Abstract: Described here are systems and methods for controlling IC engines. In one aspect, a method for controlling a fuel processor is provided, the method including i) determining a temperature of an exhaust flow to the fuel processor, the fuel processor including a fuel processor catalyst; ii) determining a concentration of O2 in the exhaust flow upstream of the fuel processor catalyst; iii) determining a rate of the exhaust flow; and iv) adjusting a fuel flow rate to the fuel processor based on i), ii), iii) and a heat capacity value associated with the fuel processor. In other aspects, a system comprising logic operable to control a fuel processor is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods to improve the performance and emission control of internal combustion engines equipped with nitrogen oxides storage-reduction (“NSR”) emission control systems. The system generally includes a NSR catalyst, a fuel processor located upstream of the NSR catalyst, and at least one fuel injection port. The fuel processor converts a fuel into a reducing gas mixture comprising CO and H2. The reducing gas mixture is then fed into the NSR catalyst, where it regenerates the NSR adsorbent, reduces the NOx to nitrogen, and optionally periodically desulfates the NSR catalyst. The fuel processor generally includes one or more catalysts, which facilitate reactions such as combustion, partial oxidation, and/or reforming and help consume excess oxygen present in an engine exhaust stream. The methods of the present invention provide for NSR catalyst adsorbent regeneration. Control strategies are provided to control the system and methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods to improve the performance and emission control of internal combustion engines equipped with nitrogen oxides storage-reduction (“NSR”) emission control systems. The system generally includes a NSR catalyst, a fuel processor located upstream of the NSR catalyst, and at least one fuel injection port. The fuel processor converts a fuel into a reducing gas mixture comprising CO and H2. The reducing gas mixture is then fed into the NSR catalyst, where it regenerates the NSR adsorbent, reduces the NOx to nitrogen, and optionally periodically desulfates the NSR catalyst. The fuel processor generally includes one or more catalysts, which facilitate reactions such as combustion, partial oxidation, and/or reforming and help consume excess oxygen present in an engine exhaust stream. The methods of the present invention provide for NSR catalyst adsorbent regeneration using pulsed fuel flow. Control strategies are also provided.

Abstract: A control system for a catalytic combustion system on a gas turbine includes a flame preburner, a fuel injector positioned downstream of the preburner and a catalyst positioned downstream of the fuel injector. In such systems, a portion of the fuel combusts within the catalyst itself and the remainder of the fuel combusts in a homogeneous combustion process wave downstream of the catalyst. A sensor in communication with the control system monitors the homogeneous combustion process wave and adjusts the gas temperature at the catalyst inlet to a preferred value based on a predetermined schedule that relates the catalyst inlet gas temperature to operating fundamentals such as adiabatic combustion temperature or the gas turbine's exhaust gas temperature.

Abstract: Described here are systems and methods for reducing emissions of IC engines using a fuel processor bypass. In general, the systems described here include an exhaust pipe, a bypass pipe, a valve, a fuel processor, a fuel injector, and a NOx trap. When the valve is in the open position, the entire exhaust passes through the bypass pipe. When the valve is in a closed position, the entire exhaust passes through the exhaust pipe. In some variations, the systems described here also comprise a pre-combustor, a thermal mass, a mixer, and/or a DPF. Methods for regenerating or desulfating a NOx trap are also described. Typically these methods include introducing exhaust into an exhaust pipe, opening a valve located at the inlet of a bypass pipe, injecting fuel upstream of a fuel processor, and introducing a reducing mixture into a NOx trap. The injection of fuel may be pulsed or continuous.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods to improve the performance and emission control of internal combustion engines equipped with nitrogen oxides storage-reduction (“NSR”) emission control systems. The system generally includes a NSR catalyst, a fuel processor located upstream of the NSR catalyst, and at least one fuel injection port. The fuel processor converts a fuel into a reducing gas mixture comprising CO and H2. The reducing gas mixture is then fed into the NSR catalyst, where it regenerates the NSR adsorbent, reduces the NOx to nitrogen, and optionally periodically desulfates the NSR catalyst. The fuel processor generally includes one or more catalysts, which facilitate reactions such as combustion, partial oxidation, and/or reforming and help consume excess oxygen present in an engine exhaust stream. The methods of the present invention provide for NSR catalyst adsorbent regeneration using pulsed fuel flow. Control strategies are also provided.

Abstract: Described here are systems and methods for treating fuel injected exhaust streams. In general, the systems comprise a fuel injector, a pre-combustor, and a fuel combustor. The methods described herein include methods for regenerating a NOx trap or a DPF, and methods for generating a substantially uniform fuel air mixture at a fuel combustor inlet, or a substantially uniform temperature at a fuel combustor outlet. The methods of regenerating a NOx trap typically comprise the steps of injecting fuel into an exhaust stream, passing the stream through a pre-combustor, operating the pre-combustor to at least partially combust the injected fuel, reacting the fuel and exhaust stream mixture within a fuel combustor to generate a reducing gas mixture, and introducing the reducing gas mixture into a NOx trap, whereby the NOx trap is regenerated. Similar methods for regenerating a diesel particulate filter are also described. Control strategies are also provided.

Abstract: A bypass air injection scheme for a combustor of a gas turbine. Combustor includes a body with an inner liner and a casing enclosing the body with a passageway defined therebetween. A predetermined amount of the compressor discharge air passing through the passageway is extracted through a manifold. A conduit feeds the extracted air into an injection manifold having a plurality of injection tubes for injecting the extracted air into the combustor bypassing the reactor. The injection tubes and the injection manifold are disposed in a substantially common radial plane.

Abstract: A catalytic preburner includes a flame burner, a catalyst, a primary fuel inlet, a secondary fuel inlet, and an air inlet. The flame burner is located in a primary zone of the housing and the catalyst element is disposed downstream of the primary zone. The primary fuel inlet and the air inlet are configured to supply fuel and air to the flame burner. The secondary fuel inlet and the air inlet are configured to supply fuel and air to a secondary zone within the housing located upstream of the catalyst element.

Abstract: A method of controlling a catalytic combustion system comprising a flame burner or a heat exchanger, a fuel injector positioned downstream of the flame burner or heat exchanger and a catalyst positioned downstream of the fuel injector, wherein a portion of the fuel combusts within the catalyst and the remainder of the fuel combusts in the region downstream of the catalyst comprising: measuring the exhaust gas temperature; and adjusting the catalyst inlet gas temperature to a preferred value based upon a predetermined schedule that relates the catalyst inlet gas temperature to the difference between the measured exhaust gas temperature and the calculated exhaust gas temperature at full load.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for generating H2 and CO in an O2 containing gas stream. The invention also provides devices and methods for removal of NOx from an O2 containing gas stream, particularly the oxygen-rich exhaust stream from a lean-burning engine, such as a diesel engine. The invention includes a fuel processor that efficiently converts added hydrocarbon fuel to a reducing mixture of H2 and CO. The added fuel may be a portion of the onboard fuel on a vehicle. The H2 and CO are incorporated into the exhaust stream and reacted over a selective lean NOx catalyst to convert NOx to N2. thereby providing an efficient means of NOx emission control.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, both devices and systems, for control of Zeldovich (thermal) NOx production in catalytic combustion systems during combustion of liquid or gaseous fuels in the post catalytic sections of gas turbines by reducing combustion residence time in the HC zone through control of the HC Wave, principally by adjusting the catalyst inlet temperature. As the fuel/air mixture inlet temperature (to the catalyst) is reduced, the HC Wave moves downstream (longer ignition delay time), shortens the residence time at high temperature, thereby reducing thermal NOx production. The countervailing increase in CO production by longer ignition delay times can be limited by selectively locating the HC Wave so that thermal NOx is reduced while power output and low CO production is maintained. NOx is reduced to on the order of <3 ppm, and preferably <2 ppm, while CO is maintained <100 ppm, typically <50 ppm, and preferably <5-10 ppm.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods to improve the performance and emission control of internal combustion engines equipped with nitrogen oxides storage-reduction (“NSR”) emission control systems. The system comprises a NSR catalyst, a fuel processor located upstream of the NSR catalyst, and at least one fuel injection port. The fuel processor converts a fuel into a reducing gas mixture comprising CO and H2. The reducing gas mixture is then fed into the NSR catalyst, where it regenerates the NSR adsorbent, reduces the NOx to nitrogen, and optionally periodically desulfates the NSR catalyst. The fuel processor comprises one or more catalysts, which facilitate reactions such as combustion, partial oxidation, and/or reforming and help consume excess oxygen present in an engine exhaust stream. The methods of the present invention provide for NSR catalyst adsorbent regeneration using pulsed fuel flow. Control strategies are also provided.

Abstract: Catalyst structure, engine, and fuel injection system are disclosed, in which a catalyst structure is positioned between a fuel injector and a combustion chamber in which most or all combustion occurs. The catalyst structure typically promotes some combustion of the fuel, reforming of fuel to generate hydrogen and other reduced species of fuel molecules, or both. The catalyst structure may instead or additionally promote evaporation of fuel droplets. Benefits include reduced emissions of pollutants.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for control of NOx in catalytic combustion systems, and more particularly to control of thermal or/and prompt NOx produced during combustion of liquid or gaseous fuels in the combustor sections of catalytic combustor-type gas turbines, by controlled injection of water in liquid or vapor form at selected locations, orientations, amounts, rates, temperatures, phases, forms and manners in the compressor and combustor sections of gas turbines. The ratio of thermal NOx ppm reduction to water addition, in weight %, is on the order of 4-20, with % NOx reduction on the order of up to about 50-80% and NOx of below 2 ppm. Liquid water, steam or superheated steam can be used to reduce NOx in combustion systems operating at reaction zone temperatures above 900° C., preferably 1400° C. to 1700° C. The amount of water added is sufficient to provide a concentration of water in the range of from about 0.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods to improve the performance and emission control of internal combustion engines equipped with nitrogen oxides storage-reduction (“NSR”) emission control systems. The system comprises a NSR catalyst, a fuel processor located upstream of the NSR catalyst, and at least one fuel injection port. The fuel processor converts a fuel into a reducing gas mixture comprising CO and H2. The reducing gas mixture is then fed into the NSR catalyst, where it regenerates the NSR adsorbent, reduces the NOx to nitrogen, and optionally periodically desulfates the NSR catalyst. The fuel processor comprises one or more catalysts, which facilitate reactions such as combustion, partial oxidation, and/or reforming and help consume excess oxygen present in an engine exhaust stream. The methods of the present invention provide for NSR catalyst adsorbent regeneration. Control strategies are provided to control the system and methods of the invention.

Abstract: Catalyst structure, engine, and fuel injection system are disclosed, in which a catalyst structure is positioned between a fuel injector and a combustion chamber in which most or all combustion occurs. The catalyst structure typically promotes some combustion of the fuel, reforming of fuel to generate hydrogen and other reduced species of fuel molecules, or both. The catalyst structure may instead or additionally promote evaporation of fuel droplets. Benefits include reduced emissions of pollutants.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, both devices and systems, for control of Zeldovich (thermal) NOx production in catalytic combustion systems during combustion of liquid or gaseous fuels in the post catalytic sections of gas turbines by reducing combustion residence time in the HC zone through control of the HC Wave, principally by adjusting the catalyst inlet temperature. As the fuel/air mixture inlet temperature (to the catalyst) is reduced, the HC Wave moves downstream (longer ignition delay time), shortens the residence time at high temperature, thereby reducing thermal NOx production. The countervailing increase in CO production by longer ignition delay times can be limited by selectively locating the HC Wave so that thermal NOx is reduced while power output and low CO production is maintained. NOx is reduced to on the order of <3 ppm, and preferably <2 ppm, while CO is maintained <100 ppm, typically <50 ppm, and preferably <5-10 ppm.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for control of NOX in catalytic combustion systems, and more particularly to control of thermal or/and prompt NOX produced during combustion of liquid or gaseous fuels in the combustor sections of catalytic combustor-type gas turbines, by controlled injection of water in liquid or vapor form at selected locations, orientations, amounts, rates, temperatures, phases, forms and manners in the compressor and combustor sections of gas turbines. The ratio of thermal NOX ppm reduction to water addition, in weight %, is on the order of 4-20, with % NOX reduction on the order of up to about 50-80% and NOX of below 2 ppm. Liquid water, steam or superheated steam can be used to reduce NOX in combustion systems operating at reaction zone temperatures above 900° C., preferably 1400° C. to 1700° C. The amount of water added is sufficient to provide a concentration of water in the range of from about 0.

Abstract: An improved catalytic reactor for high temperature reactions having a reaction chamber and a monolithic catalyst structure disposed in the reaction chamber is disclosed wherein the catalyst structure has a multiplicity of longitudinally disposed channels formed by thin metal substrate walls which expand on exposure to the heat generated in high temperature reactions and reactor also includes a monolithic open cellular support structure disposed in the reaction chamber having a multiplicity of longitudinally disposed passageways formed by strips of high temperature resistant metal or ceramic material with the support structure being secured on its outer periphery to the wall of the reaction chamber to limit movement along the longitudinal axis, and being positioned at and abutting against the outlet end of the catalyst structure.