Design and Characterization of Portable DMFC Power Supply System
Date
2009-05
Authors
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
The goal of this thesis is to provide an understanding of a practical portable
direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) stack system as well as produce a fuel cell stack
that can be used for testing and demonstration purposes.
DMFCs are relevant because of the high energy density that the fuel (methanol)
affords. However, there are several key limitations — DMFCs suffer from greater activation,
ohmic, and crossover losses than a standard Hydrogen Fuel Cell, as well as
having a larger restriction on maximum current draw. This combination of advantages
and disadvantages makes DMFCs very practical for the portable electronics
industry.
An attempt has been made therefore, to design and fabricate a DMFC stack
that can be used in the Laboratory for testing purposes as well as attempt some
innovative design modification with the hope of making either performance or size
gains while keeping the stack practical and usable.