Abstract
The power density of a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC) as a function of temperature, methanol concentration, air flow rate, methanol flow rate and air relative humidity was studied using a Response Surface Methodology (RSM). For a DMFC equipped with a membrane of Nafion 112, it was observed that only the temperature, methanol concentration and air flow rate were relevant factors or operating variables. A new design of experiments was done for a narrower range of these variables and the operating values that optimise the power density were obtained using the software JMP 7.0 (SAS). The predicted power density values were in agreement with the experimental results obtained for the optimized operating conditions. Then, the RSM was applied to membranes with different thicknesses, Nafion 112, Nafion 1135 and Nafion 117, and as a function of the temperature and methanol concentration. The DMFC was characterized for the open circuit voltage (OCV), methanol crossover at the OC, power density and global efficiency. The membrane showing the best compromise between power density and efficiency was Nafion 117.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
