No abstract

The power consumption of portable devices such as smartphones and notebook PCs has increased in recent years. Therefore, these devices require a high energy density power supply. Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), for which the theoretical energy density is 10 or more times greater than that of current lithium ion batteries, are expected to be the future power sources for such devices. We have previously proposed a zigzag-type DMFC that is suitable for mass production, because it does not require complicated separators, unlike the conventional stack-type DMFC. We propose an air-supply method that has an air-flow path based on semi-active air supply conditions.

The power consumption of portable devices such as smartphones and notebook PCs has been increasing in recent years as the performance of these devices has advanced. Consequently, a power supply with a higher energy density is required. Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) have a theoretical energy density that is ten or more times greater than that of the current lithium ion batteries, which makes them candidate power sources for such devices. However, the configuration of a plurality of cells in current DMFCs is too complex. To simplify the manufacturing process for DMFCs, we have previously proposed a zigzag-type structure. This type of structure can be problematic with regard to maintaining an adequate supply of air and methanol. In the present study, the effect of an active supply method for either reactant on the DFMC characteristics is investigated.