Development of a 1 W passive DMFC

In this paper, development techniques for a passive DMFC prototype in the 1 W range are described in detail. The prototype includes a fuel cell stack, a fuel tank and a passive ancillary system (termed “thermal-fluids management system” in this paper). The fuel cell stack in this study incorporates a window-frame structure that provides a large open area for more efficient mass transfer and is modular. Two stack units connected in series, with a total combined active area of 72.0 cm2, are used in the prototype. The thermal-fluids management system utilizes passive approaches for fuel storage and delivery, air-breathing, water management, CO2 release, and thermal management. The air filter also serves as a waterproof layer for the cathode in order to prevent water contamination. Water immersion tests are conducted to evaluate the air filter. The performance evaluation of the prototype is performed in two fuel feeding modes: dilute methanol solution and pure methanol. A peak power output of 1.5 W is achieved with the dilute methanol solution feed.