One-dimensional and non-isothermal model for a passive DMFC

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2011

Authors

V. B. Oliveira (Author) FEUP; C. M. Rangel (Author) FEUP; A. M. F. R. Pinto (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Journal of Power Sources

Vol. 196

Pages: 8973-8982

ISSN: 0378-7753

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 32 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 40 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Other engineering and technologies

CORDIS: Technological sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-KBY

DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2011.01.094

Abstract (EN): Passive direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) are promising energy sources for portable electronic devices. Different from DMFCs with active fuel feeding systems, passive DMFCs with nearly stagnant fuel and air tend to bear comparatively less power densities. A steady state, one-dimensional, multi-component and thermal model is described and applied to simulate the operation of a passive direct methanol fuel cell. The model takes into consideration the thermal and mass transfer effects, along with the electrochemical reactions occurring in the passive DMFC. The model can be used to predict the methanol, oxygen and water concentration profiles in the anode, cathode and membrane as well as to estimate the methanol and water crossover and the temperature profile across the cell. Polarization curves are numerically simulated and successfully compared with experiments for different methanol feed concentrations. The model predicts with accuracy the influence of the methanol feed concentration on the cell performance and the correct trends of the current density and methanol feed concentration, on methanol and water crossover. The model is rapidly implemented and is therefore suitable for inclusion in real-time system level DMFC calculations. Due to its simplicity the model can be used to help seek for possibilities of optimizing the cell performance of a passive DMFC by studying impacts from variations of the design parameters such as membrane thickness, catalyst loading, diffusion layers type and thicknesses.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 10