Objective
Research objectives and content
The Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC) relies on the direct feed of methanol to the anode of the cell, where controlled oxidation takes place, with the cathode reaction being the reduction of oxygen to water. The aim of this research is the experimentally testing and modelling of a large scale direct methanol fuel cell employing a solid polymer electrolyte. I will develop a (two dimensional) model of the thermal behaviour of the fuel cell stack based on the differential thermal energy conservation equation. Appropriate structure of the model will be formulated around the conservation equation for charge transfer, potential and heat transfer, which include both the Butler-Volmer equation and the Stefan-Maxwell equation
The objectives of the research are: i) to experimentally test a large scale DMFC under variable operating conditions i) to develop a performance model of the DMFC which can be evaluated against experimental data, iii) to test the model under a range of operating conditions of temperature, fuel flows, pressure etc. to gain a greater understanding of DMFC operation, iv)to evaluate the difference in performance between using methanol as vapour or liquid in the DMFC, v) to develop a thermal model of DMFC stack system during steady state operation. vi) to experimentally determine the thermal response of the DMFC stack system.
Overall the model(s) developed will be a valuable tool in understanding the behaviour of DMFC fuel cell operating stacks. This work is a compliment to existing experimental research at Newcastle on the performance of DMFC's.
Training content (objective, benefit and expected impact)
I will bring my skills in heat transfer, fluid mechanics, mathematics and mechanical engineering to the engineering modelling of the DMFC. I will acquire skills in physical chemistry, electrochemical engineering and also in process engineering to broaden my first degree in mechanical engineering. Development of computational skills and mathematics in formulating and implementing models. Experience of small and large scale electrochemical cells, fabrication and operation will develop my experimental skills and my appreciation of operation of larger scale electrochemical systems.. My training will be supported by directed reading in the appropriate literature and by attending modules in
electrochemistry, electrochemical engineering and reactor systems, which are part of MSc and MEng degree courses. I will be part of an active electrochemical engineering group at Newcastle which meets on a regular basis for informal discussions and seminar presentations of members. I look forward to presenting my research at UK national conference and an International conference and also to presenting my research to my home University at Thessaly, Greece who are also developing research interest in the DMFC.
Overall the objective of the training is to produce a broad based electrochemical engineer with skills in the underlying physical sciences and process and mechanical engineering who can apply this knowledge to the many electrochemical industries in Europe. I expect my training to have immediate impact in the development of electrochemical technology in Greece and initially in electrochemical power source development.
Links with industry / industrial relevance (22)
The project is relevant to sectors of industry involved in the manufacture of cells and materials for electrochemical power sources and electrolysers. Through initial contacts with Thessaly University, Newcastle, der Bunderwehr, Munchen I understand a consortium is being planned with interested companies (e.g. De gussa, Durr Technik, DRA, UK) and other Universities (Munchen Helsinki) to attempt to develop practical DMFC power sources
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering
- natural sciences chemical sciences organic chemistry alcohols
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels fuel cells
- natural sciences chemical sciences physical chemistry
- natural sciences physical sciences
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Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
NE1 7RU NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
United Kingdom
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