CA2983924A1 - Vortex tube reformer for hydrogen production, separation, and integrated use - Google Patents

Vortex tube reformer for hydrogen production, separation, and integrated use Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2983924A1
CA2983924A1 CA2983924A CA2983924A CA2983924A1 CA 2983924 A1 CA2983924 A1 CA 2983924A1 CA 2983924 A CA2983924 A CA 2983924A CA 2983924 A CA2983924 A CA 2983924A CA 2983924 A1 CA2983924 A1 CA 2983924A1
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Prior art keywords
hydrogen
vortex tube
tube
assembly
vortex
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CA2983924A
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French (fr)
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CA2983924C (en
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Robert Hotto
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Energyield LLC
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Energyield LLC
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Priority claimed from US14/715,026 external-priority patent/US9840413B2/en
Priority claimed from US15/078,263 external-priority patent/US9843062B2/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J8/00—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes
    • B01J8/16—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes with particles being subjected to vibrations or pulsations
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/08—Fuel cells with aqueous electrolytes
    • H01M8/083—Alkaline fuel cells
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D45/00—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces
    • B01D45/12—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces by centrifugal forces
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D45/00—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces
    • B01D45/12—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces by centrifugal forces
    • B01D45/14—Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces by centrifugal forces generated by rotating vanes, discs, drums or brushes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J15/00—Chemical processes in general for reacting gaseous media with non-particulate solids, e.g. sheet material; Apparatus specially adapted therefor
    • B01J15/005—Chemical processes in general for reacting gaseous media with non-particulate solids, e.g. sheet material; Apparatus specially adapted therefor in the presence of catalytically active bodies, e.g. porous plates
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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    • B01J19/243—Tubular reactors spirally, concentrically or zigzag wound
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    • B01J19/26—Nozzle-type reactors, i.e. the distribution of the initial reactants within the reactor is effected by their introduction or injection through nozzles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J4/00—Feed or outlet devices; Feed or outlet control devices
    • B01J4/001—Feed or outlet devices as such, e.g. feeding tubes
    • B01J4/002—Nozzle-type elements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
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    • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B3/00—Hydrogen; Gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen; Separation of hydrogen from mixtures containing it; Purification of hydrogen
    • C01B3/02—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen
    • C01B3/22—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by decomposition of gaseous or liquid organic compounds
    • C01B3/24—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by decomposition of gaseous or liquid organic compounds of hydrocarbons
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    • C01B3/02—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen
    • C01B3/22—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by decomposition of gaseous or liquid organic compounds
    • C01B3/24—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by decomposition of gaseous or liquid organic compounds of hydrocarbons
    • C01B3/26—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by decomposition of gaseous or liquid organic compounds of hydrocarbons using catalysts
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    • C01B3/02—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen
    • C01B3/22—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by decomposition of gaseous or liquid organic compounds
    • C01B3/24—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by decomposition of gaseous or liquid organic compounds of hydrocarbons
    • C01B3/28—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by decomposition of gaseous or liquid organic compounds of hydrocarbons using moving solid particles
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    • C01B3/00—Hydrogen; Gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen; Separation of hydrogen from mixtures containing it; Purification of hydrogen
    • C01B3/02—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen
    • C01B3/32—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air
    • C01B3/34—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air by reaction of hydrocarbons with gasifying agents
    • C01B3/38—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air by reaction of hydrocarbons with gasifying agents using catalysts
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07C—ACYCLIC OR CARBOCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
    • C07C27/00—Processes involving the simultaneous production of more than one class of oxygen-containing compounds
    • C07C27/04—Processes involving the simultaneous production of more than one class of oxygen-containing compounds by reduction of oxygen-containing compounds
    • C07C27/06—Processes involving the simultaneous production of more than one class of oxygen-containing compounds by reduction of oxygen-containing compounds by hydrogenation of oxides of carbon
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01D—NON-POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, e.g. STEAM TURBINES
    • F01D5/00—Blades; Blade-carrying members; Heating, heat-insulating, cooling or antivibration means on the blades or the members
    • F01D5/02—Blade-carrying members, e.g. rotors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M33/00—Other apparatus for treating combustion-air, fuel or fuel-air mixture
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    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04007—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
    • H01M8/04067—Heat exchange or temperature measuring elements, thermal insulation, e.g. heat pipes, heat pumps, fins
    • H—ELECTRICITY
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    • H01M8/06—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues
    • H01M8/0606—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues with means for production of gaseous reactants
    • H01M8/0612—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues with means for production of gaseous reactants from carbon-containing material
    • H01M8/0618—Reforming processes, e.g. autothermal, partial oxidation or steam reforming
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    • H01M8/1009—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes with one of the reactants being liquid, solid or liquid-charged
    • H01M8/1011—Direct alcohol fuel cells [DAFC], e.g. direct methanol fuel cells [DMFC]
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    • B01J2219/00076—Controlling the temperature by indirect heating or cooling employing heat exchange fluids with heat exchange elements inside the reactor
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    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
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    • B01J2219/00761—Details of the reactor
    • B01J2219/00763—Baffles
    • B01J2219/00765—Baffles attached to the reactor wall
    • B01J2219/0077—Baffles attached to the reactor wall inclined
    • B01J2219/00772—Baffles attached to the reactor wall inclined in a helix
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    • C01B2203/0205—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas containing a reforming step
    • C01B2203/0227—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas containing a reforming step containing a catalytic reforming step
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    • Y02P20/50—Improvements relating to the production of bulk chemicals
    • Y02P20/52—Improvements relating to the production of bulk chemicals using catalysts, e.g. selective catalysts

Abstract

A reformer assembly includes a vortex tube (214/700/800/900) receiving heated fuel mixed with steam. A catalyst (226) coats the inner wall of the main tube of the vortex tube and a hydrogen-permeable tube (222) is positioned in the middle of the main tube coaxially with the main tube. With this structure the vortex tube outputs primarily Hydrogen from one end (224) and Carbon-based constituents from the other end (220). In some embodiments a second vortex tube (708/804/902) receives the Carbon output of the first vortex tube to establish a water gas shift reactor, producing Hydrogen from the Carbon output of the first vortex tube.

Description

2 PCT/US2016/027442 VORTEX TUBE REFORMER FOR HYDROGEN PRODUCTION, SEPARATION, AND INTEGRATED USE
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present application relates: generally to vortex. tube Tefortiwts.f*
sngtii hydrogenSeparatiOn and injectiOntO. engines and fuel eella SUMMARY
An assembly includes at least tube having an inlet and a Hydrogen outlet A. refOrtner MC414.640'6 is:..asSOCiated withlievortex tube toseinove.:Hydrogen from Carbon in molecules of hydrocarbon :NO input tolbeinlet. Thcleforrnerineohattistn ineludesa.catalytie finstituent. inside the vertex tut* and/or heated water vapor injected into the vortex:: tube alontg.withtg.hydwarbon fuel, In example :tinbediments, the Vortex tube includes a sN.,.virl. chamber, with:
the:inlet of the vortex: mholving into. thoslyirl uhathher. Also, the vortex. tube .etin include a main tube segment communicating with the ..sv,41 chamber and haying an :.outlet different: .from. the hydrogen out, A. fuel. intake of sn.engine on: bait" MO cormn uhi eati on with the outlet that is different from the hydrogen outlet of the vortex. tOt.e. Furthermateõ: the .outlet that is ditrert....lit from the hydrogen out .an he juxtaposed M.:than inside surface Of a Wall of the main tube. segment A eatalytie.constitnent may bedisp.osedon the insicto.surface of the wan of the. min tube segment.

-Zs lfl 90r114.: embodiments, ahydrogen-penneahie tube is disposed centrally in the main tube -segment and definesthehydrosri outlet at one end Of the.:hydrogeh-oenheahle tube In some embodim!zptsõ..plural.vortex tubes may be provided and arranged in a ::toroidal:
configuration, With a first vortex tube in the plural: VOrteX :tkibes defining the inlet Of the rube and.pnoVidirigfluid to an inet of a next vortex tube in .the plural vorteN, tubes.
The.eriginointy be a. turbine: or an internal combustion engine ...sttch as a diesel. engine The. inlet of the, vortex tube. can be in Puid communication:
source of hydrocarbon filet in :addition or alternatively., the. inlet of the Vortex Mlle can be in fluid communication with :an...exhaust:of the engine.
In another aspect., a method includes. reforming hydrocarbon fuel using at ./east one vortex ttibe...The reforming includes. NitoVirtg Hydrogen front Carbon-basol constifuetita .molectiles of the hydnicarbon fuel Tiw:vortoi also used to separate the klydregen, from the.
Cathon,based constituents to 'render a Hydrogen stream substantially free of Carbon,. The Hydropu.p<treamis provided to a hydrogen receiver...such as: a tank or a.
turbine or ah engine,:
itt mailer aspect, an assembly includea at least a firat: vortex tube cOnfigured for receiving hydrocarbon fuel and separating the hydrocarbon tel into a filo.
.stream and a second Wee/IL The first stream it composed :primal* Of Hydrogen, Whereas the Seeorki stream includes. Carbon such as carhon,based ephstitherits. Atjeasta. first limitogert receiver is configured for receiving the first stream. On the other hand., at least. a . second vortex ...tithe is poriAgared forreceiving the second stream front the first yertex tube for separating the second streatn nth).a thir.d streak and a fOurth stream The :third, stream is:
composed primarily of Hydrogen for provisioning thereof to the Hydrogen receiver, while the second stream includes Carbon.
The Hydrogen receiver can include a hydrogen tank. In addition or alternatively, the Hydrogen receiver may include a fuel cell. Both the first and third streams may be provided to the Hydrogen receiver. The Hydrogen receiver may include a turbine or other engine.
In some examples, at least one heat exchanger is disposed in fluid communication between the vortex tubes and is configured for removing heat from the second stream. prior to the second stream being input to the second vortex tube. In addition or alternatively, at least a first catalytic constituent can be on an inside surface of the first vortex tube and at least a second catalytic constituent can be on an inside surface of the second vortex, tube but not on the inside surface of the first vortex tube. The second catalytic constituent may include Copper, and in specific embodiments Zinc and Aluminum may also. be on the inside surface of the second vortex tube.
In another aspect, a reformer assembly includes at least one vortex tube comprising .a swirl chamber having an input and a main tube segment communicating with the swirl chamber and having a first output juxtaposed with an inside surface of a wall of the main tube segment. The first output is for outputting relatively hotter and heavier constituents of fluid provided at the input. At least one catalytic constituent is on the inside surface of the wall of the main tube segment, In some examples of this last aspect, at least one hydrogen-permeable tube is disposed centrally in the main tube segment and defining a second output at one end of the hydrogen-permeable tube for outputting at least one relatively lighter and cooler constituent of fluid provided at the input. The at least one relatively lighter and cooler constituent may include hydrogen and the relatively hotter and heavier constituents of fluid provided at the input can include carbon. A fuel cell or engine or .other Hydrogen receiver such as a tank may be connected to the second output.
In another aspect, a system includes at least one fuel cell and at least one vortex tube assembly for receiving hydrocarbon fuel as input and providing hydrogen reformed from the hydrocarbon fuel within the vortex tube to the fuel cell.
The details of the present description, both as to its structure and operation, can best be understood in reference to the Accompanying drawings., in which, like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure I is a block diagram of an example energy generation system;
Figure 2 is a block diagram of an example vortex tube reformer/separator assembly;
Figure 3 is a schematic diagram. of a toroidal vortex tube assembly;
Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a vortex tube in an engine system;
Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a vortex tube-based Hydrogen-injection system for an engine.;
Figure 6 is a schematic diagram from a transverse view of a vortex tube, illustrating separation;

.5-figures 7-9 are addonal schematic. :diagrams Of a vorteX tube-based Hydrogen reformer systett Figure 10 isa block diagram of an example: ,electrical COmpealent subsystem for supporting the vortex tube systems shown in the draµrvings; and figure I I is: a flOW Chart:of an example process: flow ofthe VOrtex tube systents shown in the drawings, illustrating logic that: may be executed by a processor::
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figure 1 ShoWS an actuation sySterit 10, :described further below, that in one example imparts energy to: a receiver; such as an engine: such as: an internal emihostion engine:for a vehicle or in the example Shown by imparting torque to a rotor of a turbine 12 to rotate an output Shaft of the turbine, The turbine 12: may include a cormossor section, a combustion section, and a turbine section in accordance with Iurhine:principles and may also have one or more rotors or:shafts which typically are coupled to each other and which may he concentric to each other, Figure 1 shows that in one impleinentation,: a: Mel tank 14 which containS
hydrocarbon-based fbel such as to not iunited to jet fuel an provide fuel to an intake 16 of the tarbine 12. The fuel typically injeoted through injectors : in the turbirte, where it Mixes with air compressed by the compressor section of the tot-hMe and ignited in a so-called "flame holdee or "can". "Intake' refrra generally to these portions of the turbine that are preliminary to the turbine: blades:, The high-pressure ratoute is then direvted to impinge 00 turbine blades 1$. which are colvied to the output hth,.
way torque=.is.itopatted :to the output shaft to cause it to rotate about. its axis:: in other implementations the:. turbine 12 need not be a.
eembustion.turbine, ..and: as: alluded to above other.receivm.auch as engine,00 vehides he used.
The ontput Shaft of theturbineCan be coupled to therOtOr of ari electrical generator to rotate. the generator rotor .within an :electric: field and thus cause the:.
gemater to: output dee:W.0V; Or, the output Shaft of the turbine may be coupled to the tOlior of an aircraft faitto rotate .the fan and thus cause if to generate thrust for propelling a turbofan. jet. plane... Yet:
again, the output shaft Of the titbit* inity be coupled to therotor Of a proptthlion component such a$.:thelotoriof a helicopter, the shaft of awatercraft onwhiche.propeller.iS mounted, or drive shaft of a land.vehiclesuch.:as a military tank to rotate the rotor/shaft/drive haft as the:
ease .may he. to. propel the platform through the: air or water or over land, depending .on the nature of the conveyance.. The propulsion: component may include a drive:train that can.
include a eombinatiCin of components known in theartõ..e.g, cratlkshaftsjransitissions; axles, and:so .on, In. :addition to or ih llet. ofactuating a:receiver:stria as theturbine:12 with fuel directly from the tbel tank 14 the actuation :system 10 :play include a refOrrm.T.
assembly 20 which teethes fuel from the fuel tank. 14, While.:Stinte.embediments Of the re:I'M-in:or asseMblyrnay include a: reformer and a: membraiwtype hydrogen separator to separate hydrogen:in the.
reformed prod Uct of Me reformer from the eatbon-based conStitaentS,..6..
vertex tube-based refOrinerasseMbly isdescribed further below.

The reformer assembly 20 produces hydrogen from the fuel, and the hydrogen. is sent to a fuel cell 22, in some cases through a hydrogen tank 24 first as shown. If desired, multiple reformers and/or fuel cells may be used in parallel with each other and/or in series with each other.
The fuel cell 22 uses the hydrogen to generate electricity, typically with a relatively high efficiency, .by oxidizing the hydrogen with oxygen from, e.g., the ambient atmosphere.
Without limitation, the fuel cell 22 may be a polymer exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), a solid oxide fuel cell tSOFC), an alkaline fuel cell (AFC), -a molten-carbonate fuel cell (MCFC), a phosphoric-acid fuel cell (PAK), or a direct-methanol fuel cell (MIK).
In turn, electricity from the fuel cell 22 may be sent to an electric motor 26 to cause an output Shaft of the motor 26 to turn. The motor shaft is mechanically coupled through a rotor coupling .28 to a rotor of the turbine 12. Typically, the turbine/engine rotor to which the motor 26 is coupled. is not the same segment of rotor bearing the blades 18, although in some implementations this can be the case. Instead, the rotor to which the motor 26 may be coupled may be a segment of the blade rotor that does not bear blades or a rotor separate from the blade rotor and concentric therewith or otherwise coupled thereto. In any case, the motor 269 when energized by the fuel cell 22, imparts torque (through appropriate couplings if desired) through a rotor to -the output shaft of the turbine 12, which in some eases may be the same shaft as that establishing the rotor. Power from the motor 26 may be provided to components other than. the receiver embodied by the turbine. Yet -again, the electrical power produce:0 by the fuel cell and turbineleggine may be sent to eleptrical storage, spell: as a battery syStem, or to a power load such as the eleatical distribution grid Of a municipality.
In addition, to realiio further efficieheim output ofthe fuel cell such as water in the fowl ofsteam produced by the flick:ell 22 may be triixed with hydrocarbon thatis input to th4--tieoriti.or assembly 20 in a Mixer :30, win:eh may be a tank Or simple pipe or other void in Which the water :and: carbon can mix, with the. mixture then being directed (through, appropriate piping or ducting) to the tatbitidintake 6. If desired, surfactant from a surfactant tank :32 may also .be .:added to the steam/carbon :mixtiatc='. Or, the :steam from the: fuel :cell may be sent to the reformer: asSeMbly described below Without Mixing the steam.
With. rbon ami(01: without. rriWrig :000-0 With "Attractant, In any ease. it may now be appreciated that thesteatglearboamixture may :supplement tilei injection directly from the filet tank 14 to the intake 10, or replace:
altogether fuel inieetioirdirectly from the filet tank 14 to the intake: I:6 Still further, electricity produced by the file). cell 22 may be used net only to actuate the electric motor 26 (Or provide power to a battery storage or the gliO) but also to provide ignition current for the :appropriate components in: the. turbine or engine 12. Also, electricity from thefUol cell may be used foroth. auxiliary porpos e4õ in addition to actuating: the electric trititOr, powering other eleetticAapplianoes:. In eases Where the refOrmor assembly 20 generates carbon dioxide and steam, these fLuds may also be directed to heat exchangers:
assooiated with or :Coupled to the ref mper and a Steam generator.

In some embodiments, water on he returned from the fnel cell. 22 ;if desired to the refermer= assembly...20 through. a waterline 34. Also if desired, heat from the receiver from thelarhirte 1:2)..moy he Otteoted 04 rooted hgelc: to the.: Wormer assembly 20 through ducting/piping ao,. to heat: the =timer assembly..
Figure 2 illustdates:A. vortex tube-based reformer asseMbly20, As. 'Shown, theltwohly 20 may :include a steam reservoir 200 and.a. fu reservoir :202. The steam reservoir 200 iffid fuel reservoir 202 maybe heat eXehO1get4, schentatically depitted by illustrating a respective outer heating chamber 204 202a surrounding a respective inner. fluid chamber 200b3 202h, with the heat in each outer heat .exchange chamber beating the fluid in the TespectiVe: inner fluid chamber. Heat may he supplied.to. each :heat exchange chamber. 209a, 2024 via= the exhaust line 36 from :the .exhaust of the receiver of Figure . the turbine 12.
First ponsidering The :steam reservoir 200, initial Watgr.or .steain for startup may he supplied to the intake side of an optional impeller . 204 Or. other fluid Mevenient deviee until stieh.. time as the :initial watetor steam may be ,suppletnented and pre-fel-01y$.0:ersOod by ..steam eshaust.from the fuel .eeil 22 vialhe line 34. as: showh, initial startup beat:may also be provided, eõg,. from an olootrit. heating element 206 in thetteatexehaogehamber 200a of the -fluid reservoir 200, from exhaust:heat from the turbine or ettgine,...or from some other source of heat until such tame as the startup heat may be supplemented .and preferably ..supersed ed by exhaust heat from the rweiver (e.& turbine 12) via the:ex-bat:St 3131311(3.Wri. in any co;
the innial water: heated into steam for :.startup and the steam from the fuel cell daring ..operation:

are sent to .ia pilx.aliteetor reservoir 2.0g. under the influence. of the impeller 204 when prOVided or simply under steatnpressuremithin the inner fluid chamber 200h..
With respeet to the ft101 reservoir .202, WI-006m .ftiet. such as but not limited to natural .gas may .be supplied from. the. Awl: .tiAok 14 to the iintake side of :an optional impeller 210..0r othiOr fluid movetricnt &Vied.. Initial startup heatmay also beprovided,.:d..g.,, 'from an eiwtric beatifig element 212 in the heat duhange chamber 202a of the fit.ol.
reservoir 292 or from some other source of heat until Such time aSythe= Startup heat way he..suppleattented and preferably wpersededl?.y exhaust heat from .thereceiVer (e;g,..õ turbine 12) via the exhaust line as .alidWit; to any ease, the heated fuel in the fluid ehaniher 202b ofthe fuel. reservoir 202, preferably. scrubbed fif sulfur fly destauriger sorhent elements 2I.3 that may be provided on.
the inside wall of the fuel chamber, is sent to the thixedinjettor Teservoir 208, under the Jrtfinenee of the õimpeller .210 when provided or 'simply under fluid pressure within the inner fluid chamber 202b, In some ease, the fnel may not be heated prior to pmviSion to. the mixer/irijc.:cter 208.
In some. examplesõ, the steam in the: steam reservoir 200 and/or fuel in: the fuel reservoir 202. may be heated to .$0c hundred degrees Celsius (600 f.'2) to:
one thoo.a0d one hundred .degnes 0;104s:0:10Q 4t.:4.:pre$svmof three atmospheres to thirty .ahtiospheres:13 :atm. awl)... MOre generally, the reaction temperaturda applied to the hydrocarbon and steam mixtures can proceed from a low temperature of 300r tip to 1.20Qc'.,!;:
These ten herattires, can be Optittized for the itIptit h:ydreeathen feed .type i:
the duty tram t time of ts-process through the reaction.tuhe, and the epplied.:pressure$ caused. by the turbulent .flow such the vortex generated in thereadtion tube.
The :mixer/injector 20: mixes:. the stem.: from the steam reservoir 20.0 with.
the fuel from the filet reservoir:202. The mixing may be accomplished under the influence.. of the turbidity of the respective fluids as they enter-the inixerin*ter 20 and/or by .additional mixing...components such as: rotating impellm. within, the. tniXet/injector and/Of by other Suitable tneatm. The -.Aixerlinjector2.08 injects the...Mixed steam and fuel into A Vortex. tube ZI.49 through :Nei injectors or simply through apt* and fluid line under the influence of fluid OttSirute within the. MiXer.
The-vortex tube 214., .which also may be kncro...as a Ranque-Hilsett vortex tubt, mechanical device that svarates a compressed. fluid into:ht:and cold streams.
It. typically has no moving parts.
As .shown, the pressurized mixture of steam and fuel .froin the mixer/injector 208 is injected, preferably tangentially, into 4. Swirl: .CbA)lit4t Z1.6 of the vortex tube 214,. and:
.accelerated to a. high rate of rotation. by. :the cooperation. of geometry between the swirl :Chamber 216 and .cylindrical wall.ofa main tubesegrn ent .21 that is orientedpeipendiculat to the input:4xis: of the swirl::chambor 21.6 as shown. A first conical nozzle 220:rnay be provided at :one. end ofthe vortex tube.2.1.4 sp that only theouter.shcll of the compressed gasia allowed to:escape at-that end. Theopening at thiS end thus is annular with its.
central part blocked (e4;,.
by a:valve:as described further below) so.: that the 'remainder of the gas..isfotced to: return haek through the .m01 inner tube:20 toward the ;swirl. Char:libel-40in imer...vo.r4m of reduced.

diameter that is substantially coaxial with the main tube segment 218 as shown. In one embodiment, the inner vortex can be enclosed, in a hydrogen-permeable tube 222 that leads to a hydrogen output 224, which may be established by a second conical nozzle.
The hydrogen-permeable tube 222, when provided, preferably is impermeable to carbon-based constituents.
The tube 222 may include-Palladium.
A catalyzing layer 226 may be formed on or made integral with the inside surface of at least the main inner tube 218 to attract carbon-based constituents to the outer circumference of the passageway formed by the main inner tube. The catalyzing layer may include nickel and/or platinum and/or rhodium and/or palladium and/or gold and/or copper. The tube 218 may be composed of the catalyzing layer or the layer 226 may be added to a tube substrate as by, e.g., vapor .deposition of the catalyzing layer 226 onto the tube substrate, which may be ceramic.
The cooperation of structure of the vortex tube 214 farces relatively cooler hydrogen.
from the input fuel toward the axis of the main tube 218 into the hydrogen-permeable tube 222 when provided, and la looking down at Figure 2 along the axis of the main tube 218, while forcing the relatively heavier and hotter carbon-based constituents of the fuel outward against the catalytic layer 226and right looking down at Figure 2. Owing to the cooperation of structure depicted, the fuel is both chemically reformed into hydrogen and carbon-based constituents and the hydrogen is physically separated from the carbon-based constituents for provisioning to the fuel cell 22.

If desired, an evacuation mechanism such as a vacuum pump 228 may be provided to aid in withdrawing hydrogen from. the hydrogen output 224 of the vortex tube 21.4. Also, if desired the hydrogen may be passed through a watergas shift reactor (WSGR) 230 to further purify the hydrogen, prior to provisioning to the fuel cell 22. Examples of vortex tube-based 1,VOSR embodiments are discussed further below.
On the other hand, the carbon-based constituents of the fuel are sent out of the right side of the main tube 218 of the vortex tube 214 to the receiver, e.g., the turbine 12, in some eases via the mixer 30 shown in Figure 1.
Fuel cells typically work better when the hydrogen input to them is relatively cooler than that produced by conventional reformers, which consequently may require cooling.
Moreover, it may be difficult to employ certain hydrogen cooling techniques such as WGSR
with extremely high temperature hydrogen from a conventional reformer, meaning the hydrogen may require significant cooling. By reforming the fuel, separating the hydrogen, and cooling the hydrogen (relative to the carbon-based constituents) in a single reformer assembly as described, herein, multiple benefits accrue, including the ability to produce relatively cool hydrogen Which requires less post-reiOnning cooling and which extends the life of the fuel cell.
Accordingly, the application of vortex or cyclonic swirling action enables the elegant integration of these processes. and provides higher energy efficiency, improved fuel utilization, and increased hydrogen yield. Additional advantages over conventional reformers include shifting of the chemical equilibrium to favor hydrogen production.
This is achieved byte placement of Ø. hydrogen permeable membrane separator tube at the lew-presstresite.
of the. vortex to pull or harvest: hydrogen. from the evOlVing hydrocarbon.
syngas :mixture during the reforming process.nt the tube... This processignehievedihrooghithecombination Of generated vortex, or vortexes, which enhances. the .reforming. and vortex gas separation simultaneously Vvbile.also enhancing the harvesting and .cool ingof the hydrogen gag;
in the approach .dp. $.,elibe.4. above, the generated vortex. provides:
centrifugal spinning adtion which. is applied to the gases in a ..ciretdar tubcOnitially to the:hydrocarbon and steam, .Which tangentially presses. at higher pressures: and temperatures .agairist the .walls of the tatalystriitied main tat* 21.8, enhancing, the. tate of reforming. This is due to the higher temperatures nd pressores: on the on the more massive molecular gages .(the...hydrpearbons.
and steatn) imposed:by the swirling motion: contadtiiig the walls of the-catalyst lined. tube..
As: the oftniziog: process proceeds down thetahe io:the. vortex,. the. input hydrocarbon.
gas mixture: .differentiates or stratifies axially in. the tube according to gas densities: The hydroearbonsand the steam being the densest .congregate at the inside w41.1 ofthetubeand the.
hydrogen having the lowest density will move towards the venter of the vortex.
The higher momentninS:::are imparted to the heavier gases, theUngest Chain hydrocarhorwand the :steam.
which collide with high force and in high. densities. wit the catalyst-lined waif of the tube.
This optimizes compliance and the interface between the hydrocarbon,. the:
steam and the catalyst for a giveiipressnm The hydrogen .gases. which .are pulled toward the venter of the vortex, toward the lower pressure zone, ',way from the .periphend.. This effect, rriovirtg the:

45.
hydrOgct) away: from the periphentl, improves the access path to the catalyst for the heavier hydrocarbons steam, and carbon oxides. The center of:the tube, where The:
vortex: has its lowest pressures, contains the hydrogen permeable titter tube 222 with :suction for: pulling hydrogen. TheTefOre hydrogen permeates in to the center and is drawn off from the reaction with a negative :pressure, thereby harvesting the hydrogen While The reforming proces0 piweed s.
The hydrogett is separated and drawn to the etratet, Of the vortex due: to its lower density and it is 41rTher drawn into the walls of the hydrogen mineable waration tube due to the :negative pressure applied tO :die: tube. The drawing off or harvesting of hydrogen from the ongoing: reforming further improves the dynamic: cheinieai reactions: in conjunction with catalyst by depleting hydrogen,: limiting unfavorable hydrogen reversible:
reactions: =This increase the hydrogat to carbon Droduetion rotio, With the above in minds The patina of the refortriation reaction (sytiga0 is continually :tapped during the transit time along the vortex: tube providing the purified output streams:0d further changing the equilibrium balance of the ongoing =action to improve the amount of hydrogen produced. The vortex cyclonic action may be: applied to the: injected hydrocarbon:
and steam feeds by means of propeller, or pump WWI a causes the heavy hydrocarbon base gases and Stearn towards the litho wol-K MS action causes: rooming,: of sornoõ
of the hydrocarbons impinging on the catalysts, ejecting hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Those two:
gases being lighter than the C.',H4 are propelled towards the center of the vortex away ftotri the wall of the vote: tube. The ,epprateci output mega's consiStingof hydrogen 011 the one hand and steam, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and trace impurities on the other are individually tapped and fed to respective output streams.
The production and the separation of the output fuels streams are both enhanced by means of the vortex action in the reaction tube and the progressive removal of the fractional products, such as hydrogen, which further provids dynamic optimization due to the continuous non equilibtium conditions.
In addition to appropriate sensors, valves, and controller electronics, the vortex tube may include fuel and steam injectors, heating inputs, heat exchangers, high shear turbulent mixers, filters, and output stream taps. The output hydrogen and some steam can be fed to the fuel cell 22, with carbon-based constituents and some steam being fed to the receiver. In some implementations most of the steam and heaver fractional hydrocarbons can he fed hack into the vortex tube or a plurality of vortex tubes.
Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment in which plural vortex tubes arc arranged in an endless loop 300, referred to herein as a "toroidal" configuration without implying that the endless loop is perfectly round. Each vortex tube may be substantially identical in construction and operation to the vortex tube 214 in Figure 2.
As shown, fuel may be input to an initial vortex tube 302, the hydrogen output from the hydrogen permeable tube of which is sent as input to the swirl chamber of the next vortex tube 304, whose hydrogen output in turn is provided as input to the next vortex tube. "N"
vortex tubes may this be arranged in series in the configuration 300, with.
"N" being an integer (in the example shown, N=8) and with the hydrogen output of the Nth vortex tube 306 being sent to the fuel cell 22. In this way, the hydrogen is successively separated into ever-more-pure input for the fuel cell, while the carbon-hased constituents output from each vortex tube can be individually withdrawn from each tube and sent to the receiver, as indicated by the'N"
arrows 308.
The configuration 300 of Figure 3 may be used in the system shown in Figure 2, with.
the initial vortex tube 302 receiving fuel from the mixer/injector 208 and sending hydrogen from the hydrogen output 224 to the swirl chamber input of the next vortex tube, and with the hydrogen output of the Nth vortex tube 306 being sent to the fuel cell 22 via the vacuum pump 228 and WSGR. 230. Carbon-based constituents from each vortex tube of Figure 3 may be sent to the mixer/receiver 30/12.
In. other embodiments, the carbon output of each tube is sent to the input of the next tube with the hydrogen outputs of each tube being individually directed out of the toroidal configuration 300 and sent to the fuel cell.
Figure 4 illustrates a vortex tube 400 that may be established by a vortex -tube or tubes described above and shown in Figures 2 or 3. The vortex tube 400 of Figure 4 may include at least one inlet 402 at least one hydrogen outlet 404 as shown, with at least one engine 406 such as a diesel engine having an input port 408 in fluid, communication with the hydrogen outlet 404 of the vortex tube 400. In this way, hydrogen produced by the reforming within the vortex tube 400 is provided as hydrogen injection or enhancement to the engine 406, in which the hydrogen may be combined with diesel fuel fiem a tank 410 and received at a fuel intake 412 of the engine. Note that the hydrogen inlet 408 of the engine 406 may be separate from the fuel intake 412 or it may be the same or in the same mechanical assembly as the fuel intake 412.
It will be appreciated in light of preceding disclosure that the vortex tube 400 may typically include a swirl chamber into which hydrocarbon is provided through the inlet 402 and a main tube segment communicating with the swirl chamber and having an outlet 414 that is different from the hydrogen outlet 404. In some embodiments such as the one illustrated, the fuel intake 412 of the engine 406 is in fluid. communication with the outlet 414 to receive hydrogen-depleted. refortnate from the vortex tube 400. According to the above disclosure, the outlet 414 typically is juxtaposed with an inside surface of a wall of the main tube segment, onto which at least one catalytic constituent may be disposed.
Likewise, the vortex tube 400, as described above in the case of the preceding vortex tubes, may include a hydrogen-permeable tube disposed centrally in the main tube segment and defining the hydrogen outlet .404 atone end of the hydrogen-permeable tube.
As mentioned above, the vortex tube 400 in Figure 4 may represent an assembly established by the plural. vortex tubes arranged in a toroidal configuration of Figure 3.
In. the example shown, a vortex tube outlet conduit 416 communicates with the vortex tube outlet 414 to convey hydrogen-depleted refonnate to an engine fuel supply conduit 418 that connects the file] tank 410 to the fuel intake 412 of the engine. In this way, only a single input opening need be provided in the fuel intake. .However, in alternate embodiments the vortex tube outlet conduit 416 extends from the vortex tube outlet 414 directly to the fuel intake 412 of the engine 406 without joining the fuel supply conduit 418, .49..
In the example shown, the inlet 402 of the vortex tube 400 can be in fluid communication with the fuel tank 410 through a fuel tank supply conduit 420, to receive hydrocarbon fuel to be reformed. In addition or alternatively, the inlet 402 of the vortex tube 400 may be in fluid communication with the exhaust system 422 of the engine 406 to receive, through a vehicle exhaust conduit 424, a hydrocarbon stream to be reformed. In the example shown, when two sources of hydrocarbon to be reformed are provided (engine exhaust and fuel tank), the vehicle exhaust conduit 424 can join the fuel tank supply conduit 420 so that only a single inlet opening need be provided in the vortex tube 400. However, in alternate embodiments using two vortex tube input sources, the vehicle exhaust conduit 424 can extend from the vehicle exhaust 422 directly to the inlet 402 and similarly the fuel tank supply conduit 420 can extend from the Mel tank 410 directly-to the inlet 402.
Figure 4 also illustrates optional valves that are depicted in Figure 4 as being electronically-operated valves that can be controlled by the engine control module (ECM) 426 of the engine 406 (typically a component of the engine 406 but not housed within combustion portions of the engine 406). Alternatively, .one or more of the valves shown may be check valves that permit one-way flow only in the directions indicated by the respective arrows next to the respective valves.
In greater particularity, a hydrogen outlet valve 428 may be disposed in a hydrogen outlet conduit 430 that extends from the hydrogen outlet 404 of the vortex tube 400. In the example shown, the hydrogen outlet valve 428 is upstream of an outlet assembly 432 that may inelude, eõ.g., the pump. 72$ and WO.SR
si.town.: in Figure 7, In other embodiments t:lte hydrogen outlet:valve 428:..may be downstream of the assemb1y-437, An engine .exhaust: vortex Utile supply. valve 434 may be provided in the:
vehiole.
exha4st c9ndujtAz4 a olowp,..pr.efeobly- upstream of where the Mei tank:
supply condliit 420 joins the exhaust .conduit 424, Like:WI:Se,. a fuel tank vortex: tithe supply valve 430.. May be prOvidedin the flier tank supplyeendnit: 470. The vortex tube:supply valves434, 436.triay be controlled:by the ECM:42610 selectively Control which soureeer sourceS.OrhydrOtarbOu are provided to:thevartex ttibe.400,.
To: control sAat: fuel is received by the engine 40, 'first and second engine supply valves 4384 440.may be respectiVely provided in the .vortex tube outlet conduit: 416 and titel:
supply conduit 418, ilia the non-limiting example shown the second engine supply valve .440 in the fuel. supply conduit 41.8 is provided downstream of where the :Wel tank supply conduit 420 provides. fuel to the vortex itube taps into the fuel supply: conduit 4I8., $o that: the second engine: SapplyValVe .440:and the ftiettank vortemhe supply valve436 on be shut to isolate tbor.pesppeop.orloos...a.s. apomd without affecting the other condui t, h May :no* be appreciated that in Opetatibit, thevortex. tube...400 reforms:
hydrocarbon fuel and/or exhaust: from an .engine,, separating hydrogen from carbon-based constituents .dutiott the reforMing,. with.: hydrogen .Separated ..:a8 a testa Of the reforming being .pi-ovided. to the engine 406, Figure 5: .shows a. specific system in whith the disc:UW.0 above is incorporated.. A
:vortex :tube 500 twelves,: through a mixer 5.Q2: hydrocarbon fuel such as .gasoline or diesel from a fuel tank 5049 fµ:,;.&,, from the gas: tank of :A vehiele in whielt the system shown in Figure is disposa Any of the above-described -vortex tubes=may he used.
The steam mixer/injector $02 OlikOs the:: steam gitt.i the hydrocarbon and itlieets- the:
n*tare: at a high-pressure into the Vortx tube inlet Located behind: the vortex inlet is the vortex generator established by the Oita,= tube 500. Wel catises, the ihput mixture to sVviriat a high rate arid travel (right, looking down on Figure $) toward the: Carbon end of the tube 500, swirling along :the inside peripheral of the the at a high rate, pressure, and temperature in contact with the catAlyg waling dm inside surface of the tube as: deseribed above for the catalyzing: layer 226: in Figure 2. This :SWirlitig action of the syngas causes the: iniXture :closest tO the outer periphery of the interior Chamber of the vortex tube 500 to both inerease hi temperature and to apply high centripeta] forces to the catalyst lining, inside the tube;
Increasing the reforming reaction rate and preventi ng carbon buildup: on the catalyst During the reforming process, syngas is generated at the catalyzing lam, and the:
Hydrogen component of the syngas then moves toward the otter of the swirl: in the vortex tube since the Hydrogen is lighter than the carbon/steam mixture, whieb is urged toward: the outer part of the: SWirl. Thus, one (3.11tpa stream of the: vonektnbe is composed. primarily Hydrogen, and is output (if desired, through **muting components sea as the below described pump 527) to:a: Hydrogen receiVer, such awa Hyth:ogert tank: or, example shown, a the! eel n(), Itte second output : of the vortex tube *Wes:
primarily Carbon-hased conmittients: sothe:eases :water :and tesiduni Hydrogen.:

A fuel pump: 5.(4. may be.:provided with i SUOMI:0-p the fuel lark 504 Ind.
discharge into :the: mixer 502 .to pump: %el into the mixer 501 Alsoµ. the. vortex: tube 500 receives., through .the mixer 502 Water or steam: from a. water tank 50.8... A water pump. 5.10 May be pro ided with: a suction on: the water tank 50.$:and disehatze into :the mixer 502:topumowater into the mixer 502.. .Thits:,. the.vortek tube may receive a Inixture Of fuel and 'Water from the mixer .50I
A fuel Hoe viihie. 512 may be provided in the communication path between the fuel lank 504. and mixer 502. Likewise, a. water line .valve. 514 may. be.
provided: in: the cornintiniCation. Oath between the water tank 50S and the Mixer. 502. In general, the valves herein may be processor-controlled and thus may include sOlenoids. An example processing circuit isdesetined further below Theposition of one or both VaKes $1.2õ 514 may be established based on :signals from one or more mixer sensors. 51.6(only -,sy single sensor shown for: clarity), The.rnixersprwroo..
516 May be one or Mae of :a. fuel sensor or Oxygen sensor or Carbon sensor. or temperature sensor or press= sensor ether appropriate sensor that senses the composition Orator temperatureandlorpressurc) of the mixture within the MOW 502, For example, if the ratio: of water to 1-6.01..is.too. high the fuel valve 512 may be cat* to open one at more yalve position Increments. and/or:the watetValVe niay be caused to shut one ofinoteitiereitents. %Milady; if :the ratio: of water to fuel :is:. too 10,v,. the fuetygyp.: 512 may be caused. to shut one or: TOMO
valve position increments and/Or :the water valve. Ma.y be caused to open .
one or more increments, Furthermoce: heat: .may be applied to the. mixer 50.2 as shown. at 5:1.8, and:
when the sensor 516 includes :a.temperature sensor i the: signal.from the sensor can be used to adjust the heat input to .optintize the temperature of the mixture in the Mixer 502,.
The.heat application 518 may be an electrieal. heater thermally engaged with the mixer 502 andlor a .conduit for.
eandueting.heat :from the bclow-desoribed heat exchanger to Atio:.mixer.502, Atits hydrogen output end. The vortex: tithe 500 outputs :Hydrogen to fuel :pot The hid. cell 520 may be used to provide electricity:Wan elect& propulsion motor 522. in the vehicle,. The fuel. eell 520. may also output water via, a. lin 524 to a water tank 5.2 and/or direct to :the previu0Slydesoribed:Water tank 508 and/or into the mixer 502 as shown.
A.Hydro gen pump 527 may be provided with a suction on the vortex tubo.5.00:and aidisoharge:
into the file coll. 520..
At :it output (old, the vertex tube 500 may. output water as well. as .Cabon-hased con.stituenh 'including Carbon:Monoxide:WO) .and Carbon Dioxide .(002).
to a first :heat exchanger 528:..1he first beat exchanger may vim .or :001 the fluid :supplied to it using water eireUlation pump pumping water from any of water tanks described *On though a water jacket or: using air tooling. Heat from the fuel: Mt 52:0. and/or:any of the engines itt the :syVem may be applied to the heat .exchanger to heat it... Neat from the first heat,actmger may be:provided through an outlet 53010 One Or moreath0:0001 pdtket0 showti bp*: el.ppept 5.32.:of the: mixer:Wand/or to heating element 53$ thermally engaged with thevOrteX
tube: 500nearer the Hydrogen end than. the Carbon end. .NOte that an eleetriehea.ter 534 .also may be thermally engaged. with the vortex: tube 500 for providing heat thereto .until .24..
such time as one of the heat exchangers herein is warm enough to supply heat to the vortex tube 500.
Output from the heat exchanger 528 may be supplied, through an outlet control valve 53.8 to an engine 540, which may be implemented by a turbine, a diesel engine, or a gasoline engine to propel the vehicle. A second heat exchanger 542 may be provided to extract heat from the engine 540, with heat from the second heat exchanger 542 being supplied as necessary to one or more of the mixer 502 and vortex tube 500 through respective conduits 544, 546. Note that the first and second heat exchangers 528, 542 may be combined into a single unit if desired.
Also, some output from the fuel tank 504 may flow through a fuel line 548 in which a hydrocarbon valve 550 may be provided to provide fuel to the engine 540 in a startup mode.
In the startup mode the valve. 550 is opened, connecting the hydrocarbon tank to the engine/turbine to supply fuel and startup the engine/turbine, which in turn supplies heat to the heat exchanger, which in turn heats up the vortex tube-based reformer/separator structure shown.
One or more sensors $52 may be provided to sense parameters in the output of the Carbon. end of the vortex tube 500. These one or more sensors may sense temperature, CO2, CO, water, Hydrogen etc. and may input signals to a processor to control a throttle control valve 554 in the Carbon outlet of the vortex tube 500 upstream of the sensor(s) 552 as necessary to ensure parameters may stay within predetermined ranges.

With greater specificity, at the Qatbort end of the .vortex. tithe 509, the swirling =syngas=
encounters :thepartial. blockage created by the throttle control: valve 554.
The:poSition of the throttle control vave...554 maybe adjusted by the below.described processer based on 6.00.0t MOM lnpu t signals from the sensors. &scribed herein:suchlhatitheheavier earbon-richmixture:
passes: : through the peripheral gap of the: control .YalVe: 554, In an example,, the beloW-dewribeeli. processor determines, from sensor signalsõ the hydrogen/Orton ratio and adjusts the positien Of the throttle control: Valve.:554 accordingly,.
On the other .hand, the. 'ter of the. ,syngas. swirl, mostly :Hydrogen, :is:reflected off of the center.of the: throttle. control valve: 554. This prevents the Hydregetiftern ecaping through the vslye: 554 and to :travel:back (leitõ.100king down on fignre5) toward the Hydrogen end of the vortex tube 500, where it exits::the tube and is input into. the tliel cell. 520,. The. hydrogen stmatn, which is concentrated at the :center of the: vortex tube, exits the vortex tube* a tower temperature than both the peripheral swirl and the initially injected hydrocarbon steam Mixture.. Thi:$ lower temperature hydrogen :is well :suitedfor use in the feel eel 1 .Similarly, one or more sensors: 556 may be provided. to sense parameters: ir.
the Hydrogen o utpet.of theYOttex.. tube. ThOse::000 Or: ittOre sOrtil.ors 556 may sense toriperature,..
C04 CO. water, Hydrogen etc,. and may input sign* to a processor to control one or more of the Val veS Or = other components herein as neceSsary tO. ensure parameters niy stay within predetermined ranges. Thus, temperattire within the ViDrte.N tube 500.may be :sensed through.li temperature sensor and can be regulated by the below-described processor to maintain proper tem:mange for reforming,.:

It may now be appreciated that Figure 5 illustrates an integrated vortex tube-based reformer and hydrogen separator connected to a fuel cell 520 and to an engine/turbine 540 to establish a hybrid fuel cell turbine. The structure of Figure 5 provides the capability of immediately starting up for a vehicle such as a. car or truck' having onboard reforming by means of porting fuel from the tank 504 through the line 548 to the engine 540. In this instance, when the system is cold, the engine/turbine 540. is powered up first by means fiiel ported through the valve 550 so that the vehicle can operate immediately and in turn heat up the reformer separator prior to switching to hydrogen operation.
Once warm enough to operate in the hydrogen operating mode, the generated hydrogen -stream. from the vortex Mho 500 is supplied to the fuel cell 520, and the Carbon stream from the. vortex tube 500 is supplied to the turbine/engine 540. The system of Figure 5 includes two front end supply tanks, namely, the water tank 508 and hydrocarbon tank 504 that supply product to the steam mixer/injector 502 via the above-described control valves 512, 514. These control valves 512, 514 advantageously may be regulated based on sensed parameters, such as power demand and reaction rates, temperatures, gas mixtures sensed by the, sensors shown in Figure 5 and controlled by the processor shown and described below.
Figure 6 illustrates schematically gas separation in the vortex tube 500.. The central Hydrogen-permeable tube 600 receives relatively cool Hydrogen while relatively warm Carbon constituents are drawn toward the catalytic lining 602 on the inner surface of the outer wall of the vortex tube 500. Arrows 602 represent the steam/Hydrocarbon swirl of the gases in the vortex tube. Figure 6 thus illustrates the swirling action of the hydrocarbon steam mixture, the reforming, and the stratification of the syngas with the Hydrogen moving towards the center.
In Figure 6, the reformer vortex tube is illustrated with the catalyst lining, such as a nickel-based catalyst, with: the integrated heaters and heat exchangers proving energy to the reforming reaction. Figure 6 shows the swirling action of the hydrocarbon steam mixture, the reforming, and the stratification of the syngas with the hydrogen moving towards the center and the heavier gases in contact with the peripheral tube. The hydrocarbon steam mixture is reformed into syngas through contact with the catalyst-lined tube. This breaks the methane component of the natural gas into carbonmonoxide (CO) and 112 gas.
Figures 7-9 illustrate additional systems in Which vortex tubes are used as reformers for separating Hydrogen from fuel for a variety of purposes, including any of the purposes mentioned above (e.g., injection of Hydrogen into engines) as well as in Hydrogen production for petro chemical installations, and other purposes.
Figure 7 illustrates an integrated reformer and hydrogen separator connected to an integrated water gas shift and hydrogen separator for producing hydrogen and carbon dioxide from hydrocarbons. in Figure 7, a first stage vortex tube 700 receives a heated fuel and water mixture from. a mixer 702, with the relevant sensor, pumping, valving, and heating components disclosed in Figure 5 also being provided in the example shown and labeled in Figure 7, However, in contrast to the system of Figure 5, the Carbon output of the first stage vortex tube 700 in Figure 7 is sent through a heat exchanger 704 if desired to the inlet 706 of a second stage vortex tube 70.8. The second stage vortex tube 708 extracts residual. Hydrogen in the Carbon output of the first stage vortex tube 700. Effectively, the second stage vortex tube 708 may be regarded as a water gas shift separator. The second stage vortex tube 708 may be internally coated with a catalyzing layer (similar to the layer 226 shown in Figure 2) that. is made of different constituents than the catalyzing layer used to coat the interior of the first stage vortex tube 700. For example, the first stage vortex tube 700 may include nickel in the catalyzing layer whereas the second stage vortex tube 708 may include copper in its catalyzing layer. In specific embodiments, the catalyzing layer of the second stage vortex tube 708 corresponding to the layer 226 shown in Figure. 2 may be composed of Copper Oxide, Zinc Oxide, and Aluminum Oxide. In non-limiting specific examples, the catalyzing layer may be made of 32-33% CuO, 34-53% ZnO, and 15-33% Al2.03.
The heat exchanger 704 extracts heat from the Carbon output of the first stage vortex tube 700. lb this end, the heat exchanger may include a cool water jacket or it may include .air cooling fins or other air cooling structure. It may also be a thermoelectric heat exchanger.
Preferably, the heat exchanger cools the input fluid to 200 C - 250'C.
In any case, the second stage vortex tube 708, owing to the combination of structure shown, may be regarded as a vortex tube-based VierGSR in. which residual 'Hydrogen in the Carbon output of the first stage vortex tube 700 is extracted through the combining of Carbon Monoxide with water vapor from the Carbon -output of the first stage vortex tube 700 to produce Carbon Dioxide and Hydrogen (in the form of Hz).
The Hydrogen. outputs of both vortex tubes 700, 708 can. be sent through one or respective Hydrogen filters 710, 712 to further purify the Hydrogen by filtering out non-Hydrogen material. The outputs 714, 716 of the Hydrogen filters may communicate with the intake of an engine such as any of the engines described herein to provide, for instance, Hydrogen-assisted combustion.
A condenser 718.- may be provided at the outlet of the second stage vortex tube 708 to separate CO2 from water, with water being sent to the illustrated, water tank and CO, vented from the top of the condenser as shown to atmosphere.
Figure 8 illustrates an integrated reformer and hydrogen separator connected to an integrated water gas shift and hydrogen separator connected to a hydrogen and hydrocarbon fuel mixer to inject into an engine, turbine, or burner to provide hydrogen assisted combustion.
With greater specificity, Figure 8 shows a first stage vortex tube 800 receiving a water and fuel mixture from a mixer 802 according to principles above and outputting from its Carbon end input to a second stage vortex tube 804. The difference between the system of Figure 8 compared to the system of Figure 7 is that the hydrogen outputs of both vortex tubes 800, 804 in Figure 8 may be combined with fuel from the fuel tank. 806 that also supplies fuel to the inlet of the first stage vortex tube 800 in a fuel/Hydrogen mixer 808.
The mixture in the fuel/Hydrogen mixer 808 may be sent to an engine 810 as shown.
A condenser 812 may be provided at-the outlet of the engine '810 to separate CO2 from water, with water being sent to the illustrated water tank and CO2 vented from the top of the condenser as shown to atmosphere. A separate condenser 814 may be provided at the outlet of the second stage vortex tube 804 according to prior disclosure with -respect to Figure 7. In some embodiments the condensers may be in by a single condenser.
Figure 9 illustrates an integrated reformer and hydrogen separator connected to an integrated water gas shift and hydrogen separator powering a hybrid fuel cell system. With greater specific, as shown in Figure 9, a system includes first stage and second stage vortex tubes 900, 902 substantially as described above, but with the Hydrogenoutputs of each vortex tube being supplied to a Hydrogen receptacle 904, which communicates with a fuel cell 906 and engine 908 to provide Hydrogen to both. The fuel cell 906 may establish the Hydrogen receptacle 904, in which case excess Hydrogen not used by the fuel cell is sent to the engine 908. Both the engine 908 and fuel cell 906 can be -used to provide propulsive power to a vehicle.
Figure 10 illustrates an example processing circuit for controlling the pumps, valves, and other components in the preceding figures. A controller 1000 such as a processor receives input from any of the above-described sensors (shown at 1002) and may also receive valve position signals from the actuators of any of the above-described valves (shown at 1004) as well as a demanded load signal from a demanded load signal source 1006 such as a vehicle accelerator. The controller uses the inputs to control one or more of the heat exchangers and attendant components (shown at 1008) and throttle valves (Shown at 1010). The controller 1000 also communicates with or established by control components, in any of the above-described fuel cells and engines (shown at 1012 and '1014, respectively).
Thus, a control system herein may include computers and processors connected over a network, such that data may be exchanged between the client and server .components. The client components may include one or more computing devices such as engine control modules (ECIvls), portable computers such as laptops and tablet computers, and other mobile devices including smart phones. These computing devices may operate with a variety of' operating environments. For example, some of the client computers may employ, as examples. Linux operating systems, operating systems from Microsoft, or a Unix operating system, or operating systems produced by Apple Computer or Google, or 'VxWorks embedded operating systems from Wind River.
Information may be exchanged over a network between the components. To this end and for security, components can include firewalls, load 'balancers, temporary storages, and proxies, and other network infrastructure for reliability and security.
As used herein, instructions refer to computer-implemented steps fbr processing infbmiation in. the system. Instructions can be implemented in software, firmware or hardware and include any type. of programmed step undertaken by components of the system.
A processor may be any conventional general purpose single- or multi-Chip processor that can execute logic by means of various lines such as address lines, data lines, and control lines and registers and shift registers.
Software modules described by way of the flow charts and user interfaces herein can include various sub-routines, procedures, etc. Without limiting the disclosure, logic stated to be executed by a particular module can be redistributed to other software modules and/or combined together in a single module ffici/ or made available in a library.

Present principles described herein can be implemented as hardware, software, firmware, or combinations thereof; hence, illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps are set forth in terms of their functionality.
Further to what has been alluded to above, logical blocks, modules, and circuits described below can be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A processor can be implemented by a controller or state machine or a combination of computing devices.
The functions and methods described below, When implemented in software, can be written in an appropriate language such as but not limited to lava, C# or C.++, and can be stored on or transmitted through. a computer-readable storage medium such as a random access memory otAivo, read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disk storage such as digital versatile disc (DVD), magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices including removable thumb drives, etc. .A connection may establish a computer-readable medium. Such connections can include, as examples, hard-wired cables including fiber optic and coaxial wires and digital subscriber line (DU) and twisted pair wires. Such connections may include wireless communication connections including infrared and radio.

The opgrating logic:of Figtge 1.1 is..specifially direpted to the system shown in Figure 5õeithoUgh its principtes.nayapply where relevant to the other systems:ahown.lberein:
The lOgic eommences At state 1100 and proceeds to block 11 02: 1i the hydrocarbon fuel valve 5.50 is. opened to port hydrocarbon fuel to tlx.µ,:g.ngirie. 540 pursuant to starting the engine...The:Ii.eg:eUhangtr'520 is. started and the deettie.haters of the tux: 502 and:vortex. tube 500 ,greenergiz4 at Kock 1.106 toinitiali4e the reforming offhp. Wow( tube.
Once the beat ioXehanger is hot enough to supply hat te the .mixer and.
vortex: tube, :the heat from the heat exchanger may. replace: the. heat from the electric- heaters, *WA may. .be .deenergi2ed,.
Decision diamond 11.0$ ini;:katos. th0.. one Or More Of the sertsprs described above:
embodied:ea a temperature sensoris sampled and when its..signal indieatess.
that the vortex tube has. 44elled. a sufficient:temperature for refixming thelydreesiben from the mixer 502, the vortex tube is actuated at block LIM and the inel 520.:ititialized. Input .tria:v be received at :d0eisiOn ..diamond 1112 tuditati4g: that the: MVO No.i.), to: trausitiim from. hydreegthon :propulsion from the:engine :540 to electric pmpuision. fretu the fuel cell 520, at Which point the- logic MOWS: -to block, 1114 to shut the WI valve 550 and transition to electric titive..at Welt 11.1.-6, Compenent.,s included : one embodiment an be used in. other embodiments in any appropriate combination. For example, any Of the various components described herein.
and/or depicted in the Figures.. may -be combined,:. :interchanged or-excluded from. other embodiment*

system having at least one of A, B, and C" (likewise "a system having at least one of A, 13, or C" and "a system having at least one of A, B, Cu):includes systems that have A
alone, B alone, C alorKt, A and B together, A and C together, B and C
together, andlor A, B, and C together, etc.
While the particular systems and methods are herein shown and dacribed in detail, the scope of the present application is limited only by the appended claims,

Claims

411. An assembly, comprising:
at least one vortex tube having an inlet and at least a Hydrogen outlet; and at least one reformer mechanism associated with the vortex tube to remove Hydrogen from Carbon in molecules of hydrocarbon fuel input to the inlet, the reformer mechanism including a catalytic constituent inside the vortex tube, and heated water vapor injected into the vortex tube along with the hydrocarbon fuel.
2. The assembly of Claim 1, wherein the vortex tube comprises a swirl chamber, the inlet of the vortex tube being into the swirl chamber, the vortex tube comprising a main tube segment communicating with the swirl chamber and having an outlet different from the hydrogen outlet.
3. The assembly of Claim 2, comprising at least one engine having an input port in fluid communication with the hydrogen outlet of the vortex tube, wherein a fuel intake of the engine is in fluid communication with the outlet different from the hydrogen outlet of the vortex tube.
4. The assembly of Claim 3, wherein the outlet different from the hydrogen outlet is juxtaposed with an inside surface of a wall of the main tube segment.

5. The assembly of Claim 4, wherein the at least one catalytic constituent is on the inside surface of the wall of the main tube segment.
6. The assembly of Claim 2, comprising at least one hydrogen-permeable tube disposed centrally in the main tube segment and defining the hydrogen outlet at one end of the hydrogen-permeable tube.
7. The assembly of Claim 1, comprising plural vortex tubes arranged in a toroidal configuration, a first vortex tube in the plural vortex tubes defining the inlet of the vortex tube and providing fluid to an inlet of a next vortex tube in the plural vortex tubes.
11. The assembly of Claim 1, wherein the inlet of the vortex tube is in fluid communication with an exhaust of an engine.
12. A method comprising.
injecting hydrocarbon fuel and heated water vapor into at least one vortex tube;
reforming the hydrocarbon fuel using the vortex tube;
the reforming including removing Hydrogen from Carbon-based constituents in molecules of the hydrocarbon fuel;

separating the Hydrogen from the Carbon-based constituents using the vortex tube to render a Hydrogen stream substantially free of Carbon; and providing the Hydrogen stream to a hydrogen receiver.
13. An assembly comprising:
at least a first vortex tube configured. for receiving hydrocarbon fuel and separating the hydrocarbon fuel into a first stream and a second stream, the first stream being composed primarily of Hydrogen, the second stream including Carbon;
at least a first Hydrogen receiver configured for receiving the first stream;
and at least a second vortex tube configured for =ming the second stream from the first vortex tube and for separating the second stream into a third stream and a fourth stream, the third stream being composed primarily of Hydrogen for provisioning thereof to. the Hydrogen receiver, the second stream including Carbon., 14. The assembly of Claim 13, wherein the Hydrogen receiver includes a hydrogen tank.
15. The assembly of Claim 13, wherein the Hydrogen receiver includes a fuel cell.
16. The assembly of Claim 13, wherein the first and third streams are provided to the Hydrogen receiver.

17 The assembly of Claim 13, comprising at least one heat exchanger disposed in fluid communication between the vortex tubes and configured for removing heat from the second stream prior to the second stream being input to the second vortex tube.
18. The assembly of Claim 13, wherein at least a first catalytic constituent is on an inside surface of the first vortex tube and at least a second catalytic constituent is on an inside surface of the second vortex tube but is not on the inside surface of the first vortex tube.
19. The assembly of Claim 18, wherein the second catalytic constituent includes Copper.
20. The assembly of Claim 19, further comprising Zinc and Aluminum on the inside surface of the second vortex tube.
21. The assembly of Claim 13, wherein at least a first catalytic constituent is on an inside surface of the first vortex tube and at least a second catalytic constituent is on an inside surface of the second vortex tube but is not on the inside surface of the first vortex tube.
22. A reformer assembly, comprising:

at least a first vortex tube comprising a swirl chamber having an input and a main tube segment communicating with the swirl chamber and having a first output juxtaposed with an inside surface of a wall of the main tube segment, the first output for outputting relatively hotter and heavier constituents of fluid provided at the input;
at least a second vortex tube having at least one inlet for receiving the relatively hotter and heavier constituents from the first output of the first vortex tube.
23. The reformer assembly of Claim 22, comprising:
at least one catalytic constituent on the inside surface of the wall of the main tube segment, and at least one hydrogen-permeable tube disposed centrally in the main tube segment and defining a second output at one end of the hydrogen-permeable tube for outputting at least one relatively lighter and cooler constituent of fluid provided at the input.
24. The reformer assembly of Claim 23, wherein the at least one relatively lighter and cooler constituent includes hydrogen.
25. The reformer assembly of Claim 24, wherein the relatively hotter and heavier constituents of fluid provided at the input include carbon.

26 The reformer assembly of Claim 23, comprising a fuel cell connected to the second output.
27. The reformer assembly of Claim 23, comprising an engine connected to the first output.
28. System composing:
at least one fuel cell; and at least one vortex tube assembly for receiving hydrocarbon fuel as input and providing hydrogen reformed from the hydrocarbon fuel within the vortex tube to the fuel cell.
29. The reformer assembly of Claim 22, comprising a nozzle disposed in the first vortex tube at the first output of the first vortex tube so that only an outer shell of gas is allowed to escape at the first output of the first vortex tube with gas not in the outer shell being forced to return back, away from the first output of the first vortex tube.
30. The method of Claim 12, comprising, prior to injecting hydrocarbon fuel and heated water vapor into the vortex tube, heating at least one of the hydrocarbon fuel, heated water vapor to between six hundred degrees Celsius (600° C) and one thousand one hundred degrees Celsius (1100°
C).

31 The assembly of Claim 1, wherein the catalytic constituent incIudes nickel, 32. The assembly of Claim 1, wherein the catalytic constituent includes platinum.
33, The assembly of Claim 1, wherein the catalytic constituent includes rhodium.
34. The assembly of Claim 1 wherein the catalytic constituent includes gold.
35. The assembly of Claim 1, wherein the catalytic constituent includes copper.
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US14/715,026 US9840413B2 (en) 2015-05-18 2015-05-18 Integrated reformer and syngas separator
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US15/078,263 2016-03-23
US15/078,263 US9843062B2 (en) 2016-03-23 2016-03-23 Vortex tube reformer for hydrogen production, separation, and integrated use
PCT/US2016/027442 WO2016186762A1 (en) 2015-05-18 2016-04-14 Vortex tube reformer for hydrogen production, separation, and integrated use

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