Direct methanol fuel cell for portable applications

Abstract

A five cell direct methanol fuel cell stack has been developed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Currently, direct methanol fuel cell technology is being incorporated into a system for portable applications. Electrochemical performance and its dependence on flow rate and temperature for a five cell stack are presented. Water transport data, and water transport mechanisms for direct methanol fuel cells are discussed. Stack response to pulse loads has been characterized. Implications of stack performance and operating conditions on system design have been addressed.