catalyst, and in the step of controlling the temperature of the electric heater integrated catalyst, the reformer controller supplies ammonia fuel to the engine when the engine condition is normal, and when the operation of the reformer is normal, determines a required fuel amount corresponding to the previously input output requirement information required for the engine, and an optimal reforming efficiency and a corresponding target reforming temperature using a lookup table, and controls the temperature of the electric heater integrated catalyst by the determined target reforming temperature, and additionally controls the engine speed by controlling the amount of ammonia fuel.

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