Numerical Simulation of a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell through a 1D+1D Approach

Reasonable performance estimation of fuel cell systems with the aid of simple fast and accurate models is necessary for optimized design process of fuel cells. To this end, a quasi two-dimensional (1D+1D), multi-component model is developed in order to analyze the two-phase transport direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). The effects of diffusion and the mixed potential due to methanol crossover through the membrane are also considered. Different operating parameters, including temperature and the methanol feed concentration are examined and their effects are discussed. The present simple and easy to implement model can be as accurate as a complete two-dimensional model. Furthermore, it is seen that the simplification made in this model reduce the computational time and is therefore suitable for inclusion in real-time system level DMFC calculations.