BZ-BattExt - DMFC as Battery-Extender in solar-boat application

摘要

For special applications Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFC) are close to commercial application or already commercialized today. However for the step from laboratory to a broader market of fuel cells, a significant cost reduction, as well as an improvement in life time and power density of the systems is needed. These items were the focus of the project BZ-BattExt, to be reached by new knowledge in alternative materials, operation strategies as also the realization of enhanced sub systems. This project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research in the program of Micro fuel cells. In the project the feasibility of a micro-DMFC system is evaluated which enables a minimized system periphery due to an improved system architecture. For this, alternative materials and functional components were developed and investigated. New membranes with reduced water and methanol permeation allow operation at low air stoichiometry and favorable system efficiency. Gas diffusion layers of various compositions were tested and optimized material was selected. New sealing materials with good methanol stability and optimized processibility in commercial production process were developed. MEA preparation was adapted to the new materials. The use of a simple, cost-effective way of stack production was demonstrated for DMFC use. The investigation and construction of enhanced subsystems and operation strategies, which enable and optimize the use of new components and materials, as also the realization of the micro-DMFC system were focus of the project. The technical feasibility of the results was investigated in the application, which means it is tested as battery extender of a solar boat. The DMFC fuel cell system serves as a basis for an efficient, compact and cost effective alternative for battery- or battery-extender systems and can fulfill a broad variety of applications.