A Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC) is an electrochemical energy conversion device which transforms chemical energy of liquid Methanol into Electrical energy directly without any intermediate processes or moving parts thus making it an efficient source of power.
Unlike internal combustion engines that burn fuel for power, direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) use a polymer electrode membrane to convert chemical energy to electrical energy. Methanol fuel is delivered to the anode side of the membrane, where it is split into protons and electrons. The electrons pass to a circuit and create electrical current, while the protons pass thorough the membrane to the cathode side of the fuel cell. In cathode side, the protons and oxygen form carbon dioxide and water.
The entire range of fuel cells are ‘Intelligent devices’ i.e they can do the following:-
Environment friendly & contain no hazardous components and Lower greenhouse gas emissions than fossil-fuel- based electricity production.
The fuel cells were continuously used for 24x7 and were able to perform without fluctuations. However, it may not be possible to for a DG set to work for such long durations.
Informs the user when a fuel cart needs replacement. This enables a covert power supply and reduces logistics & maintenance costs while ensuring reliable operation.
DMFC fuel cell are light weight & compact. Therefore, they can be carried by single/more person & are interoperable and can easily be integrated into existing system.
Generate hardly any detectable thermal or elect signatures and produce no harmful emissions. No SOx, NOx, or particulate emissions. They only emit CO2 & H2O in small quantities.
The fuel cells have a feature of ‘Hot Swap’ i.e the fuel cartridge can be replaced without the equipment having to be switched ‘OFF’.
As can be ascertained from para 5(h) above, the fuel cells are more eco viable than the gen sets giving the same output. The major factors for the same are enumerated below:-
The fuel cells are light weight and are easy to carry from one place to another by a single/ two person as compared to generator sets.
Methanol Safety Data Sheet
