Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

Abstract

Direct methanol fuel cells are suitable power sources for a range of mobile applications, due to the convenience of storage of the liquid fuel. The chapter reviews the principles of operation and models which have been developed to create viable methanol powered fuel cells. In particular models which consider the dynamic response of power and thermal behavior are reviewed to aid in development of control strategies. The DMFC responds quite rapidly to changes in operating conditions and is a suitable power source for portable applications where variations in operating conditions arise. © 2012 Elsevier Inc.