Enhancement of power output in passive micro-direct methanol fuel cells with optimized methanol concentration and trapezoidal flow channels

Rao, Arjun Sunil; Rashmi, K.R.; Manjunatha, D.V.; Jayarama, A.; Pinto, R.

doi:10.1088/1361-6439/ab1db7

Cited by 17 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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“…A passive micro direct methanol fuel cell was fabricated with both rectangular and trapezoidal cross-sectional geometry at the anode and cathode using the micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technology fabrication technique. According to results from [ 12 ], the power density (6.64 mWcm −2 ) of trapezoidal cross-section channels was nearly two times higher than the power density (3.9 mWcm −2 ) of rectangular cross-section channels at a 7 M methanol concentration. A serpentine channel with a non-uniform cross-section was designed and analyzed in [ 13 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Design and Simulation of Air-Breathing Micro Direct Methanol Fuel Cells with Different Anode Flow Fields

2021

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The design of the anode flow field is critical for yielding better performance of micro direct methanol fuel cells (µDMFCs). In this work, the effect of different flow fields on cell performance was investigated by the simulation method. Compared with grid, parallel and double-serpentine flow fields, a single-serpentine flow field can better improve the mass transfer efficiency of methanol and the emission efficiency of the carbon dioxide by-product. The opening ratio and channel length also have important effects on the cell performance. The cells were manufactured using silicon-based micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technologies and tested to verify the simulation results. The experimental results show that the single-serpentine flow field represents a higher peak power density (16.83 mWcm−2) than other flow fields. Moreover, the results show that an open ratio of 47.3% and a channel length of 63.5 mm are the optimal parameters for the single-serpentine flow field.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Design and Simulation of Air-Breathing Micro Direct Methanol Fuel Cells with Different Anode Flow Fields

2021

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“…[ 22,25 ] For fuel cells, the catastrophic effect could be caused by fuel leakage, which is induced by mechanical abusive loading. [ 41,42 ] Because current fuel cells usually use high energy density fuels, such as hydrogen, [ 43 ] methanol, [ 44–53 ] ethanol, [ 54–58 ] etc., the leakage of these fuels can easily cause serious safety problems, such as asphyxia, toxicity, fire, or even explosions (Scheme 1). Currently, most of the attention is focused on the early warning of fuel leakage, [ 41,42 ] but more attention should be paid to problem‐solving.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Highly Safe, Durable, Adaptable, and Flexible Fuel Cell Using Gel/Sponge Composite Material

Zou

Jin

et al. 2021

Advanced Energy Materials

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With the rapid development of portable and wearable electronics, safety concerns over flexible energy devices are inevitable. Therefore, it is important to develop energy supplies that are safe for use. In this work, a highly safe, durable, adaptable, and flexible air‐breathing direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) is successfully prepared by synthesizing and applying a new composite material with agar gel and wood sponge, that is, a gel/sponge composite. The gel/sponge composite has a high absorption rate, high cyclic performance, high methanol absorption capacity, high energy content, and high flexibility. Moreover, the gel/sponge composite with 1.5% agar gel retains approximately 90% of the methanol solution at a pressure of 29.4 kPa, and the areal energy density of the proposed DMFC approaches 13.7 mWh cm−2. Both the single‐cell and stack of DMFC with the new composite material successfully survive a series of destructive tests, including needle penetration, cutting, and compression. Therefore, it is successfully demonstrated that absorbent materials can greatly boost the safety, adaptability, flexibility, and energy density of air‐breathing DMFCs. Furthermore, this concept shows promise in improving the safety of other fuel cells by using absorbent materials to solidify their gaseous or liquid fuels.

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“…6,7 Appropriate designs for micro-sized fuel cells are necessary to improve power density per volume and weight of the fuel cell. [8][9][10] Since most of the portable electronic devices are for low-power applications, μDMFCs have been demonstrated with an air-breathing cathode, [11][12][13][14] in which oxygen from ambient air diffuses to the cathode catalyst layer. This passive mode can reduce the weight and size of a fuel cell by eliminating the need for auxiliary devices to supply the oxidant, such as gas compressors or fans.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Appropriate designs for micro‐sized fuel cells are necessary to improve power density per volume and weight of the fuel cell 8‐10 . Since most of the portable electronic devices are for low‐power applications, μDMFCs have been demonstrated with an air‐breathing cathode, 11‐14 in which oxygen from ambient air diffuses to the cathode catalyst layer.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modeling study of an air‐breathing micro direct methanol fuel cell with an extended anode catalyst region

2021

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A three-dimensional model was developed for an air-breathing micro direct methanol fuel cell (μDMFC) with an extended anode catalyst region on the cell channels. The model was evaluated against experimental studies for a μDMFC under several anode distribution conditions, and the results showed a close agreement. The model was employed to study if catalysts coated on the fluidflow channel walls could enhance the power generation performance. Further, the effects of the anode catalyst loading of channel walls on the overall cell and individual electrode performances were examined. The modeling results indicated that the fuel cell with anodes both on the proton-exchange membrane and on channel walls did not show superior performance to the fuel cell with anode catalysts only on the membrane since the overall power generation was mainly limited by the kinetics of the methanol electrode reaction but not the methanol transfer. The modeling results also demonstrated that increasing the anode catalyst loading on channel walls decreased the cathode potential due to an increase in the ohmic loss for the fuel cell with anode catalysts both on the membrane and on channel walls. Reducing channel dimensions decreased the ionic resistance and increased the methanol concentration at the anode and the methanol crossover flux to the cathode. K E Y W O R D Sair-breathing, channel walls, extended anode catalyst region, mirco direct methanol fuel cell, modeling

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Enhancement of power output in passive micro-direct methanol fuel cells with optimized methanol concentration and trapezoidal flow channels

Cited by 17 publications

References 42 publications

Design and Simulation of Air-Breathing Micro Direct Methanol Fuel Cells with Different Anode Flow Fields

Design and Simulation of Air-Breathing Micro Direct Methanol Fuel Cells with Different Anode Flow Fields

Highly Safe, Durable, Adaptable, and Flexible Fuel Cell Using Gel/Sponge Composite Material

Modeling study of an air‐breathing micro direct methanol fuel cell with an extended anode catalyst region

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