Sains Malaysiana 39(3)(2010): 467–472

Reka Bentuk Optimum Mikro Sel Fuel Metanol Langsung untuk Peralatan Mudah Alih

(Design of an Optimal Micro Direct Methanol Fuel Cell for Portable Applications)

M.M. Ahmad, S.K. Kamarudin* & W.R.W. Daud

Institut Sel Fuel, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor D.E., Malaysia

Received: 28 April 2009 / Accepted: 23 November 2009

ABSTRAK

Halangan utama untuk mengkomersialkan mikro sel fuel metanol langsung (μSFML) sebagai sumber kuasa bagi peralatan mudah alih adalah prestasi sel fuel itu sendiri. Dalam kajian ini, didapati penghasilan keluaran kuasa yang tinggi oleh μSFML iaitu 14.10 mW pada 4 cm2 keluasan kawasan aktif dengan menggunakan muatan mangkin yang rendah, 0.5 mg cm-2 pada bahagian katod telah diperolehi. Penentuan parameter-parameter reka bentuk yang optimum juga telah dikenal pasti. Di samping itu, pengujian ke atas prestasi, jangka hayat dan voltan arus terbuka (OCV) turut dilakukan.

Kata kunci: μSFML; muatan mangkin; pengoptimuman

ABSTRACT

The main constraint for the commercialization of micro Direct Methanol Fuel cell (μDMFC) for small power generation is the performance of the fuel cell. In this study, a high-power μDMFC with a power output of 14.10 mW on an active area of 4 cm2 and catalyst loading of 0.5 mg cm-2 cathode was successfully developed. The optimal parameters for methanol concentration and catalyst loading were determined. Besides that, testing of performance, long term and open circuit voltage (OCV) was also performed.

Keywords: μDMFC; catalyst loading; optimization  

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*Corresponding author; email: ctie@vlsi.eng.ukm. my