Method and apparatus for maintaining the operating temperature in a

Abstract

This invention provides a method and apparatus for maintaining the operating temperature in a device in which exhaust gases are passed from an engine through a fuel reformer in indirect heat exchange with fuel and steam in contact with a catalytic bed for steam reforming the fuel, the reformed fuel is brought into heat exchange relationship with the fuel and water entering the fuel reformer and thereafter the engine is operated utilizing this reformed fuel for lowering the amount of pollutant species from the engine. The method and apparatus for control is a combination of a means for sensing the temperature of the catalytic bed, and generating signals in response to a predetermined operating temperature for the catalytic bed whereby control valves are operated to admit additional fuel and a controlled flow of air or to stop the admission of air for mixing with the fuel and water entering the reforming means which provides a combustion mixture within the reforming means which on combustion raises the temperature within the reforming means. In one embodiment of the invention the heat of the engine block is utilized by indirect heat exchange with the fuel and water before entering the reforming means to vaporize the fuel and water thereby providing part of the heat necessary in the reforming of the fuel.