JP4872120B2 - Fuel reformer - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel reformer, and more particularly to a fuel reformer that obtains a reformed fuel by reforming a fuel by adding high-density energy.

  As one method for expanding the operation range of the internal combustion engine, there is a method of performing operation control using hydrogen gas or hydrogen-rich reformed gas. Some electric vehicles use a fuel cell as an electric energy source to be supplied to a motor.

Conventionally, as a method for supplying hydrogen to these systems, a method in which hydrogen is pressurized and a high-pressure tank is mounted on a vehicle, and a method in which hydrogen is liquefied and mounted on a vehicle are embodied.
However, when a high-pressure tank is used, since its volume is limited, there is a problem that a cruising distance by one filling is short.
In addition, when liquefied hydrogen is used, there is a problem of energy loss.
Furthermore, both methods have the problem that the overall energy efficiency is not good in the process of generating, filling and releasing hydrogen.

In contrast to the above-described method, a method and an apparatus have been proposed in which a hydrocarbon-based fuel is reformed to obtain hydrogen gas or hydrogen-rich reformed gas.
Specifically, a method has been proposed in which electric energy is plasma-discharged in a hydrocarbon fuel and reformed (see Patent Document 1).
Moreover, a catalytic reactor has been proposed in which a fuel gas in a gas phase state is reformed using a catalyst (see Patent Document 2).
JP 2004-76701 A JP 2004-249254 A

As described above, when the hydrocarbon fuel is reformed by the devices and catalytic reactors described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 above and hydrogen or hydrogen-rich gas is used as the fuel, a system for storing hydrogen becomes unnecessary. .
However, in order to supply necessary and sufficient hydrogen gas or hydrogen-rich reformed gas in response to system load fluctuations, it is inevitable that the reformer becomes larger, and the reformer becomes smaller and less expensive. It is difficult to realize.

The present invention has been made in view of such problems of the prior art, and the object of the present invention is to realize a fuel that can be mounted on a vehicle, realizing miniaturization , cost reduction, and high reforming efficiency. It is to provide a reforming apparatus.

As a result of intensive studies to achieve the above object, the inventors of the present invention irradiate the fuel with a laser beam having an energy density of 1.0 × 10 ⁵ J / m ² or more and having a wavelength in the ultraviolet region, A fuel reforming apparatus for reforming the fuel to obtain a reformed fuel, wherein the fuel tank, fuel piping, the fuel has an energy density of 1.0 × 10 ⁵ J / m ² or more, and an ultraviolet region A glass fiber having a branched structure in which the fuel tank and / or the fuel pipe function as a laser light supply path of the laser generator. Do or fuel pipe itself has a function as a laser light supply path of the laser device, and more and this hollow portion is to configure a hollow glass fiber having a tapered structure, the object is achieved The present inventors have found that this can be done and have completed the present invention.

That is, the fuel reformer of the present invention reforms the fuel by reforming the fuel by irradiating the fuel with a laser beam having an energy density of 1.0 × 10 ⁵ J / m ² or more and having a wavelength in the ultraviolet region. a fuel reformer to obtain a fuel-irradiation, a fuel tank, a fuel pipe, and the energy density to the fuel 1.0 × 10 5 ^{J /} m ² or more, the laser light having a wavelength in the ultraviolet range The fuel tank and / or the fuel pipe having a glass fiber having a branched structure that functions as a laser light supply path of the laser generator, or the fuel pipe itself Is a hollow glass fiber which functions as a laser beam supply path of the laser generator and whose hollow portion has a tapered structure .

In a preferred embodiment of the fuel reforming apparatus of the present invention, the laser generator is disposed outside the fuel tank and the fuel pipe, and the fuel tank and / or the fuel pipe generates laser on all or part of its wall surface. The apparatus is provided with a portion capable of transmitting the laser light emitted by the apparatus .

Furthermore, another preferred embodiment of the fuel reformer of the present invention is characterized in that the laser generator is disposed inside the fuel tank and / or the fuel pipe .

Yet another preferred embodiment of the fuel reformer of the present invention is characterized in that the fuel is a hydrocarbon liquid fuel .

According to the present invention, the fuel has an energy density of 1.0 × 10 ⁵ J / m ² or more and is irradiated with laser light having a wavelength in the ultraviolet region to reform the fuel to obtain a reformed fuel. A reformer, a fuel tank, a fuel pipe, and a laser generator that irradiates the fuel with a laser beam having an energy density of 1.0 × 10 ⁵ J / m ² or more and having an ultraviolet wavelength. The fuel tank and / or the fuel pipe has a glass fiber having a branched structure functioning as a laser light supply path of the laser generator inside, or the fuel pipe itself is the laser generator It functions as a laser beam supply path for the device, and the hollow portion is a hollow glass fiber with a tapered structure, so it can be miniaturized , reduced in cost, improved in reforming efficiency, and can be mounted on the vehicle. fuel A reformer can be provided.

Hereinafter, the fuel reformer of the present invention will be described in detail.
As described above, the fuel reformer of the present invention reforms the fuel by irradiating the fuel with laser light having an energy density of 1.0 × 10 ⁵ J / m ² or more and having a wavelength in the ultraviolet region. Te a fuel reformer to obtain a reformed fuel, and a fuel tank, a fuel pipe, and the energy density to the fuel 1.0 × 10 5 ^{J /} m ² or more, the laser light having a wavelength in the ultraviolet range The fuel tank and / or the fuel pipe has a glass fiber having a branched structure functioning as a laser light supply path of the laser generator, or the fuel The piping itself functions as a laser beam supply path of the laser generator, and the hollow portion is a hollow glass fiber having a tapered structure .

In the present invention, the fuel supply means includes a fuel tank and a fuel pipe, and the high-density energy supply means is disposed outside the fuel supply means, and either one of the fuel tank or the fuel pipe. Or both may be provided with the site | part which can permeate | transmit the high density energy which a high density energy supply means adds to all or one part of the wall surface.
Here, the “part capable of transmitting high-density energy” can be made of, for example, fluororesin or epoxy resin when the high-density energy is laser light.

Furthermore, in the present invention, the fuel supply means may include a fuel tank and a fuel pipe, and the high-density energy supply means may be disposed inside the fuel supply means.
The “inside of the fuel supply means” means not only the part of the fuel tank or fuel pipe of the fuel supply means that stores fuel or the part that distributes the fuel, but also the wall of the fuel tank or fuel pipe. It is meant to include parts.
Specifically, if the high-density energy supply means can directly add high-density energy to the fuel, for example, all or a part of the high-density energy supply means may be integrated with the fuel tank or the fuel pipe wall. Good.

Furthermore, in the present invention, a laser generator that emits laser light having a wavelength in the ultraviolet region may be used as the high-density energy supply means.
It is desirable to use a fuel having a short wavelength such as an ultraviolet region because the temperature rise of the fuel to which energy is applied can be suppressed.
Here, as the high density energy to be irradiated, for example, the energy density may be 1.0 × 10 ⁵ J / m ² or more, and preferably 1.0 × 10 ⁷ J / m ² or more.
For example, laser light having a wavelength of about 100 to 700 nm can be used as the high-density energy, but for the reasons described above, it is desirable to use laser light having a wavelength of about 100 to 400 nm in the ultraviolet region.
“Energy density (P = W / A)” means, for example, the output (W) of a laser generator as an example of a high-density energy supply means, and the area (A) of a cross section substantially perpendicular to the optical path of the laser. It is the value divided by, and shows the amount of heat per unit area.

In the conventional technical knowledge, it was thought that the reforming reaction proceeded only in the vicinity of the focal position of the laser beam. However, as shown schematically in FIG. It was confirmed that the reaction proceeded.
Specifically, a quartz cell (length: 100 mm, diameter: 25 mm) is manufactured, filled with isooctane as an example of fuel F, and third harmonic (wavelength: 355 nm) by a YAG laser (not shown). , The bubbles (components: hydrogen, methane, acetylene, etc.) are examples of the reformed fuel RF on the optical path of the laser beam that is not the focal position of the laser beam L (see the portion surrounded by the broken line in the figure). The occurrence of ethylene, etc.) was confirmed.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, although depending on the fuel used, when high-density energy higher than a certain energy density is added, the reforming reaction proceeds, and the reforming efficiency increases as the energy density increases. Will improve.
Therefore, it is desirable from the viewpoint of improving the reforming efficiency that the optical path of the laser beam is set so that the irradiation area with respect to the fuel becomes as large as possible.
Examples of the laser generator capable of irradiating with such high density energy include, but are not limited to, a YAG laser, a rare gas / excimer laser, and an alexandrite laser used in the experiment.

In the present invention, the fuel supply means includes a fuel tank and a fuel pipe, and either one or both of the fuel tank and the fuel pipe irradiates the inside thereof with a laser beam having the wavelength in the ultraviolet region. You may provide the glass fiber which functions as a laser beam supply path of a laser generator.
Furthermore, in the present invention, the glass fiber provided may have a branched structure.
Such a glass fiber does not necessarily have to be joined to a laser oscillator incorporated in the laser generator as long as the propagation distance of the laser light can be increased as a laser light supply path.
Here, the “branch-like structure” usually refers to a structure in which a bundle of a plurality of glass fibers is not aligned or has a partially aligned terminal end facing the axial direction or the radial direction of the bundle. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and includes a structure in which a single glass fiber is branched.

In the present invention, the fuel supply means includes a fuel tank and a fuel pipe, and the fuel pipe itself functions as a laser light supply path of a laser generator that emits laser light having a wavelength in the ultraviolet region. The glass fiber may be used.
Furthermore, in the present invention, the hollow portion of the hollow glass fiber may have a tapered structure.
If such a hollow glass fiber can suppress a decrease in energy density due to a reforming reaction of laser light inside the glass fiber as a laser light supply path, the laser oscillator is necessarily incorporated in the laser generator. There is no need to be joined.
Here, the “tapered structure” refers to a hollow portion filled with a fuel of a hollow glass fiber that functions as a fuel pipe. For example, as the diameter of the hollow portion shifts in the propagation direction of laser light, A structure that becomes smaller.

Furthermore, in the present invention, for example, a hydrocarbon liquid fuel can be used as the fuel.
Examples of the hydrocarbon liquid fuel include linear alkanes such as normal heptane, dodecane, and cetane, branched alkanes such as isooctane and isopentane, alkanes such as cycloalkane such as cyclohexane, and ethylene and the like. Examples include alkenes such as butene, and alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, and propanol.
Further, gasoline, alcohol-containing gasoline, light oil, biomass and the like, which are a mixture of these, can be mentioned.

  By adopting the simple configuration as described above, the fuel reformer can be reduced in size and reduced in cost. Moreover, although it is a simple structure, it can also improve reforming efficiency and becomes a fuel reformer which can be mounted on a vehicle.

  Hereinafter, some examples of the fuel reformer of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples.

( Reference Example 1 )
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel reformer according to Reference Example 1 .
As shown in the figure, the fuel reformer 1 of this example includes a fuel supply means 10 and a high-density energy supply means 20.
The fuel supply means includes a fuel tank 12 and a fuel pipe 14, and the high-density energy supply means 20 is a laser generator 22 as an example.
Further, the fuel pipe 14 has a transmissive portion 14a through which the laser beam L can pass.

  The fuel F stored in the fuel tank 12 circulates in the fuel pipe 14, and the laser light L emitted from the laser generator 22 disposed outside the fuel supply means 10 is supplied to the fuel pipe 14. It becomes possible to apply high density energy to the fuel F through the permeationable portion 14a of the fuel and reform the fuel F to obtain a reformed fuel (reformed gas) RF (enclosed by a broken line in the figure). See the part.)

In this example, a laser generator that irradiates laser light (energy density: 1.0 × 10 ⁷ J / m ² , wavelength: 532 nm) is used as the laser generator, and gasoline is used as the fuel (hereinafter referred to as “fuel”). The same thing was used also in the Example of this.).

Furthermore, as described above, when a high-density energy higher than a certain energy density is applied, the reforming reaction proceeds, and the reforming efficiency is improved as the energy density increases. From the viewpoint of improving the reforming efficiency, it is desirable to set the irradiation area for the fuel in the fuel pipe as large as possible.
In this example, as shown in FIG. 3, it is desirable that the fuel pipe 14 in a portion where the laser beam L is irradiated to the fuel F is linearly matched with the laser beam path.

  The fuel reformer having the above configuration has a simple configuration, and can be downsized and reduced in cost without changing the shape of a conventional fuel tank or fuel pipe. It becomes a fuel reformer.

( Reference Example 2 )
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel reformer according to Reference Example 2 .
As shown in the figure, the fuel reformer 2 of this example includes a fuel supply means 10 and a high-density energy supply means 20.
Further, the fuel supply unit 10 includes a fuel pipe 14, and the high-density energy supply unit 20 includes a laser generator 22 similar to that of the first reference example.
Further, the laser generator 22 is connected to a cable 22a and is supplied with energy.
Furthermore, the penetration part 14b of the fuel pipe 14 through which the cable 22a penetrates is sealed with a sealing material (not shown) so that the fuel F and the reformed reformed fuel RF do not leak.

  The fuel F stored in a fuel tank (not shown) circulates in the fuel pipe 14, and the laser light L emitted from the laser generator 22 disposed inside the fuel supply means 10 is supplied to the fuel pipe. It is possible to apply high density energy to the fuel F in the fuel 14 to reform the fuel F to obtain a reformed fuel (reformed gas) RF (see the portion surrounded by the broken line in the figure). .

  Further, as described above, the optical path of the laser light L is preferably set so that the irradiation area of the fuel F in the fuel pipe 14 is as large as possible from the viewpoint of improving the reforming efficiency, as shown in FIG. It is desirable that the portion of the fuel pipe 14 where the laser beam L is irradiated to the fuel F is linearly matched to the optical path.

The fuel reformer having the above configuration has a simple configuration and does not require a portion capable of transmitting high-density energy in a conventional fuel tank or fuel pipe, that is, uses a member capable of transmitting high-density energy. You do n’t have to. In addition, when a conventional fuel tank or fuel pipe is processed, relatively simple processing is sufficient.
Therefore, it becomes possible to achieve downsizing and cost reduction, and the fuel reformer can be mounted on a vehicle.

(Example 3)
FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the fuel reformer according to the third embodiment.
The fuel reformer 3 of this example is provided with a laser generator (not shown) as in the case of the fuel reformer 2 and the like. In this example, a laser beam is further provided in the fuel pipe 14. A glass fiber 24 having a branched structure that functions as a supply path is provided.
The glass fibers 24 having these branched structures propagate the laser light L through the inside thereof, and at the end of the glass fiber 24, the laser light is irradiated to the fuel F, and high density energy is added to the fuel F. Thus, it is possible to reform the fuel F to obtain a reformed fuel (reformed gas) RF (see the portion surrounded by a broken line in the figure).
In particular, when a laser beam is used as the high-density energy, a sufficient reforming reaction can proceed on the downstream side of the laser generator due to the strong deflection of the laser beam.

  Further, as described above, it is desirable to set the optical path of the laser light L so that the irradiation area of the fuel F in the fuel pipe 14 is as large as possible from the viewpoint of improving the reforming efficiency. As a result, as shown in the figure, the optical path of the laser light L can be curved.

The fuel reformer having the above configuration has a simple configuration and does not require a portion capable of transmitting high-density energy in a conventional fuel tank or fuel pipe, that is, uses a member capable of transmitting high-density energy. You do n’t have to. In addition, when a conventional fuel tank or fuel pipe is processed, relatively simple processing is sufficient.
Furthermore, the optical path of the laser can be bent by the glass fiber, so that the degree of freedom of the structure is increased and the region where the modification reaction can proceed can be increased.
Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size and reduce the cost, further improve the reforming efficiency, and the fuel reformer can be mounted on the vehicle.

( Reference Example 4 )
FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a fuel reformer according to Reference Example 4 .
The fuel reformer 4 of this example is provided with a laser generator (not shown) as in the case of the fuel reformer 2 and the like. In this example, the fuel pipe 14 itself is further provided with a laser beam. It is a hollow glass fiber 26 that functions as a supply path.
Such hollow glass fiber 26 is filled with fuel F, and laser light propagates through hollow glass fiber 26 (arrow A in the figure indicates the traveling direction of the laser light). Thereby, in the fuel pipe 14, the laser beam is irradiated to the fuel F, high density energy is applied to the fuel F, the fuel F is reformed, and the reformed fuel (reformed gas) RF can be obtained. It becomes.
Further, the flexibility of the hollow glass fiber 26 can increase the degree of design freedom.

The fuel reformer having the above-described configuration has a simple configuration. For example, by using a flexible hollow glass fiber 26 as a conventional fuel pipe, the degree of freedom in structure is increased, the size is reduced, and the cost is reduced. It can be realized.
In addition, since the area of the fuel with respect to the traveling direction of the laser beam can always be maximized, the reforming efficiency can be further increased and the fuel reformer can be mounted on the vehicle.

(Example 5)
FIG. 7 is a schematic explanatory diagram of the fuel reformer according to the fifth embodiment.
The fuel reformer 5 of this example is provided with a laser generator (not shown) as in the case of the fuel reformer 4 described above, but in this example, the fuel pipe 14 itself is a laser beam supply path. It is the hollow glass fiber 26 which has a taper structure which functions as.
Such a hollow glass fiber 26 is filled with fuel, and laser light propagates through the glass fiber (an arrow A in the figure indicates a traveling direction of the laser light). Thereby, in the fuel pipe 14, the laser beam is irradiated to the fuel F, high density energy is applied to the fuel F, the fuel F is reformed, and the reformed fuel (reformed gas) RF can be obtained. It becomes.
In addition, the flexibility of the glass fiber can increase the degree of design freedom.

  The fuel reformer having the above-described configuration has a simple configuration. For example, by using a flexible hollow glass fiber 26 as a conventional fuel pipe, the degree of freedom in structure is increased, the size is reduced, and the cost is reduced. In addition, it is possible to always maximize the area of the fuel with respect to the traveling direction of the laser beam, and since it has a tapered structure, the laser beam is modified inside the glass fiber. Since the reduction in energy density due to the reaction can be suppressed, the reforming efficiency can be further increased, and the fuel reformer can be mounted on a vehicle.

(Example 6)
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the fuel reforming apparatus according to the sixth embodiment.
The fuel reformer 6 of this example is provided with a laser generator (not shown) as in the case of the fuel reformer 3, but in this example, a laser is further provided in the spiral fuel pipe 14. A glass fiber 24 having a branched structure that functions as a light supply path is provided.
The fuel pipe 14 includes a reformed fuel pipe 14c.
Such a glass fiber 24 has a laser beam propagating therethrough, and at the end of the glass fiber 24, the laser beam is irradiated to the fuel F, and high density energy is applied to the fuel F, so that the fuel F is The reformed fuel (reformed gas) RF can be obtained by reforming.
In addition, the flexibility of the glass fiber can increase the degree of design freedom.

  The fuel reformer having the above-mentioned configuration is a simple configuration, uses flexible glass fiber, makes the fuel piping spiral, and reduces the volume occupied by the device in the space as much as possible, By increasing the distance, the region where the reforming reaction can proceed can be increased, the reforming efficiency can be further increased, the size can be reduced, the cost can be reduced, and the vehicle can be mounted. It becomes a fuel reformer.

( Reference Example 7 )
FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a fuel reformer according to Reference Example 7 .
The fuel reformer 7 of the present example includes a laser generator (not shown) as in the fuel reformer 1 and the fuel reformer 2 described above. 14 is provided with a reformed fuel pipe 14c.
A gas phase / liquid phase separation membrane 14d capable of transmitting only the liquid phase is provided near the joint between the fuel pipe 14 and the reformed fuel pipe 14c, and near the joint between the fuel pipe 14 and the reformed fuel pipe 14c. A gas phase / liquid phase separation membrane 14e capable of transmitting only the gas phase is provided.
As a result, the generated reformed fuel (reformed gas) RF can be efficiently recovered (see the portion surrounded by the broken line in the figure).

The fuel reformer having the above configuration is a simple configuration, and even when processing a conventional fuel tank or fuel pipe, it can be processed relatively easily, and can be downsized and reduced in cost. It becomes.
Further, by separating the generated reformed fuel (reformed gas), it is possible to further improve the reforming efficiency, and the fuel reformer can be mounted on a vehicle.

It is the schematic which shows the mode of modification | reformation. It is a graph which shows the relationship between energy density and reforming efficiency. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel reformer according to Reference Example 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel reformer according to Reference Example 2. FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a fuel reformer according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a fuel reformer according to Reference Example 4. FIG. FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a fuel reformer according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fuel reformer according to a sixth embodiment. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a fuel reformer according to Reference Example 7. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Fuel reformer 10 Fuel supply means 12 Fuel tank 14 Fuel piping 14a Permeable portion 14b Through portion 14c Reformed fuel piping 14d Gas phase / liquid phase separation membrane (liquid (Only phase can be transmitted)
14e Gas phase / liquid phase separation membrane (only gas phase is permeable)
20 High Density Energy Supply Means 22 Laser Generator 22a Cable 24 Glass Fiber 26 Hollow Glass Fiber

Claims (5)

A fuel reformer for irradiating a fuel with an energy density of 1.0 × 10 ⁵ J / m ² or more and irradiating a laser beam having a wavelength in the ultraviolet region to reform the fuel to obtain a reformed fuel. ,
A fuel tank,
Fuel piping,
A laser generator for irradiating the fuel with a laser beam having an energy density of 1.0 × 10 ⁵ J / m ² or more and having an ultraviolet wavelength ;
The fuel reformer according to claim 1, wherein the fuel tank and / or the fuel pipe includes a glass fiber having a branched structure that functions as a laser beam supply path of the laser generator. The energy density of the fuel is 1.0 × 10 ⁵ J / m ² A fuel reformer that irradiates a laser beam having a wavelength in the ultraviolet region and reforms the fuel to obtain a reformed fuel,
A fuel tank,
Fuel piping,
The fuel has an energy density of 1.0 × 10 ⁵ J / m ² A laser generator that emits laser light having a wavelength in the ultraviolet region, and
The fuel pipe itself functions as a laser beam supply path of the laser generator, and the hollow portion is a hollow glass fiber having a tapered structure.
A fuel reformer characterized by that. The upper SL laser generator is disposed to the outside of the fuel tank and the fuel pipe, the fuel tank and / or fuel pipe laser generator to all or part of the wall is permeable to the laser beam to be irradiated The fuel reformer according to claim 1, further comprising a portion. The upper SL laser generator fuel reforming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is disposed inside the fuel tank and / or fuel pipe. The fuel reformer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fuel is a hydrocarbon liquid fuel.

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