Performance Tests and Pressure Drop Measurements in the Anode Flowfield of a μDMFC

Cell performance tests and measurements of the pressure drops in the anode flow channels of a custom-made micro-direct methanol fuel cell (mu DMFC) are conducted and studied for different methanol concentrations (0.5-2 M), flow rates (10-20 sccm) and operating temperatures (40-80 degrees C). The anode flowfields consist of three channel/four pass flow channels with widths of 500-2000 mu m and a total length of 300-400 mm. Moreover, flow characteristics of the CO(2) gas bubbles and methanol solution in the anode flow channels are identified and analysed for CO(2) fraction through visualisation. Finally, an optimal channel size for the present,mu DMFC is obtained.