Abstract: A fuel reformer is operated in one mode of operation to generate and supply a particular quantity and/or composition of reformate gas to a first component such as a NOX trap, and then is operated in a different mode of operation to generate and supply and different quantity and/or composition of reformate gas to a different component such as a soot particulate filter. In a similar manner, the fuel reformer is operated in one mode of operation to generate and supply a particular quantity and/or composition of reformate gas to a fuel cell, and then is operated in a different mode of operation to generate and supply and different quantity and/or composition of reformate gas to an emission abatement device. A method of operating a fuel reformer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A power system has a fuel reformer, an emission abatement device, and a fuel cell. The fuel reformer reforms hydrocarbon fuels so as to produce a reformate gas which is supplied to both the emission abatement device and the fuel cell. A method of operating a fuel reformer so as to generate and supply a reformate gas to both an emission abatement device and a fuel cell is also disclosed.

Abstract: A reformer controller is electrically coupled to both a fuel reformer and an engine control unit. The reformer controller is configured to communicate with the engine control unit to monitor an engine load signal between the engine control unit and an internal combustion engine. The reformer controller operates the fuel reformer in response to the engine load signal. A method of operating a fuel reformer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A reformer controller is electrically coupled to both a fuel reformer and an engine control unit. The reformer controller is configured to communicate with the engine control unit to monitor an engine load signal between the engine control unit and an internal combustion engine. The reformer controller operates the fuel reformer in response to the engine load signal. A method of operating a fuel reformer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of operating a power system including a fuel reformer and an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The engine is shutdown subsequent to shutdown of the fuel reformer. A fuel reformer system for supplying a reformate gas to the engine is also disclosed.

Abstract: An integrated electronic control unit is configured to execute a routine for controlling operation of the internal combustion engine, along with a routine for controlling operation of the fuel reformer. In one specific implementation, the electronic control unit is embodied as an engine control unit of a vehicle or a stationary power generator.

Abstract: A fuel reforming assembly has a control unit electrically coupled to a temperature sensor to determine the temperature of a catalyst positioned in the reaction chamber of a plasma fuel reformer. Based on the temperature of the catalyst, operation of the reformer's plasma-generating assembly may be selectively actuated and deactuated.

Abstract: A plasmatron reforms hydrocarbon fuels so as to produce a reformed gas which is supplied to a remote device such as an internal combustion engine or a fuel cell. The plasmatron includes an air jacket which removes heat from the reaction chamber of the plasmatron and supplies heated air to the plasma-generating assembly of the plasmatron. A method of operating a plasmatron is also disclosed.

Abstract: A plasmatron reforms hydrocarbon fuels so as to produce a reformed gas which is supplied to a remote device such as an internal combustion engine or a fuel cell. The plasmatron includes an air jacket which removes heat from the reaction chamber of the plasmatron and supplies heated air to the plasma-generating assembly of the plasmatron. A method of operating a plasmatron is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel reformer is operated in one mode of operation to generate and supply a particular quantity and/or composition of reformate gas to a first component such as a NOX trap, and then is operated in a different mode of operation to generate and supply and different quantity and/or composition of reformate gas to a different component such as a soot particulate filter. In a similar manner, the fuel reformer is operated in one mode of operation to generate and supply a particular quantity and/or composition of reformate gas to a fuel cell, and then is operated in a different mode of operation to generate and supply and different quantity and/or composition of reformate gas to an emission abatement device. A method of operating a fuel reformer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A power system has a fuel reformer, an emission abatement device, and a fuel cell. The fuel reformer reforms hydrocarbon fuels so as to produce a reformate gas which is supplied to both the emission abatement device and the fuel cell. A method of operating a fuel reformer so as to generate and supply a reformate gas to both an emission abatement device and a fuel cell is also disclosed.