Performance Tests and Pressure Drop Measurements in the Anode Flowfield of a μDMFC

Cell performance tests and measurements of the pressure drops in the anode flow channels of a custom‐made microdirect methanol fuel cell (μDMFC) are conducted and studied for different methanol concentrations (0.5–2 M), flow rates (10–20 sccm) and operating temperatures (40–80 °C). The anode flowfields consist of three channel/four pass flow channels with widths of 500–2000 μm and a total length of 300–400 mm. Moreover, flow characteristics of the CO₂ gas bubbles and methanol solution in the anode flow channels are identified and analysed for CO₂ fraction through visualisation. Finally, an optimal channel size for the present μDMFC is obtained.