Study of 1# direct methanol fuel cells for commercial market applications

In order to reduce the costs and improve the performances, conceptual design was proposed for a novel direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), named “1#DMFCs”, whose outside size and shape were ascertained by common 1^# batteries. All basic parameters were gained from experiment datum. Inside dimension and structure were determined by calculating, admeasuring and devising elaborately. Three-dimensional model was devised through Pro/E, planar diagrammatic drawing was created by the software also, and detail drawing was drew with CAD further. Tubular membrane electrode assembly (MEA) without the fluid fields bipolar plates was used in this conceptual design, which was made up of titanium mesh anode layer, anode catalyst layer, Nafion membrane layer, cathode catalyst layer, gas diffusion layer and titanium mesh cathode layer in turn. This 1^#DMFCs had perfect structure, including a one-way valve, a plug screw, a self-locking collecting water part et al. The MEA working area of 1^#DMFCs was increased effectively by using of two tubular MEA, which would enhance the performance of the 1^#DMFCs consequently.