Date of Award
8-2009
Degree Name
Master of Science in Engineering
Department
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
First Advisor
Dr. Bade Shrestha
Second Advisor
Dr. Iskender Sahin
Third Advisor
Dr. Jan Pekarovic
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Campus Only
Abstract
The performance of an alkaline and direct methanol fuel cell was investigated by varying different operational parameters. An alkaline fuel cell test system was designed, assembled and used for investigation under four different electrolyte concentrations and three different levels of anode flow rates. The results of the test revealed that the efficiency of the cell increases with the increase in electrolyte concentration. A model was developed to predict the cell performance. Impedance spectroscopy has been conducted to validate the mathematical model and further investigate ohmic resistance, anode and cathode activation losses and mass transport losses. The results predicted by the model were found in good agreement with the corresponding experimental data.
The performance of a direct methanol fuel cell was investigated under five different methanol concentrations. Similar to the alkaline fuel cell, impedance spectroscopy was conducted to measure the ohmic, activation and mass transport losses for all concentrations. The cell performance was then evaluated using methane and ethanol as fuels and was compared with methanol operation. A model to predict the performance of direct methanol fuel cells has been developed and the results predicted by the model were in good agreement with experimental data.
Recommended Citation
Mohan, Sujith, "Evaluation of the Performance Characteristics of an Alkaline & Direct Methanol Fuel Cell" (2009). Masters Theses. 259.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/259