Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided with a fuel cell stack assembly which includes a plurality of fuel cells which convert chemical energy from a fuel into electricity through a chemical reaction with an oxidizing agent, the plurality of fuel cells being stacked together in electrical series; a base member upon which the plurality of fuel cells are stacked such that the base member is in electrical communication with the plurality of fuel cells; an attachment member fixed to the base member, the attachment member being maintained at electrical ground; and a dielectric barrier which electrically isolates the base member from the attachment member.

Abstract: A system for keeping a reservoir solution of urea in a liquid state at normally sub-freezing temperatures comprising a reservoir tank module having a heater and disposed in a solution storage tank. Solution in the storage tank is heated by passage of heat through the walls of the reservoir tank module which are formed of a hybrid of plastic polymer and metal, preferably a urea-resistant stainless steel, such that the thermal conductivity of the walls is sufficient to liquefy frozen solution in the storage tank in a practical time frame at an acceptable net manufacturing cost for the tank module. The hybrid combination may be formed in any of various arrangements such as, but not limited to, a lower portion formed of metal and an upper portion formed of plastic, or alternating bands and/or strips of metal and plastic. The optimum thicknesses of metal and plastic may be determined conventionally.

Abstract: A system for keeping a solution of urea in a liquid state comprising a tank having a level sensing apparatus, inlet and outlet tubes for supplying and withdrawing urea solution, and a plurality of non-contact heating elements disposed in vertical relationship to one another. Preferably, the heating elements are infrared (IR) radiative coils encased in IR-transparent quartz tubes. In one embodiment, each heating element represents a horizontally defined heating zone. When the reservoir tank is full and predetermined temperature conditions are met, all of the heaters are on, each heater irradiating its own horizontal zone. As zones are progressively emptied during consumption of the urea solution, as determined by the level sensor, each respective zone heater is de-energized. Because each horizontal zone is heated by a single heater, the solution is maintained at a substantially uniform temperature over the full depth of the tank without localized overheating.

Abstract: A reformer substrate for supporting a catalyst in a hydrocarbon reformer, comprising a graded structure that is inhomogeneous either radially, longitudinally, or both. The inhomogeous graded structure components are selected and arranged to maintain the catalyst operating temperature during extended periods of catalytic inactivity. Selection is based primarily on heat capacity and/or thermal loss properties. Generally, the perimeter of the substrate, radially and/or longitudinally comprises a thick wall of high thermal mass materials to reduce conductive and radiated heat loss, and a high thermal capacity material within the substrate to reduce radiated heat loss. Preferred materials are open-cell rigid foams such as zirconia-toughened alumina reticulated foam, for negative thermal loads in endothermic reaction regimes, and zirconia-mullite honeycomb monolith, for positive or neutral thermal loads in exothermic or autothermic reaction regimes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for operating a reformer and for operating a vehicle. In one embodiment, the method for operating the reformer comprises: introducing an oxidant and fuel to a reformer at greater than or equal to about 25,000/hr space velocity; combusting the oxidant and the fuel the reformer to produce a combustion gas, wherein the reformer comprises a reformer substrate comprising a reformer catalyst and having a thermal conductivity of greater than or equal to about 35 W/m° K; extinguishing the combustion; and introducing additional fuel and oxidant to the reformer at an air to fuel weight ratio appropriate for reforming. A method of using the reformate produced to reduce cold start emissions and/or regenerate an exhaust control device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for operating a reformer and for operating a vehicle. In one embodiment, the method for operating the reformer comprises: introducing an oxidant and fuel to a reformer at greater than or equal to about 25,000/hr space velocity; combusting the oxidant and the fuel the reformer to produce a combustion gas, wherein the reformer comprises a reformer substrate comprising a reformer catalyst and having a thermal conductivity of greater than or equal to about 35 W/m° K; extinguishing the combustion; and introducing additional fuel and oxidant to the reformer at an air to fuel weight ratio appropriate for reforming. A method of using the reformate produced to reduce cold start emissions and/or regenerate an exhaust control device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel injector for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine in which a single fuel injector meters fuel to a plurality of injection nozzles which discharge fuel adjacent to the engine inlet ports having a distributor with an outlet passage and a valve seat surrounding the passage, a single valve engaging the valve seat to control fuel delivery through the passage and a valve actuator adapted to pivotally displace the valve from the seat to contact a valve stop to allow fuel delivery through the passages. The stop surface comprises the lower surface of the valve body which houses the actuator and the center pole of the actuator. The center pole of the actuator extends beyond the lower surface of the body to provide a non-plannar valve stop surface which makes point contact therewith and avoids surface-to-surface contact between the members which may result in incidental adhesion therebetween.

Abstract: A solenoid assembly, as for use in an electromagnetic fuel injector or similar valve assembly, and a method of making the same wherein a cylindrical pole piece is positioned in and fixed at one end to an apertured, cup-shaped solenoid housing so as to initially support and center a bobbin and solenoid coil assembly which is then secured in fluid tight relationship to the solenoid housing by an encircling encapsulant member molded in place.