초록 ▼

A method of main reformer startup is disclosed. The method comprises introducing a first supply of fuel and a first supply of air into a micro-reformer. The first supply of fuel is increased to produce a heated reformate in the micro-reformer. The heated reformate is directed through a main reformer

A method of main reformer startup is disclosed. The method comprises introducing a first supply of fuel and a first supply of air into a micro-reformer. The first supply of fuel is increased to produce a heated reformate in the micro-reformer. The heated reformate is directed through a main reformer in order to heat the main reformer. At least a portion of the heated reformate is burned in the main reformer. A second supply of fuel and a second supply of air is introduced into the main reformer to produce a main supply of reformate. A method for maintaining a vehicle device in standby condition is also disclosed.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A method of main reformer startup, comprising: introducing a first supply of fuel and a first supply of air into a micro-reformer to produce a heated reformate in said micro-reformer; directing said heated reformate through a main reformer to heat said main reformer; burning

What is claimed is: 1. A method of main reformer startup, comprising: introducing a first supply of fuel and a first supply of air into a micro-reformer to produce a heated reformate in said micro-reformer; directing said heated reformate through a main reformer to heat said main reformer; burning at least a portion of said heated reformate in said main reformer; increasing said first supply of fuel and said first supply of air to said micro-reformer to increase the amount of heated reformate directed to said main reformer; and introducing a second supply of fuel and a second supply of air to said main reformer to produce a main supply of reformate. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising electrically pre-heating said micro-reformer. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein said micro-reformer has an inlet air temperature at about 140 ° C. or greater and a catalyst exit temperature of about 300 ° C. or greater. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said micro-reformer has a catalyst volume of about 50% or less of a catalyst volume of said main reformer. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein said micro-reformer has a catalyst volume equal to about 35% or less of a catalyst volume of said main reformer. 6. The method of claim 4, wherein said micro-reformer has a catalyst volume equal to about 25% to about 10% of a catalyst volume of said main reformer. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said main reformer consists essentially of a catalyst and ceramic components. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein said first supply of fuel has an equivalence ratio of about 0.4 to about 0.7. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein said increasing said first supply of fuel is to an equivalence ratio of about 2.7 to about 2.9. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein said micro-reformer has a catalyst exit temperature of about 500 ° or greater. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein said second supply of fuel has an equivalence ratio of about 1.8 to about 2.2. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein said main reformer has catalyst exit temperature of about 500 ° C. or greater.