Modelling and simulation of passive feed direct methanol fuel cell

Abstract

In this study, a mathematical model of the passive direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) has been developed. This model considers the methanol and oxygen mass transport phenomena along with the electrochemical reactions. The model is validated with the experimental data. The model is used to predict the effect of methanol concentration on cell performance, variation of methanol crossover (MCO) with current density and methanol feed concentration, methanol and oxygen concentration profiles across the cell and the overpotentials. It was found that the MCO can be reduced by running the cell with low methanol concentration and at high current densities. Anode overpotential, compared to cathode overpotential, is found to be more responsible for the limiting current density. The outcome of the research will be useful for improving understanding of the transport phenomena in the passive DMFC and to optimise the cell design.