Studies on Influence of Cell Temperature in Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Operation

Abstract

Directmethanol fuel cells (DMFCs) offer one of the most promising alternatives for the replacement of fossil fuels. A DMFC that had an active Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) area of 45 cm2, a squoval-shaped manifold hole design, and a Pt-Ru/C catalyst combination at the anode was taken for analysis in simulation and real-time experimentation. A mathematical model was developed using dynamic equations of a DMFC. Simulation of a DMFC model using MATLAB software was carried out to identify the most influencing process variables, namely cell temperature, methanol flow rate and methanol concentration during a DMFC operation. Simulation results were recorded and analyzed. It was observed from the results that the cell temperature was the most influencing process variable in the DMFC operation, more so than the methanol flow rate and the methanol concentration. In the DMFC, real-time experimentation was carried out at different cell temperatures to find out the optimum temperature at which maximum power density was obtained. The results obtained in simulation and the experiment were compared and it was concluded that the temperature was the most influencing process variable and 333K was the optimum operating temperature required to achieve the most productive performance in power density of the DMFC.

A Critical Assessment on Functional Attributes and Degradation Mechanism of Membrane Electrode Assembly Components in Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

“…It is given that the rate of fuel/oxidant delivered, and their concentration will substantially impact MCO [78]. The linear dependency of current density on temperature and methanol concentration was reported in numerous studies [79][80][81][82][83]. Figure 5 [84] represents cell current density versus methanol crossover current density as a function of temperature and methanol concentration, respectively.…”

Experimental Studies on a New Controller Design and Implementation in Direct Methanol Fuel Cell

“…The Direct Methanol Fuel Cell real time experimental setup available at Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Sriperumbudur Tk-602117 (photo plate) is presented in Figure 1a. A dynamic model (Figure 1b) was developed from the mathematical modeling equations of DMFC [9]. The First Order Plus Time Delay transfer function model is obtained from the open loop response of the designed dynamic model of the system.…”

Coating Process Parameters and Structural Properties of the Tubular Electrodes of Fuel Cells Based on a Self-Made Coating Device

“…The two ends were equipped with ventilation ducts. The raw material tape was used to bind the cathode and the anode to ensure that the DMFC will not loosen during power generation [33]. The structure is shown in Figure 8.…”