Estudo, desenvolvimento e teste de protótipo de células a combustível com membrana para troca de protóns (PEM) com utilização direta de metanol e etanol

摘要

This Thesis aims at performing the study and implementation of the direct methanol and ethanol fuel cell prototypes. The main advantages of the Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFC), comparing with other fuel cells types, are the utilization of a liquid fuel, easily storable and available and the low operation temperature, quick to achieve. Besides automotive and stationary applications, the DMFC became, considering these characteristics, the preferable choice for portable equipment. Today, research and applications are developed for this market. The test methodology is presented to make possible comparison with other research groups results and to demonstrate de prototype evolution as a consequence of the analysis of the results. As an alternative with a renewable and national fuel, the use of ethanol in the prototype is tested and evaluated. A pilot illumination system with a high efficiency led is implemented as a means of evaluating the feasibility of a practical application. A financial projection and a technical evaluation of the implementation of a 1 kW stack are performed, and it proved to be feasible. As a result of this pioneer effort, the first DMFC of South Brazil was implemented, incorporating the technology of direct methanol and ethanol fuel cells, and, due to the study integrated with other groups of this project, a fuel cell research and development laboratory was installed.