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Cost Analysis of Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Stacks for Mass Production

Author

Listed:
  • Mauro Francesco Sgroi

    (Centro Ricerche FIAT S.C.p.A. Strada Torino 50, 10043 Orbassano, Italy)

  • Furio Zedde

    (Centro Ricerche FIAT S.C.p.A. Strada Torino 50, 10043 Orbassano, Italy)

  • Orazio Barbera

    (CNR-ITAE Via Salita S. Lucia sopra Contesse 5, 98126 Messina, Italy)

  • Alessandro Stassi

    (CNR-ITAE Via Salita S. Lucia sopra Contesse 5, 98126 Messina, Italy)

  • David Sebastián

    (CNR-ITAE Via Salita S. Lucia sopra Contesse 5, 98126 Messina, Italy)

  • Francesco Lufrano

    (CNR-ITAE Via Salita S. Lucia sopra Contesse 5, 98126 Messina, Italy)

  • Vincenzo Baglio

    (CNR-ITAE Via Salita S. Lucia sopra Contesse 5, 98126 Messina, Italy)

  • Antonino Salvatore Aricò

    (CNR-ITAE Via Salita S. Lucia sopra Contesse 5, 98126 Messina, Italy)

  • Jacob Linder Bonde

    (IRD A/S Emil Neckelmanns vej 15 A & B, 5220 Odense SØ, Denmark)

  • Michael Schuster

    (FUMATECH BWT GmbH, Carl-Benz-Strasse 4, D-74321 Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany)

Abstract

Fuel cells are very promising technologies for efficient electrical energy generation. The development of enhanced system components and new engineering solutions is fundamental for the large-scale deployment of these devices. Besides automotive and stationary applications, fuel cells can be widely used as auxiliary power units (APUs). The concept of a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) is based on the direct feed of a methanol solution to the fuel cell anode, thus simplifying safety, delivery, and fuel distribution issues typical of conventional hydrogen-fed polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEMFCs). In order to evaluate the feasibility of concrete application of DMFC devices, a cost analysis study was carried out in the present work. A 200 W-prototype developed in the framework of a European Project (DURAMET) was selected as the model system. The DMFC stack had a modular structure allowing for a detailed evaluation of cost characteristics related to the specific components. A scale-down approach, focusing on the model device and projected to a mass production, was used. The data used in this analysis were obtained both from research laboratories and industry suppliers specialising in the manufacturing/production of specific stack components. This study demonstrates that mass production can give a concrete perspective for the large-scale diffusion of DMFCs as APUs. The results show that the cost derived for the DMFC stack is relatively close to that of competing technologies and that the introduction of innovative approaches can result in further cost savings.

Suggested Citation

  • Mauro Francesco Sgroi & Furio Zedde & Orazio Barbera & Alessandro Stassi & David Sebastián & Francesco Lufrano & Vincenzo Baglio & Antonino Salvatore Aricò & Jacob Linder Bonde & Michael Schuster, 2016. "Cost Analysis of Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Stacks for Mass Production," Energies, MDPI, vol. 9(12), pages 1-19, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:9:y:2016:i:12:p:1008-:d:84058
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. David Sebastián & María Jesús Nieto-Monge & Sara Pérez-Rodríguez & Elena Pastor & María Jesús Lázaro, 2018. "Nitrogen Doped Ordered Mesoporous Carbon as Support of PtRu Nanoparticles for Methanol Electro-Oxidation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-16, April.
    2. Chung-Jen Chou & Shyh-Biau Jiang & Tse-Liang Yeh & Li-Duan Tsai & Ku-Yen Kang & Ching-Jung Liu, 2020. "A Portable Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Power Station for Long-Term Internet of Things Applications," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-13, July.
    3. Maria H. de Sá & Alexandra M. F. R. Pinto & Vânia B. Oliveira, 2022. "Passive Small Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells for Low-Power Portable Applications: Assessment Based on Innovative Increments since 2018," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-48, May.
    4. Zakaria, Zulfirdaus & Kamarudin, Siti Kartom & Abd Wahid, Khairul Anuar & Abu Hassan, Saiful Hasmady, 2021. "The progress of fuel cell for malaysian residential consumption: Energy status and prospects to introduction as a renewable power generation system," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 144(C).

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