Fuel Reforming Catalyst Regeneration via Temperature-Controlled Air and Fuel Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The performance of reforming catalysts in fuel reforming systems deteriorates due to deposits like solid carbon, leading to inefficient regeneration processes, particularly when air supply continues, causing a decrease in catalyst temperature and increasing regeneration time.
Innovation Solution
A fuel reforming system with a reforming catalyst, an oxidation catalyst, and a temperature detector, where air supply and fuel injection are controlled based on catalyst temperature to maintain a warm environment for efficient deposit combustion and removal, using first and second catalyst regeneration controls to adjust fuel injection and air supply according to temperature conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air is continuously supplied to the reforming catalyst for regeneration, then deposits are combusted and removed, but the catalyst temperature decreases significantly and regeneration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between air supply mode (for deposit combustion) and fuel injection mode (for temperature maintenance). The controller switches between these modes based on detected catalyst temperature, preventing continuous air supply that would cause temperature drop and extend regeneration time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the catalyst temperature through controlled fuel injection. When temperature drops below a threshold during air supply, fuel is injected to raise the temperature back to the optimal range, thereby changing the thermal parameter to maintain efficient regeneration conditions.
2Temperature
If fuel is injected into the reforming catalyst during regeneration, then combustion temperature is maintained, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the controller continuously monitors catalyst temperature and adjusts fuel injection accordingly. Fuel is injected only when temperature drops below a predetermined threshold, and the injection amount is controlled based on the temperature deviation, thereby using fuel efficiently to maintain temperature without excessive consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by injecting fuel only when necessary (when temperature drops below threshold) rather than continuously. The fuel injection amount is controlled to be just sufficient for temperature maintenance, avoiding excessive fuel consumption while still achieving the temperature maintenance objective.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration ensures effective and quick regeneration of the reforming catalyst while minimizing fuel consumption, maintaining high combustion efficiency and reducing the time required to remove deposits, thereby enhancing engine fuel consumption performance.
Implementation Method 1
a reforming catalyst provided in an EGR passage and capable of reforming fuel injected from the fuel injection device
Implementation Method 2
an oxidation catalyst provided, particularly in a vicinity of the reforming catalyst, in the EGR passage
Implementation Method 3
air (oxygen) is supplied to the reforming catalyst to combust and remove the deposits in the interior thereof
Data Source
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AI summary
A fuel reforming system includes a fuel injection device capable of injecting fuel into an EGR passage, a reforming catalyst provided in the EGR passage, an oxidation catalyst provided in the vicinity of the reforming catalyst in the EGR passage, and an air supply device that supplies air to the EGR passage. When clogging occurs in the reforming catalyst and a temperature of the reforming catalyst is less than a first temperature, air is supplied to the EGR passage by the air supply device, and fuel is injected by the fuel injection device. When clogging occurs in the reforming catalyst and the temperature of the reforming catalyst is equal to or more than the first temperature, air is supplied to the EGR passage by the air supply device, and fuel injection of the fuel injection device is stopped.