Fuel reformer system

Abstract

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.

1 - 14 . (canceled)  
   
   
       15 . A method for maintaining a vehicle device in standby condition, comprising: 
 introducing a supply of fuel and a supply of air into a micro-reformer;    increasing said supply of fuel to produce a heated reformate in said micro-reformer;    passing at least a portion of said heated reformate through said vehicle device; and    maintaining said vehicle device at a standby temperature.    
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising electrically pre-heating said micro-reformer.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16 , 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.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising burning at least a portion of said heated reformate in said vehicle device.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said vehicle device is a device selected from the group consisting of a reformer, a waste energy recovery burner device, a catalytic after treatment system, a burner, a fuel fired heater device, and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing devices.  
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein said standby temperature is about 200° C. to about 400° C.  
   
   
       21 . The system of  claim 20 , wherein said standby temperature is about 250° C. to about 300° C.  
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said first supply of fuel has an equivalence ratio of about 0.4 to about 0.7.  
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said increasing said first supply of fuel is to an equivalence ratio of about 2.7 to about 2.9.  
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein said micro-reformer has a catalyst exit temperature of about 500° C. or greater.