Computational Modeling of Two-Phase Transport in Portable and Micro Fuel Cells

摘要

The direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) is considered a leading contender for next-generation portable and micro power sources, offering a combination of simplicity, robustness and high energy density due to the use of liquid methanol. The basic principles of a DMFC can be found in the literature and thus are not repeated here. In order to compete with lithium-ion batteries, a portable DMFC system must overcome several key technical challenges: (1) low rate of methanol oxidation kinetics, (2) methanol crossover through the polymer membrane, (3) water crossover from the anode to cathode, and (4) thermal management. While new materials are being pursued to solve these problems, innovative designs can also be developed with the materials presently available. As a result, there is an urgent need for understanding, prediction, and optimization of various interactive transport and electrochemical processes that occur in portable DMFCs.