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Lightweight current collector based on printed-circuit-board technology and its structural effects on the passive air-breathing direct methanol fuel cell

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  • Yuan, Wei
  • Zhang, Xiaoqing
  • Zhang, Shiwei
  • Hu, Jinyi
  • Li, Zongtao
  • Tang, Yong

Abstract

To realize lightweight design of the fuel cell system is a critical issue before it is put into practical use. The printed-circuit-board (PCB) technology can be potentially used for production of current collectors or flow distributors. This study develops prototypes of a single passive air-breathing direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) and also an 8-cell mono-polar DMFC stack based on PCB current collectors. The effects of diverse structural and operational factors on the cell performance are explored. Results show that the methanol concentration of 6 M promotes a higher cell performance with a peak power density of 18.3 mW cm−2. The combination of current collectors using a relatively higher anode open ratio and inversely a lower cathode open ratio helps enhance the cell performance. Dynamic tests are also conducted to reveal transient behaviors and its dependence on the operating conditions. To validate the real working status of the DMFC stack, it is coupled with an LED lightening system. The performance of this hybrid system is also reported in this study.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuan, Wei & Zhang, Xiaoqing & Zhang, Shiwei & Hu, Jinyi & Li, Zongtao & Tang, Yong, 2015. "Lightweight current collector based on printed-circuit-board technology and its structural effects on the passive air-breathing direct methanol fuel cell," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 664-670.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:81:y:2015:i:c:p:664-670
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2015.03.082
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yuan, Wei & Tang, Yong & Yang, Xiaojun & Wan, Zhenping, 2012. "Porous metal materials for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells – A review," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 309-329.
    2. Kuan, Yean-Der & Lee, Shi-Min & Sung, Min-Feng, 2009. "Experimental study on the characterization of airflow effect on the direct methanol fuel cell," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 34(8), pages 1962-1968.
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    Cited by:

    1. Min, Xiaoteng & Xia, Junjie & Zhang, Xiongwen & Ding, Kunpeng, 2022. "Study on the output performance of the proton exchange membrane fuel cells using print circuit board," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 197(C), pages 359-370.
    2. Chen, Xueye & Li, Tiechuan & Shen, Jienan & Hu, Zengliang, 2017. "From structures, packaging to application: A system-level review for micro direct methanol fuel cell," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 669-678.
    3. Zhang, Yufeng & Xue, Rui & Zhang, Xuelin & Song, Jiaying & Liu, Xiaowei, 2015. "rGO deposited in stainless steel fiber felt as mass transfer barrier layer for μ-DMFC," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 1081-1086.
    4. Abdelkareem, Mohammad Ali & Allagui, Anis & Sayed, Enas Taha & El Haj Assad, M. & Said, Zafar & Elsaid, Khaled, 2019. "Comparative analysis of liquid versus vapor-feed passive direct methanol fuel cells," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 131(C), pages 563-584.

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