EP2534362A2 - Reacteurs et moteurs thermochimiques couples, et systemes et procedes associes - Google Patents

Reacteurs et moteurs thermochimiques couples, et systemes et procedes associes

Info

Publication number
EP2534362A2
EP2534362A2 EP11742994A EP11742994A EP2534362A2 EP 2534362 A2 EP2534362 A2 EP 2534362A2 EP 11742994 A EP11742994 A EP 11742994A EP 11742994 A EP11742994 A EP 11742994A EP 2534362 A2 EP2534362 A2 EP 2534362A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
reaction zone
engine
hydrogen
directing
combustion
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP11742994A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Roy Edward Mcalister
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
McAlister Technologies LLC
Original Assignee
McAlister Technologies LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US12/804,509 external-priority patent/US8561598B2/en
Application filed by McAlister Technologies LLC filed Critical McAlister Technologies LLC
Publication of EP2534362A2 publication Critical patent/EP2534362A2/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M27/00—Apparatus for treating combustion-air, fuel, or fuel-air mixture, by catalysts, electric means, magnetism, rays, sound waves, or the like
    • F02M27/06—Apparatus for treating combustion-air, fuel, or fuel-air mixture, by catalysts, electric means, magnetism, rays, sound waves, or the like by rays, e.g. infrared and ultraviolet
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01N5/00—Exhaust or silencing apparatus combined or associated with devices profiting by exhaust energy
    • F01N5/02—Exhaust or silencing apparatus combined or associated with devices profiting by exhaust energy the devices using heat
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02B—INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL
    • F02B37/00—Engines characterised by provision of pumps driven at least for part of the time by exhaust
    • F02B37/12—Control of the pumps
    • F02B37/20—Control of the pumps by increasing exhaust energy, e.g. using combustion chamber by after-burning
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02B—INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL
    • F02B51/00—Other methods of operating engines involving pretreating of, or adding substances to, combustion air, fuel, or fuel-air mixture of the engines
    • F02B51/02—Other methods of operating engines involving pretreating of, or adding substances to, combustion air, fuel, or fuel-air mixture of the engines involving catalysts
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02B—INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL
    • F02B51/00—Other methods of operating engines involving pretreating of, or adding substances to, combustion air, fuel, or fuel-air mixture of the engines
    • F02B51/04—Other methods of operating engines involving pretreating of, or adding substances to, combustion air, fuel, or fuel-air mixture of the engines involving electricity or magnetism
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M21/00—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form
    • F02M21/02—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form for gaseous fuels
    • F02M21/0203—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form for gaseous fuels characterised by the type of gaseous fuel
    • F02M21/0206—Non-hydrocarbon fuels, e.g. hydrogen, ammonia or carbon monoxide
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M21/00—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form
    • F02M21/02—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form for gaseous fuels
    • F02M21/0218—Details on the gaseous fuel supply system, e.g. tanks, valves, pipes, pumps, rails, injectors or mixers
    • F02M21/0227—Means to treat or clean gaseous fuels or fuel systems, e.g. removal of tar, cracking, reforming or enriching
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M21/00—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form
    • F02M21/02—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form for gaseous fuels
    • F02M21/0218—Details on the gaseous fuel supply system, e.g. tanks, valves, pipes, pumps, rails, injectors or mixers
    • F02M21/0248—Injectors
    • F02M21/0251—Details of actuators therefor
    • F02M21/0254—Electric actuators, e.g. solenoid or piezoelectric
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M21/00—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form
    • F02M21/02—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form for gaseous fuels
    • F02M21/0218—Details on the gaseous fuel supply system, e.g. tanks, valves, pipes, pumps, rails, injectors or mixers
    • F02M21/0248—Injectors
    • F02M21/0257—Details of the valve closing elements, e.g. valve seats, stems or arrangement of flow passages
    • F02M21/026—Lift valves, i.e. stem operated valves
    • F02M21/0263—Inwardly opening single or multi nozzle valves, e.g. needle valves
    • F02M21/0266—Hollow stem valves; Piston valves; Stems having a spherical tip
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M21/00—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form
    • F02M21/02—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form for gaseous fuels
    • F02M21/0218—Details on the gaseous fuel supply system, e.g. tanks, valves, pipes, pumps, rails, injectors or mixers
    • F02M21/0287—Details on the gaseous fuel supply system, e.g. tanks, valves, pipes, pumps, rails, injectors or mixers characterised by the transition from liquid to gaseous phase ; Injection in liquid phase; Cooling and low temperature storage
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M25/00—Engine-pertinent apparatus for adding non-fuel substances or small quantities of secondary fuel to combustion-air, main fuel or fuel-air mixture
    • F02M25/10—Engine-pertinent apparatus for adding non-fuel substances or small quantities of secondary fuel to combustion-air, main fuel or fuel-air mixture adding acetylene, non-waterborne hydrogen, non-airborne oxygen, or ozone
    • F02M25/12—Engine-pertinent apparatus for adding non-fuel substances or small quantities of secondary fuel to combustion-air, main fuel or fuel-air mixture adding acetylene, non-waterborne hydrogen, non-airborne oxygen, or ozone the apparatus having means for generating such gases
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M27/00—Apparatus for treating combustion-air, fuel, or fuel-air mixture, by catalysts, electric means, magnetism, rays, sound waves, or the like
    • F02M27/02—Apparatus for treating combustion-air, fuel, or fuel-air mixture, by catalysts, electric means, magnetism, rays, sound waves, or the like by catalysts
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01N2240/00—Combination or association of two or more different exhaust treating devices, or of at least one such device with an auxiliary device, not covered by indexing codes F01N2230/00 or F01N2250/00, one of the devices being
    • F01N2240/30—Combination or association of two or more different exhaust treating devices, or of at least one such device with an auxiliary device, not covered by indexing codes F01N2230/00 or F01N2250/00, one of the devices being a fuel reformer
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01N3/00—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust
    • F01N3/005—Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust for draining or otherwise eliminating condensates or moisture accumulating in the apparatus
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02B—INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL
    • F02B75/00—Other engines
    • F02B75/12—Other methods of operation
    • F02B2075/125—Direct injection in the combustion chamber for spark ignition engines, i.e. not in pre-combustion chamber
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
    • Y02T10/10—Internal combustion engine [ICE] based vehicles
    • Y02T10/12—Improving ICE efficiencies
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
    • Y02T10/10—Internal combustion engine [ICE] based vehicles
    • Y02T10/30—Use of alternative fuels, e.g. biofuels

Definitions

  • U.S. Patent Application No. 12/804,509 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 12/653,085, filed December 7, 2009 and titled INTEGRATED FUEL INJECTORS AND IGNITERS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS OF USE AND MANUFACTURE; which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 12/006,774 (now U.S. Patent No.
  • thermochemical reactors and engines can be used to produce clean-burning, hydrogen-based fuels from a wide variety of feedstocks, and can produce structural building blocks (e.g., architectural constructs) from carbon and/or other elements that are released when forming the hydrogen-based fuels.
  • structural building blocks e.g., architectural constructs
  • renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, wave, falling water, and biomass-based sources have tremendous potential as significant energy sources, but currently suffer from a variety of problems that prohibit widespread adoption.
  • using renewable energy sources in the production of electricity is dependent on the availability of the sources, which can be intermittent.
  • Solar energy is limited by the sun's availability (i.e., daytime only)
  • wind energy is limited by the variability of wind
  • falling water energy is limited by droughts
  • biomass energy is limited by seasonal variances, among other things.
  • much of the energy from renewable sources, captured or not captured tends to be wasted.
  • Figure 1 is a partially schematic, partially cross-sectional illustration of a reactor system that receives energy from a combustion engine in accordance with an embodiment of the presently disclosed technology.
  • Figure 2 is a partially schematic, partially cross-sectional illustration of a reactor system that receives energy from a combustion engine and returns reaction products to the engine in accordance with an embodiment of the presently disclosed technology.
  • references throughout this specification to "one example,” “an example,” “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” mean that a particular feature, structure, process or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one example of the present technology.
  • the occurrences of the phrases “in one example,” “in an example,” “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same example.
  • the particular features, structures, routines, steps or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples of the technology.
  • the headings provided herein are for convenience only and are not intended to limit or interpret the scope or meaning of the claimed technology.
  • Certain embodiments of the technology described below may take the form of computer-executable instructions, including routines executed by a programmable computer or controller.
  • routines executed by a programmable computer or controller Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that the technology can be practiced on computer or controller systems other than those shown and described below.
  • the technology can be embodied in a special-purpose computer, controller, or data processor that is specifically programmed, configured or constructed to perform one or more of the computer-executable instructions described below.
  • the terms "computer” and “controller” as generally used herein refer to any data processor and can include internet appliances, hand-held devices, multi-processor systems, programmable consumer electronics, network computers, mini-computers, and the like.
  • the technology can also be practiced in distributed environments where tasks or modules are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network.
  • aspects of the technology described below may be stored or distributed on computer-readable media, including magnetic or optically readable or removable computer discs as well as media distributed electronically over networks.
  • data structures and transmissions of data particular to aspects of the technology are also encompassed within the scope of the present technology.
  • the present technology encompasses both methods of programming computer-readable media to perform particular steps, as well as executing the steps.
  • a system in accordance with a particular embodiment of the technology includes a reactor vessel having a reaction zone, a hydrogen donor source coupled in fluid communication with the reaction zone, and an engine having a combustion region.
  • the system can further include a transfer passage coupled between the combustion region and the reaction zone to transfer a reactant and/or radiant energy to the reaction zone.
  • the system can still further include a product passage coupled between the reaction zone and the combustion region of the engine to deliver to the combustion region at least a portion of a constituent removed from the reaction zone.
  • the reactor can dissociate a hydrocarbon, such as methane, using waste heat from the combustion process to facilitate the dissociation process. At least some of the resulting hydrogen fuel, alone or in combination with carbon or a carbon compound, can be returned to the engine for combustion and/or other purposes.
  • a method in accordance with another embodiment of the technology includes directing a hydrogen donor into a reaction zone of a reactor vessel and combusting a fuel in an engine to produce power and exhaust products.
  • the method can further include directing the exhaust products through a transfer passage coupled between the engine and the reaction zone to transfer a reactant and/or radiant energy to the reaction zone.
  • the method can still further include dissociating the hydrogen donor into dissociation products at the reaction zone and, from the dissociation products, providing a non- hydrogen-based structural building block and/or a hydrogen-based fuel.
  • the method can further include directing a portion of a constituent removed from the reaction zone to the engine.
  • the processes include dissociating methane into hydrogen and carbon monoxide, and returning portions of either or both to the engine, e.g., with a fuel constituent, for combustion.
  • Figures 1 and 2 illustrate representative reactor systems for producing hydrogen-based fuels and structural building blocks or architectural constructs in accordance with several embodiments of the technology.
  • Figure 1 illustrates the general arrangement of a reactor that uses waste heat from a combustion process.
  • Figure 2 illustrates further details of the reactor system, and illustrates mechanisms and arrangements by which the combustion engine and reactor can be coupled in a closed- loop fashion.
  • FIG 1 is a partially schematic illustration of a representative system 100 that includes a reactor 110.
  • the reactor 110 further includes a reactor vessel 111 that encloses or partially encloses a reaction zone 112.
  • the reactor vessel 111 has one or more transmissive surfaces positioned to facilitate the chemical reaction taking place within the reaction zone 112. Suitable transmissive surfaces are disclosed in co-pending U.S. Application No. titled "REACTOR VESSELS WITH
  • the reactor vessel 111 receives a hydrogen donor provided by a donor source 130 to a donor entry port 113.
  • the hydrogen donor can include methane or another hydrocarbon.
  • a donor distributor or manifold 115 within the reactor vessel 111 disperses or distributes the hydrogen donor into the reaction zone 112.
  • the reactor vessel 111 also receives steam from a steam/water source 140 via a steam entry port 114.
  • a steam distributor 116 in the reactor vessel 111 distributes the steam into the reaction zone 112.
  • the reactor vessel 1 11 can further include a heater 123 that supplies heat to the reaction zone 112 to facilitate endothermic reactions.
  • the power for the heater e.g., electrical power
  • the renewable energy source 165 can include a solar, wind, water and/or other suitable sustainable sources.
  • the reactions performed at the reaction zone 112 can include dissociating methane or another hydrocarbon into hydrogen or a hydrogen compound, and carbon or a carbon compound.
  • the reactor 110 can dissociate other hydrogen donors, e.g. nitrogenous hydrogen donors. Representative reactions are further described in co-pending U.S. Application No. titled "CHEMICAL
  • the system 100 can further include a source 150 of radiant energy (e.g., waste heat) and/or additional reactants, which provides constituents to a passage 118 within the reactor vessel 111.
  • the heat/reactant source 150 can include a combustion chamber 151 that provides hot combustion/exhaust products 152 to the passage 1 18, as indicated by arrow A.
  • the combustion products 152 and associated waste heat are produced by a process separate from the dissociation process (e.g., a power generation process).
  • a combustion products collector 171 b collects combustion products exiting the reactor vessel 11 1 for further recycling and/or other uses.
  • the combustion products 152 can include hot carbon monoxide, water vapor, and/or other constituents.
  • One or more transmissive surfaces 119 are positioned between the reaction zone 112 (which can be disposed annularly around the passage 18) and an interior region 120 of the passage 118.
  • the transmissive surface 119 can accordingly allow radiant energy and/or a chemical constituent to pass radially outwardly from the passage 118 into the reaction zone 112, as indicated by arrows B.
  • the system 100 can enhance the reaction taking place in the reaction zone 1 12, for example, by increasing the reaction zone temperature and/or pressure, and therefore the reaction rate, and/or the thermodynamic efficiency of the reaction.
  • the foregoing process can accordingly recycle or reuse energy and/or constituents that would otherwise be wasted, in addition to facilitating the reaction at the reaction zone 112.
  • the composition and structure of the transmissive surface 119 can be selected to allow radiant energy to readily pass from the interior region 120 of the passage 118 to the reaction zone 112. Accordingly, the transmissive surface 119 can include glass, graphene, or a re-radiative component. Suitable re-radiative components are described further in co-pending U.S. Application No. titled "CHEMICAL REACTORS WITH RE-RADIATING SURFACES AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS" (Attorney Docket No. 69545.8603US), filed concurrently herewith and incorporated herein by reference.
  • the combustion products 152 can include steam and/or other constituents that may serve as reactants in the reaction zone 1 12.
  • the transmissive surface 1 19 can be manufactured to selectively allow such constituents into the reaction zone 1 12, in addition to or in lieu of admitting radiant energy into the reaction zone 112.
  • the transmissive surface 119 can be formed from a carbon crystal structure, for example, a layered graphene structure.
  • the carbon-based crystal structure can include spacings (e.g., between parallel layers oriented transverse to the flow direction A) that are deliberately selected to allow water molecules to pass through. At the same time, the spacings can be selected to prevent useful reaction products produced in the reaction zone 1 12 from passing out of the reaction zone.
  • the transmissive surface 1 19 can be formed by using the same type of architectural constructs produced or facilitated by the reactor 110.
  • the system 100 can further include a controller 190 that receives input signals 191 (e.g., from sensors) and provides output signals 192 (e.g., control instructions) based at least in part on the inputs 191 .
  • the controller 190 can include suitable processor, memory and I/O capabilities.
  • the controller 190 can receive signals corresponding to measured or sensed pressures, temperatures, flow rates, chemical concentrations and/or other suitable parameters, and can issue instructions controlling reactant delivery rates, pressures and temperatures, heater activation, valve settings and/or other suitable actively controllable parameters.
  • An operator can provide additional inputs to modify, adjust and/or override the instructions carried out autonomously by the controller 190.
  • FIG. 2 is a partially schematic illustration of system 100 that includes a reactor 1 10 in combination with a radiant energy/reactant source 150 in accordance with another embodiment of the technology.
  • the radiant energy/reactant source 150 includes an engine 180, e.g., an internal combustion engine having a piston 182 that reciprocates within a cylinder 181 .
  • the engine 180 can have other configurations, for example, an external combustion configuration.
  • the engine 180 includes an intake port 184a that is opened and closed by an intake valve 183a to control air entering the cylinder 181 through an air filter 178.
  • the air flow can be unthrottled in an embodiment shown in Figure 2, and can be throttled in other embodiments.
  • a fuel injector 185 directs fuel into the combustion zone 179 where it mixes with the air and ignites to produce the combustion products 152. Additional fuel can be introduced by an injection valve 189a. The combustion products 152 exit the cylinder 181 via an exhaust port 184b controlled by an exhaust valve 183b. Further details of representative engines and ignition systems are disclosed in co-pending U.S. Application No. 12/653,085 (Attorney Docket No. 69545.8304US) filed on December 7, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference.
  • the engine 180 can include features specifically designed to integrate the operation of the engine with the operation of the reactor 1 10.
  • the engine 180 and the reactor 1 10 can share fuel from a common fuel source 130 which is described in further detail below.
  • the fuel is provided to the fuel injector 185 via a regulator 186.
  • the engine 180 can also receive end products from the reactor 1 10 via a first conduit or passage 177a, and water (e.g., liquid or steam) from the reactor 1 10 via a second conduit or passage 177b. Further aspects of these features are described in greater detail below, following a description of the other features of the overall system 100.
  • the system 100 shown in Figure 2 also includes heat exchangers and separators configured to transfer heat and segregate reaction products in accordance with the disclosed technology.
  • the system 100 includes a steam/water source 140 that provides steam to the reactor vessel 11 1 to facilitate product formation. Steam from the steam/water source 140 can be provided to the reactor 1 10 via at least two channels.
  • the first channel includes a first water path 141a that passes through a first heat exchanger 170a and into the reactor vessel 1 11 via a first steam distributor 1 16a. Products removed from the reactor vessel 1 11 pass through a reactor product exit port 1 17 and along a products path 161.
  • the products path 161 passes through the first heat exchanger 170a in a counter-flow or counter-current manner to cool the products and heat the steam entering the reactor vessel 11 1.
  • the products continue to a reaction product separator 171a that segregates useful end products (e.g., hydrogen and carbon or carbon compounds). At least some of the products are then directed back to the engine 180, and other products are then collected at a products collector 160a.
  • a first valve 176a regulates the product flow. Water remaining in the products path 161 can be separated at the reaction product separator 171a and returned to the steam/water source 140.
  • the second channel via which the steam/water source 140 provides steam to the reactor 1 10 includes a second water path 141 b that passes through a second heat exchanger 170b. Water proceeding along the second water path 141 b enters the reactor 110 in the form of steam via a second stream distributor 16b. This water is heated by combustion products that have exited the combustion zone 179 and passed through the transfer passage 118 (which can include a transmissive surface 1 19) along a combustion products path 154.
  • the spent combustion products 152 are collected at a combustion products collector 160b and can include nitrogen compounds, phosphates, re-used illuminant additives (e.g., sources of sodium, magnesium and/or potassium), and/or other compositions that may be recycled or used for other purposes (e.g., agricultural purposes).
  • the illuminant additives can be added to the combustion products 152 (and/or the fuel used by the engine 180) upstream of the reactor 110 to increase the amount of radiant energy available for transmission into the reaction zone 112.
  • the second heat exchanger 170b can heat the hydrogen donor passing along a donor path 131 to a donor distributor 1 15 located within the reactor vessel 111.
  • the donor vessel 130 houses a hydrogen donor, e.g., a hydrocarbon such as methane, or a nitrogenous donor such as ammonia.
  • the donor vessel 130 can include one or more heaters 132 (shown as first heater 132a and a second heater 132b) to vaporize and/or pressurize the hydrogen donor within.
  • a three-way valve 133 and a regulator 134 control the amount of fluid and/or vapor that exits the donor vessel 130 and passes along the donor path 131 through the second heat exchanger 170b and into the reactor vessel 111.
  • the hydrogen donor can also serve as a fuel for the engine 180, in at least some embodiments, and can be delivered to the engine 180 via a third conduit or passage 177c.
  • the combustion products 152 pass through the combustion products passage 118 while delivering radiant energy and/or reactants through the transmissive surface 119 into the reaction zone 1 12.
  • the combustion products 152 can enter a combustion products separator 171 b that separates water from the combustion products.
  • the water returns to the steam/water source 140 and the remaining combustion products are collected at the combustion products collector 160b.
  • the separator 171 b can include a centrifugal separator that is driven by the kinetic energy of the combustion product stream.
  • a motor/generator 172 can add energy to the separator 171b to provide the necessary centrifugal force. If the kinetic energy of the combustion product stream is greater than is necessary to separate water, the motor/generator 172 can produce energy, e.g., to be used by other components of the system 100.
  • the controller 190 receives inputs from the various elements of the system 100 and controls flow rates, pressures, temperatures, and/or other parameters.
  • the controller 190 can also control the return of reactor products to the engine 180.
  • the controller can direct reaction products and/or recaptured water back to the engine 180 via a series of valves.
  • the controller 190 can direct the operation of the first valve 176a which directs hydrogen and carbon monoxide obtained from the first separator 171 a to the engine 180 via the first conduit 177a. These constituents can be burned in the combustion zone 179 to provide additional power from the engine 180. In some instances, it may be desirable to cool the combustion zone 179 and/or other elements of the engine 180 as shown. In such instances, the controller 190 can control a flow of water or steam to the engine 180 via second and third valves 176b, 176c and the corresponding second conduit 177b.
  • the system 100 can included a proportioning valve 187 in the combustion products stream that can direct some combustion products 152 to a power extraction device 188, for example, a turbo-alternator, turbocharger or a supercharger.
  • a power extraction device 188 for example, a turbo-alternator, turbocharger or a supercharger.
  • the power extraction device 188 includes a supercharger, it operates to compress air entering the engine cylinder 181 via the intake port 184a.
  • the extraction device 188 includes a turbocharger, it can include an additional fuel injection valve 189b that directs fuel into the mixture of combustion products for further combustion to produce additional power. This power can supplement the power provided by the engine 180, or it can be provided separately, e.g., via a separate electrical generator.
  • one feature of the system 100 is that it is specifically configured to conserve and reuse energy from the combustion products 152. Accordingly, the system 100 can include additional features that are designed to reduce energy losses from the combustion products 152. Such features can include insulation positioned around the cylinder 181 , at the head of the piston 182, and/or at the ends of the valves 183a, 183b. Accordingly, the insulation prevents or at least restricts heat from being conveyed away from the engine 180 via any thermal channel other than the passage 1 18.
  • the reactor system can include a reactor and an engine linked in an interdependent manner.
  • the engine can provide waste heat that facilitates a dissociation process conducted at the reactor to produce a hydrogen-based fuel and a non-hydrogen based structural building block.
  • the building block can include a molecule containing carbon, boron, nitrogen, silicon and/or sulfur, and can be used to form an architectural construct. Representative examples of architectural constructs, in addition to the polymers and composites described above are described in further detail in co-pending U.S. Application
  • the engine can receive hydrogen-based fuel, but not cooling water from the reactor 110, or vise versa.
  • the present disclosure and associated technology can encompass other embodiments not expressly shown or described herein.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Hydrogen, Water And Hydrids (AREA)
  • Physical Or Chemical Processes And Apparatus (AREA)
  • Supercharger (AREA)
  • Output Control And Ontrol Of Special Type Engine (AREA)
  • Carbon And Carbon Compounds (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne des réacteurs et des moteurs thermochimiques couplés, et des systèmes et procédés associés. Selon un mode de réalisation particulier, un système de l'invention comprend: une cuve de réacteur présentant une zone de réaction; une source de donneur d'hydrogène couplé en communication fluidique avec la zone de réaction; et un moteur présentant une zone de combustion. Le système peut également comprendre un circuit de transfert couplé entre la zone de combustion et la zone de réaction pour transférer un réactif et/ou rayonner une énergie vers la zone de réaction. Le système peut en outre comprendre un circuit de produit couplé entre la zone de réaction et la zone de combustion du moteur pour apporter à cette dernière au moins une partie d'un constituant retiré de la zone de réaction.
EP11742994A 2010-02-13 2011-02-14 Reacteurs et moteurs thermochimiques couples, et systemes et procedes associes Withdrawn EP2534362A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US30440310P 2010-02-13 2010-02-13
US12/804,509 US8561598B2 (en) 2008-01-07 2010-07-21 Method and system of thermochemical regeneration to provide oxygenated fuel, for example, with fuel-cooled fuel injectors
PCT/US2011/024808 WO2011100728A2 (fr) 2010-02-13 2011-02-14 Réacteurs et moteurs thermochimiques couplés, et systèmes et procédés associés

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2534362A2 true EP2534362A2 (fr) 2012-12-19

Family

ID=48048345

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP11742994A Withdrawn EP2534362A2 (fr) 2010-02-13 2011-02-14 Reacteurs et moteurs thermochimiques couples, et systemes et procedes associes

Country Status (8)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2534362A2 (fr)
JP (1) JP2013519512A (fr)
KR (1) KR20120116508A (fr)
CN (1) CN102869873B (fr)
AU (1) AU2011216185B2 (fr)
BR (1) BR112012020280A2 (fr)
CA (1) CA2789694A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2011100728A2 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9540578B2 (en) 2010-02-13 2017-01-10 Mcalister Technologies, Llc Engineered fuel storage, respeciation and transport

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2014111138A1 (fr) * 2013-01-16 2014-07-24 Caterpillar Energy Solutions Gmbh Chambre de combustion rincée à l'hydrogène

Family Cites Families (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5469616A (en) * 1977-11-14 1979-06-04 Toyota Motor Corp Internal combustion engine
US6155212A (en) * 1989-06-12 2000-12-05 Mcalister; Roy E. Method and apparatus for operation of combustion engines
ZA911838B (en) * 1990-04-03 1991-12-24 Standard Oil Co Ohio Endothermic reaction apparatus
JP3953276B2 (ja) * 2000-02-04 2007-08-08 株式会社アルバック グラファイトナノファイバー、電子放出源及びその作製方法、該電子放出源を有する表示素子、並びにリチウムイオン二次電池
JP4038953B2 (ja) * 2000-03-13 2008-01-30 日産自動車株式会社 ２次電池の昇温時間予測装置
JP2003529717A (ja) * 2000-04-03 2003-10-07 アール． コリアー，カーク 改善された放出性を有するガス駆動機関
US6508209B1 (en) * 2000-04-03 2003-01-21 R. Kirk Collier, Jr. Reformed natural gas for powering an internal combustion engine
JP4696358B2 (ja) * 2000-12-26 2011-06-08 株式会社デンソー 回転蓄熱式熱交換装置および燃料電池システム用改質装置
JP3943406B2 (ja) * 2002-01-31 2007-07-11 トヨタ自動車株式会社 燃料電池発電システム及びその運転方法
CN100427741C (zh) * 2003-10-21 2008-10-22 丰田自动车株式会社 氢利用内燃机
JP4055737B2 (ja) * 2004-04-12 2008-03-05 トヨタ自動車株式会社 水素生成機能を有する内燃機関システム
US7293533B2 (en) * 2005-08-08 2007-11-13 Utilization Technology Development, Nfp Recuperative reforming reactor
JP4779721B2 (ja) * 2006-03-10 2011-09-28 株式会社日立製作所 エンジンシステム
JP4449956B2 (ja) * 2006-08-04 2010-04-14 トヨタ自動車株式会社 内燃機関
CN100439697C (zh) * 2007-01-19 2008-12-03 合肥工业大学 具有燃料重整机构的柴油机排放***
JP2008215322A (ja) * 2007-03-08 2008-09-18 Toyota Central R&D Labs Inc エンジンシステム
DE102007022723A1 (de) * 2007-05-11 2008-11-13 Basf Se Verfahren zur Herstellung von Synthesegas
CN101092918A (zh) * 2007-07-12 2007-12-26 李钢坤 醇氢发动机燃料***
JP2009121412A (ja) * 2007-11-16 2009-06-04 Toyota Motor Corp 点火制御装置
JP2010025031A (ja) * 2008-07-22 2010-02-04 Toyota Motor Corp 燃料改質装置
CN201376896Y (zh) * 2009-04-22 2010-01-06 于景瑞 汽车用甲醇蒸汽重整转化制氢装置

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2011100728A2 *

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9540578B2 (en) 2010-02-13 2017-01-10 Mcalister Technologies, Llc Engineered fuel storage, respeciation and transport

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
BR112012020280A2 (pt) 2016-05-03
AU2011216185B2 (en) 2015-04-23
AU2011216185A1 (en) 2012-09-06
CN102869873A (zh) 2013-01-09
WO2011100728A2 (fr) 2011-08-18
KR20120116508A (ko) 2012-10-22
CA2789694A1 (fr) 2011-08-18
WO2011100728A3 (fr) 2011-11-17
JP2013519512A (ja) 2013-05-30
CN102869873B (zh) 2015-05-06

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US9188086B2 (en) Coupled thermochemical reactors and engines, and associated systems and methods
US8771636B2 (en) Chemical processes and reactors for efficiently producing hydrogen fuels and structural materials, and associated systems and methods
AU2011216181B2 (en) Chemical processes and reactors for efficiently producing hydrogen fuels and structural materials, and associated systems and methods
US9206045B2 (en) Reactor vessels with transmissive surfaces for producing hydrogen-based fuels and structural elements, and associated systems and methods
US9302681B2 (en) Mobile transport platforms for producing hydrogen and structural materials, and associated systems and methods
JP2015157752A (ja) 水素ベースの燃料および構造要素を生成する透過面を有する反応容器、ならびに関連するシステムおよび方法
US20140260195A1 (en) Engine exhaust manifold endothermic reactor and associated systems and methods
WO2014151816A1 (fr) Injecteur-allumeur avec caractérisation de carburant
WO2013025640A2 (fr) Activation géothermique d'un réacteur chimique sans combustion et systèmes et procédés associés
WO2014200597A2 (fr) Perfectionnements apportés à un conditionneur de carburant, à une chambre de combustion et à une turbine à gaz
CA2788429A1 (fr) Induction pour processus thermochimiques, ainsi que systemes et procedes correspondants
CN110273790A (zh) 一种甲醇制氢作为引燃剂的甲醇发动机***及其操作方法
AU2011216185B2 (en) Coupled thermochemical reactors and engines, and associated systems and methods
CN112983689A (zh) 一种基于发动机尾气预加热的车载甲醇和/或乙醇制氢装置
CN215566299U (zh) 基于发动机尾气预加热的车载甲醇和/或乙醇制氢装置

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20120731

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: MCALISTER TECHNOLOGIES, LLC

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20170901