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

    • General Engineering

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Design and control method for compact BOP of direct methanol fuel cell'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this