Design and control method for compact BOP of direct methanol fuel cell

Y. S. Chang, C. Cho, Y. Kim

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

We have developed an electro-chemical model of a DMFC (Direct methanol fuel cell) stack to analyze its performance. The model includes methanol solution at the anode to "cross over" to the cathode through MEA (membrane electrode assembly), which reduces the system efficiency and increases fuel consumption. BOP (Balance of plants) system - condenser, cooler, and methanol solution tank - was modeled. Dynamic simulation was performed to evaluate and develop a control algorithm of the fuel cell system for an efficient operation of DMFC We simulated the effects of the varying total UA (overall heat transfer coefficient), and proposed minimum UA of the condenser and cooler. When the volume of the methanol solution tank decreases below a certain level, ON/OFF based control algorithm leads to an unstable fuel cell operation. By adopting PID based control algorithm, the system has better controllability of methanol concentration and power generation in response to load change under the same methanol solution tank volume.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationECS Transactions - Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells 8
PublisherElectrochemical Society Inc.
Pages1519-1524
Number of pages6
Edition2 PART 2
ISBN (Print)9781566776486
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2009
EventProton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells 8, PEMFC - 214th ECS Meeting - Honolulu, HI, United States
Duration: 2008 Oct 122008 Oct 17

Publication series

NameECS Transactions
Number2 PART 2
Volume16
ISSN (Print)1938-5862
ISSN (Electronic)1938-6737

Other

OtherProton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells 8, PEMFC - 214th ECS Meeting
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityHonolulu, HI
Period08/10/1208/10/17

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Engineering(all)

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