Plasmatron-catalyst system
A plasmatron-catalyst system. The system generates hydrogen-rich gas and comprises a plasmatron and at least one catalyst for receiving an output from the plasmatron to produce hydrogen-rich gas. In a preferred embodiment, the plasmatron receives as an input air, fuel and water/steam for use in the reforming process. The system increases the hydrogen yield and decreases the amount of carbon monoxide.
1. A plasmatron-catalyst apparatus for generating hydrogen-rich gas, comprising:
a plasmatron; and
at least one catalyst that receives an output from the plasmatron and produces hydrogen-rich gas, wherein a hydrogen yield is at least approximately 100%.
2. A vehicle, comprising:
a plasmatron;
at least one catalyst that receives an output from the plasmatron and produces hydrogen-rich gas; and
an engine that receives hydrogen-rich gas output from said at least one catalyst.
3. The vehicle of claim 2 , wherein the plasmatron includes means for receiving as an input air, fuel and water/steam.
4. The vehicle of claim 2 , wherein the plasmatron includes means for receiving exhaust gas from the engine.
5. The vehicle of claim 2 , wherein the at least one catalyst includes means for receiving as an input air, fuel and water/steam.
6. The vehicle of claim 2 , wherein the at least one catalyst includes means for receiving exhaust gas from the engine.
7. The vehicle of claim 2 , wherein the at least one catalyst includes a heat exchanger in heat exchange relation with the catalyst to preheat air, fuel and water/steam.
8. The vehicle of claim 2 , wherein said at least one catalyst includes a plurality of catalyst sections, and wherein each catalyst section receives air/fuel or water/steam.
9. The vehicle of claim 2 , wherein said at least one catalyst includes at least one of a water-shifting catalyst, a partial oxidation catalyst and a steam reforming catalyst.
10. A vehicle, comprising:
a plasmatron;
at least one catalyst that receives an output from the plasmatron and produces hydrogen-rich gas; and
at least one fuel cell that receives hydrogen-rich gas output from said at least one catalyst.
11. The vehicle of claim 10 , wherein the plasmatron includes means for receiving as an input air, fuel and water/steam.
12. The vehicle of claim 10 , wherein the plasmatron includes means for receiving exhaust gas from the fuel cell.
13. The vehicle of claim 10 , wherein the at least one catalyst includes means for receiving as an input air, fuel and water/steam.
14. The vehicle of claim 10 , wherein the at least one catalyst includes means for receiving exhaust gas from the fuel cell.
15. The vehicle of claim 10 , wherein the at least one catalyst includes a heat exchanger in heat exchange relation with the catalyst to preheat air, fuel and water/steam.
16. The vehicle of claim 10 , wherein said at least one catalyst includes a plurality of catalyst sections, and wherein each catalyst section receives air/fuel or water/steam.
17. The vehicle of claim 10 , wherein said at least one catalyst includes at least one of a water-shifting catalyst, a partial oxidation catalyst and a steam reforming catalyst.