For automotive applications, it is necessary to maximize the fuel conversion efficiency of a PEM direct-methanol fuel cell (DMFC) over the broadest possible dynamic range of power. The research reported here critically examines the efficiency of the DMFC stack when operated over a broad power range. This research establishes a basis for a control strategy that simultaneously: optimizes DMFC fue...

In this paper, the silicon-containing sulfonated polystyrene/acrylate–ionic liquid (Si-SPS/A–IL)hybrid membranes was prepared to obtain the proton exchange membrane (PEM) materials withhigh methanol barrier and good selectivity. The Si-SPS/A–IL hybrid membranes characterized asthe function of IL to evaluate their potential as PEMs in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs).Fourdifferent Hybrid mater...

The possibility of implementing fuel cell technology in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) propulsion systems is considered. Potential advantages of the Proton Exchange Membrane or Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEMFC) and Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFC), their fuels (hydrogen and methanol), and their storage systems are revised from technical and environmental standpoints. Some operating commercia...

A novel proton exchange membrane has been prepared using sulfonated poly(styrene-divinylbenzene) resin(SPSDR)–polyethylene(PE). The membrane is characterized by FT-IR, SEM and TGA/DSC. Water uptake, oxidative resistance, ionic conductivity and methanol permeability are measured to evaluate its performance in a direct methanol fuel cell. The on-set degradation temp...

This paper presents a silicon-based micro direct methanol fuel cell (μDMFC) stack with compact stacked structure and a unique shared anode plate. The μDMFC stack consists of two fuel cells in electrically parallel connection, while the fuel transport is arranged in series. Experimental results show that the μDMFC stack generates a power density of 12.71mW/cm, almost twice as much as that of a s...

In the past few years, the interest in the Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC) has increased dramatically, as it has very advantageous features as a mobile source of electrical energy. Its fuel methanol is easy to store and to handle and has a high energy density. These advantages over hydrogen-fed PEMFCs (polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells) have resulted in first commercial products (e.g. fr...

Direct methanol fuel cells are regarded nowadays as promising energy sources for portable electronic devices. Numerical models can be very useful for addressing the exploration of the fuel cell performance, without the development of many prototypes, which can be very expensive due to the presence of rear materials. Analytical models are particularly suited for investigating the cell performanc...