Method and apparatus for component control by fuel reformer operating frequency modulation

Abstract

An apparatus comprises a component, a fuel reformer, and a reformer modulator. The fuel reformer is fluidly coupled to the component to supply reformate gas thereto and has a variable operating frequency. The reformer modulator is configured to modulate the operating frequency of the fuel reformer so as to promote maintenance of an operating parameter associated with the component at a predetermined setpoint. An associated method is disclosed.

1 . A method, comprising the steps of: 
 operating a fuel reformer so as to advance reformate gas to a component, and    modulating an operating frequency of the fuel reformer so as to promote maintenance of an operating parameter associated with the component at a predetermined setpoint.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the modulating step comprises determining if the operating parameter satisfies predetermined criteria that is based on the predetermined setpoint.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein: 
 the determining step comprises determining if a temperature associated with the component satisfies the predetermined criteria, and    the modulating step comprises modulating the operating frequency of the fuel reformer so as to promote maintenance of the temperature at a predetermined temperature setpoint if the temperature satisfies the predetermined criteria.    
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the determining step comprises monitoring output of a temperature sensor associated with the component.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the component comprises an emission abatement device, and    the modulating step comprises modulating the operating frequency of the fuel reformer so as to promote maintenance of the operating parameter associated with the emission abatement device at the predetermined setpoint.    
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the modulating step comprises modulating a pulse width of the fuel reformer in conjunction with modulation of the operating frequency of the fuel reformer.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the fuel reformer comprises a fuel valve, and    the modulating step comprises modulating an operating frequency of the fuel valve.    
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the fuel reformer comprises an air valve, and    the modulating step comprises modulating an operating frequency of the air valve.    
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the fuel reformer comprises a plasma generator, and    the modulating step comprises modulating an operating frequency of the plasma generator.    
   
   
       10 . An apparatus, comprising: 
 a component,    at least one sensor configured to sense information related to an operating parameter associated with the component,    a fuel reformer fluidly coupled to the component to supply reformate gas thereto, the fuel reformer having a variable operating frequency, and    a controller electrically coupled to the at least one sensor and the fuel reformer, the controller comprising (i) a processor, and (ii) a memory device electrically coupled to the processor, the memory device having stored therein a plurality of instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to:    operate the fuel reformer so as to advance reformats gas to the component, and    modulate the operating frequency of the fuel reformer so as to promote maintenance of the operating parameter at a predetermined setpoint.    
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein: 
 the at least one sensor comprises a temperature sensor electrically coupled to the controller and positioned to sense a temperature associated with the component, and    the plurality of instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: 
 determine if the temperature satisfies predetermined criteria that is based on a predetermined temperature setpoint for the temperature, and  
 modulate the operating frequency of the fuel reformer so as to promote maintenance of the temperature at the predetermined temperature setpoint if the temperature satisfies the predetermined criteria.  
   
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein: 
 the fuel reformer comprises a fuel valve, and    the plurality of instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to modulate an operating frequency of the fuel valve.    
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein: 
 the fuel reformer comprises an air valve, and    the plurality of instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to module an operating frequency of the air valve.    
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein: 
 the fuel reformer comprises a plasma generator, and    the plurality of instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to modulate an operating frequency of the plasma generator.    
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the component is an emission abatement device.  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the component is a particulate filter.  
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the component is a NOx trap.  
   
   
       18 . An apparatus, comprising: 
 a component,    a fuel reformer fluidly coupled to the component to supply reformate gas thereto, the fuel reformer having a variable operating frequency, and    a reformer modulator configured to modulate the operating frequency of the fuel reformer so as to promote maintenance of an operating parameter associated with the component at a predetermined setpoint.    
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein: 
 the component is an emission abatement device, and    the operating parameter is a temperature associated with the emission abatement device.    
   
   
       20 . The apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the reformer modulator is configured to modulate a pulse width of the fuel reformer in conjunction with modulation of the operating frequency of the fuel reformer so as to promote maintenance of the operating parameter at the predetermined setpoint.