Air supply in zigzag-type DMFC with internal air flow channel

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), in which the theoretical energy density is over 10 times greater than that in current lithium ion batteries, are expected to be the power sources of future portable devices. We have previously proposed a zigzag-type DMFC that is suitable for mass production, because it does not require complicated separators, unlike the conventional stack-type DMFC. However, the air supply becomes insufficient as time passes and the output decreases. To solve this problem, the output can be improved by supplying air to the cathode with a pump as necessary. The output difference is in the cell though the air supply was done by using the tube from the pump so far. Consequently, the necessary expansion of the cell width for the tube to supply air results in a decrease in the output power density. A new supply method that forms an air flow channel is proposed and the power dependence is examined.