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A Portable Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Power Station for Long-Term Internet of Things Applications

Author

Listed:
  • Chung-Jen Chou

    (Institute of Opto-Mechatronics Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan City 32001, Taiwan)

  • Shyh-Biau Jiang

    (Institute of Opto-Mechatronics Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan City 32001, Taiwan)

  • Tse-Liang Yeh

    (Institute of Mechanical Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan City 32001, Taiwan)

  • Li-Duan Tsai

    (Material and Chemical Research Laboratories (MCL), Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), B77, 195, Sec. 4, Chung Hsing Rd. Chutung, Hsingchu City 31057, Taiwan)

  • Ku-Yen Kang

    (Material and Chemical Research Laboratories (MCL), Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), B77, 195, Sec. 4, Chung Hsing Rd. Chutung, Hsingchu City 31057, Taiwan)

  • Ching-Jung Liu

    (Material and Chemical Research Laboratories (MCL), Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), B77, 195, Sec. 4, Chung Hsing Rd. Chutung, Hsingchu City 31057, Taiwan)

Abstract

With regard to the best electro-chemical efficiency of an active direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC), the stacks and their balance of plant (BOP) are complex to build and operate. The yield of making the large-scale stacks is difficult to improve. Therefore, a portable power station made of multiple simpler planar type stack modules with only appropriate semi-active BOPs was developed. A planar stack and its miniature BOP components are integrated into a semi-active DMFC stack module for easy production, assembly, and operation. An improved energy management system is designed to control multiple DMFC stack modules in parallel to enhance its power-generation capacity and stability so that the portability, environmental tolerance, and long-term durability become comparable to that of the active systems. A prototype of the power station was tested for 3600 h in an actual outdoor environment through winter and summer. Its performance and maintenance events are analyzed to validate its stability and durability. Throughout the test, it maintained the daily average of 3.3 W power generation with peak output driving capability of 12 W suitable for Internet of Things (IoT) applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Chung-Jen Chou & Shyh-Biau Jiang & Tse-Liang Yeh & Li-Duan Tsai & Ku-Yen Kang & Ching-Jung Liu, 2020. "A Portable Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Power Station for Long-Term Internet of Things Applications," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-13, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:13:y:2020:i:14:p:3547-:d:382635
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Viviana Cigolotti & Matteo Genovese & Petronilla Fragiacomo, 2021. "Comprehensive Review on Fuel Cell Technology for Stationary Applications as Sustainable and Efficient Poly-Generation Energy Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-28, August.

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