Simulation of the Direct Methanol Fuel Cell

In this paper, a mathematical model developed in two preceding papers in this series is used to simulate the performance of the direct methanol fuel cell. By mapping methanol concentration and potential profiles under steady-state operating conditions, we gain insight into the behavior and limitation of the cell performance. Methanol fuel efficiency, catalyst layer design, and the effect of methanol crossover on cell performance are examined, and the optimization of membrane separator thickness and methanol feed concentration is discussed. © 2002 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.