Current and clamping pressure distribution studies on the scale up issues in direct methanol fuel cells
IR@CECRI: CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute, Karaikudi
View Archive Info| Field | Value | |
| Title |
Current and clamping pressure distribution studies on the scale up issues in direct methanol fuel cells
|
|
| Creator |
Vijayakumar, R.
Ramkumar, T. Maheswari, S. Sridhar, P. Pitchumani, S. |
|
| Subject |
Fuel Cells
Electrochemical Power Sources |
|
| Description |
The focus of the present study is to obtain the performance on a larger area (45 cm2) equivalent to
that obtained on a smaller area (4 cm2) single cell DMFC overcoming performance losses associated
with scale-up of single cell DMFCs due to uneven clamping pressure distribution on MEA through the
end-plates and non-uniform distribution of reactants to MEA. The current distribution profile along
the cathode flow field channel is measured using a segmented current measurement plate to understand
the influence of uneven clamping pressure distribution on the MEA. Uniform current distribution
in a single cell DMFC with 45 cm2 electrode area is achieved using angular ribbed end-plates. Also,
in the present study performance of conventional DMFC is compared with that of mixed-reactant
(MR), i.e. methanol and air. Performance of DMFC operating on mixed reactant (MeOH + air) at anode
and air at cathode is superior compared with DMFC operating on aqueous methanol at anode and
air at cathode. A power density of 55 mW cm−2 at 0.3 V is obtained for a DMFC single cell with an
effective area of 45 cm2 using angular ribbed end-plates and MR at anode and air at cathode under
ambient conditions. Pressure film test is conducted to obtain the clamping pressure distribution and
cyclic voltammetry is performed to obtain the electrochemical surface area of small and large area
electrodes
|
|
| Publisher |
Elsevier
|
|
| Date |
2013
|
|
| Type |
Article
PeerReviewed |
|
| Format |
application/pdf
|
|
| Identifier |
http://cecri.csircentral.net/3025/1/012-2013.pdf
Vijayakumar, R. and Ramkumar, T. and Maheswari, S. and Sridhar, P. and Pitchumani, S. (2013) Current and clamping pressure distribution studies on the scale up issues in direct methanol fuel cells. Electrochimica Acta, 90. pp. 274-282. ISSN 0013-4686 |
|
| Relation |
http://www.elsevier.com/locate/electacta
http://cecri.csircentral.net/3025/ |
|