One-dimensional steady state algebraic model on the passive direct methanol fuel cell with consideration of the intermediate liquid electrolyte

Abstract

One-dimensional steady state performance equations of passive direct methanol fuel cell are formulated at the presence of intermediate liquid electrolyte. This model evaluates the effect of liquid electrolyte on the cell polarization curve in detail. It is shown that liquid electrolyte employed reduce the methanol crossover rate, increase the fuel utilization, and decrease the cathode voltage loss.The prediction shows that ohmic potential drop is significant at high polarization if low methanol concentration is fed. Cell is better performed without liquid electrolyte. On the other hand, the cathode voltage loss by the mixed potential is more influential at high methanol concentration. Thus, liquid electrolyte reduces the cathode over-potential, and cell performs better with the liquid film.