Auxiliary power unit

摘要

An auxiliary power unit (APU), a method of operating an APU and a vehicle comprising the APU are provided. The APU includes a fuel processor and a fuel cell, the fuel processor being provided with steam, air and dimethyl ether (DME). In order to avoid decreased functionality of the fuel cell caused by lubricants in the DME, a heat exchanger is provided for separating lubricant from the DME.

主权项

1. A vehicle comprising
an engine for traction power, an auxiliary power unit (APU), a reservoir of fuel, the fuel being used for running the engine and the APU, the APU comprising a fuel processor and a fuel cell, wherein the fuel processor is provided between the fuel reservoir and the fuel cell, wherein the fuel is dimethyl ether (DME), and a heat exchange arrangement for separating the DME fuel from at least one lubricant included in the DME, the heat exchange arrangement comprising
a gas inlet (196) and gas outlet (198) for gases from a water condenser (120) downstream of the fuel cell (122),a DME fuel inlet (193) and DME gas outlet (187),an outlet (197) for condensed water, andan inlet (194) for water from the water condenser (120) and an outlet (183) for steam to the fuel processor, and wherein the heat exchange arrangement is heated by coolant from the fuel cell (122), and the heat exchange arrangement has a coolant inlet and coolant outlet.