Overview
The project is part of the EUCAR cluster, which has the general objective to obtain a matching set of components needed to assemble complete fuel cell car demonstrators.
The proposal goal is to develop a complete 5 kW Direct Methanol Fuel Cell stack operating over 140 C. for use in cars.
In order to meet the objectives, innovative cell components, hybrid membranes and catalysts, will be developed aiming at a power density of 300 mW/cm2. In the first Phase a 1.25 kW module will be designed, assembled and tested. The adjusted cell components, thermal, mechanical, electrical and water managements will be optimised. New catalysts and membranes will be developed. In Phase II the optimised components will be selected and the module design refined and upgraded to a 5 kW stack.
Funding
Results
Several research routes have been followed in order to fulfil the objective of a Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) able to deliver a power of 250 mW.cm-2 at 130°C with air feed. The cell design phase has been completed with regard to the single cell (100cm2 active area) and 1.25kW module (300cm2 active area).
The model has allowed a deeper knowledge of the system with regard to operating conditions (pressure, flow, temperature, etc.).