One-dimensional thermal model for direct methanol fuel cell stacks: Part II. Model based parametric analysis and predicted temperature profiles

Using the one-dimensional thermal model for the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) (presented in Part 1), based on the differential thermal energy conservation equation, which describes the thermal behaviour of a DMFC stack comprised of up to 25 large (272 cm2) cells, temperature profiles are predicted along the stack length. The model is used to assess the effect of operating parameters (temperature gradient, current density, flow rate and pressure) on the temperature profile along the stack. In addition, it enables investigation of the stack thermal management and the effect of altering a number of systematic parameters such as the number of cells in the stack, the active and exposed area and the interactions between the physical properties of the various components. The model aids the fuel cell system designer to gain an insight in the stack structure and select materials and geometric configurations that are optimal from a thermal management point of view.