Ensayo

Journal of Power Sources 187 (2009) 509–516

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Journal of Power Sources
journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/jpowsour

Performance evaluation of direct methanol fuel cells for portable applications
R. Rashidi a , I. Dincer a,∗ , G.F. Naterer a , P. Berg b
a Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Ontario Institute ofTechnology, 2000 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada L1H 7K4 b Faculty of Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 2000 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada L1H 7K4

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This study examines the feasibility of powering a range of portable devices with a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). The analysis includes a comparison between aLi-ion battery and DMFC to supply the power for a laptop, camcorder and a cell phone. A parametric study of the systems for an operational period of 4 years is performed. Under the assumptions made for both the Li-ion battery and DMFC system, the battery cost is lower than the DMFC during the first year of operation. However, by the end of 4 years of operational time, the DMFC system would costless. The weight and cost comparisons show that the fuel cell system occupies less space than the battery to store a higher amount of energy. The weight of both systems is almost identical. Finally, the CO2 emissions can be decreased by a higher exergetic efficiency of the DMFC, which leads to improved sustainability. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Article history: Received 4 September2008 Received in revised form 11 November 2008 Accepted 12 November 2008 Available online 21 November 2008 Keywords: Direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) Battery Exergy Sustainability Cost analysis Efficiency

1. Introduction Fuel cells are ideal candidates for distributed power generation. They can provide a low emission and highly efficient source for co-generating heat and electricity [1]. Globalconcerns over energy sustainability and environmental impact of fossil fuels have motivated efforts to improve fuel cell technology. However, the main barriers that impede their widespread commercialization are the high cost of fuel cell systems and their relatively low reliability and durability. Enhancing the safety and performance of fuel cells, providing compact, light and secure fuel storage,and improving the efficiency, lifetime and stability of fuel cells, are the main requirements that need to be met before their widespread commercialization. Fuel cells used for portable applications are one of the most recent and promising areas that have attracted a global interest. Primary (disposable) and secondary (rechargeable) batteries are well established as a power supply for portabledevices. But since the power demand has been increasing faster than battery capabilities, for example in electronic portable devices (added functionality, larger display, more graphics, etc.), fuel cells have become a promising alternate for niche applications. In addition, they can offer a higher power density and longer lifespan compared to batteries for
∗ Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 905 7218668/2573; fax: +1 905 721 3370. E-mail addresses: ramin.rashidi@mycampus.uoit.ca (R. Rashidi), ibrahim.dincer@uoit.ca (I. Dincer), greg.naterer@uoit.ca (G.F. Naterer), peter.berg@uoit.ca (P. Berg). 0378-7753/$ – see front matter © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2008.11.044

portable applications. Reliability is another important factor where the benefits of fuel cellsoutweigh those of batteries. In this paper, a comprehensive comparison between a Li-ion battery and a DMFC is performed. The feasibility of replacing the Li-ion battery with DMFC for portable applications such as a laptop, camcorder and a cell phone is investigated. A performance assessment is also conducted through exergy efficiency. Its relation to environmental impact (in terms of CO2...