A novel design for a flow field configuration, of a direct methanol fuel cell

Abstract

We proposed and tested a new and novel arrangement for a direct methanol fuel cell consisting of one inlet for a methanol solution and four outlets for oxidant gas (air), in both the anode and cathode flow fields. It utilizes different operating temperatures of 40 °C and 60 °C, and different methanol solution flow rates of 5 ml min −1, 10 ml min −1, and 20 ml min −1. Test results indicate a significant reduction in produced CO 2 gas in the anode flow channels and product water in the cathode flow channels; consequently, cell performance can be greatly improved. Furthermore, methanol crossover can also be avoided and reduced.