MICRO-FUEL CELL

POWER SOURCES
SUBMITTED BY,
SNEHA JAMES
 micro fuel cell power sources; definition

Micro-fuel cell power sources are electrochemical devices that convert a

fuel's chemical energy directly into electrical energy. These fuel cells are
typically designed to be small in size, making them suitable for powering
various portable electronic devices, sensors, and even certain medical
implants. They offer a promising alternative to conventional batteries due to
their higher energy density and potential for longer runtime.
 Working Principle:
Like larger fuel cells, micro fuel cells operate on the principle of electrochemical
reactions. They typically use hydrogen or hydrogen-rich fuels like methanol,
ethanol, or formic acid as fuel sources. The fuel reacts with oxygen from the air in
the presence of a catalyst (usually platinum) at the anode, releasing electrons.
These electrons flow through an external circuit, producing electrical energy, and
then return to the cathode where they combine with oxygen and protons to form
water.
 Important characteristics
1. Size and Portability: The defining feature of micro fuel cells is their small size and compact form
factor. They are designed to be lightweight and easy to integrate into various electronic devices.
2. Energy Density: Micro fuel cells offer higher energy density compared to conventional batteries, which
means they can store more energy in a smaller volume or weight. This makes them ideal for applications
where long runtime and high power output are essential.
3. Refueling/Recharging: One of the main advantages of fuel cells is that they can be refueled or
recharged quickly by replenishing the fuel rather than relying on slow recharging processes like
conventional batteries.
4. Efficiency: Micro fuel cells can be highly efficient in converting fuel to electricity, especially when
compared to internal combustion engines. However, the efficiency can vary depending on the type of
fuel cell and operating conditions
 Characteristics
• Fuel cells generate electricity through electrochemical reactions in which a fuel
and oxidant are converted at the anode and cathode. These catalytic reactions at the
electrodes generate ions that preferentially conduct through an electrolyte
membrane while creating free electrons that are available to drive an external load.
• The parameters determining the performance, conditions, and operation of the fuel
cell are dependent on the electrolyte material, and subsequent composition of the
MEA. Electrolytes range from low-temperature, acid-based, proton-conducting
membranes to high-temperature, ceramic-based ionic conducting membranes
DIAGRAMATIC VIEW
DIAGRAMATIC VIEW
 TYPES OF FUEL CELLS
1. Hydrogen fuel cells; Hydrogen is an ideal fuel for PEM fuel cells providing rapid diffusion kinetics,
high cell potential, and it can allow for dead end anode flow field designs. For portable applications,
hydrogen becomes less desirable since it must be stored either as a compressed gas, or in the form of a
chemical or metal hydride
2. Direct methanol fuel cells and Reformed methanol fuel cells; DMFC is a power generator that directly
converts the chemical energy of methanol into electricity. Methanol fuel has several advantages
including lightweight, small size, long duration, and easy fuel refilling. DMFC is one of the best
candidates for micro-fuel cell applications, such as mobile phone, personal computer and electronic
gadgets. Though there is considerable development on catalyst (especially to reduce the amount of
catalyst with superior performance) of MEA and handling of high concentration of methanol without
much crossover through the membrane, still it lacks the high performance based on power density.
 TYPES OF FUEL CELLS
3. Direct formic acid fuel cells: Direct formic acid fuel cells (DFAFCs) operate similar
to DMFCs through the catalytic anode reactions described by
HCOOH CO2 + 2H + 2e
While the electrolyte and catalyst used for DFAFCs can be the same as used for
DMFCs, there are both benefits and disadvantages from a system performance
perspective.
4. Laminar flow fuel cells. As discussed previously, approaches to micro-fuel cells
have demonstrated advances through downscaling of larger scale, more conventional
fuel cell designs, as well as novel designs that exploit physical properties at the
microscale
 TYPES OF FUEL CELLS
5. Liquid electrolyte and oxidant fuel cells
6. Solid oxide fuel cells. Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) incorporate
ceramic-based oxygen ion conducting electrolyte membranes that
require significantly higher operating temperatures (500–7008C) than
micro-fuel cells that have been discussed to this point
 MINIATURIZATION METHODS
• Scaling down micro-fuel cell systems will ultimately depend on the methods
used for miniaturization. To achieve miniaturization and integration of micro
fuel cells, a variety of microfabrication approaches have been explored.
These approaches range from techniques used for semiconductor integrated
circuits and MEMS , to advanced machining techniques at the microscale
• Miniaturization methods seek to shrink the critical features of key
components in the fuel cell stack, while retaining or improving the same
functionality for all components.
 MINIATURIZATION METHODS
• MEMS fabrication.
• Alternative microfabrication approaches.
• 3. Advanced machining techniques.
Applications:
Micro fuel cell power sources are being explored for various applications,
including mobile phones, laptops, wearables, drones, sensors, medical
devices, and other small electronic gadgets. Additionally, they have potential
uses in remote or portable power generation, providing electricity in areas
without access to the grid.
 ADVANTAGES
• Fuel cells have the key advantage that the energy is stored in chemical
form in the fuel, therefore, if the energy conversion platform (i.e. the fuel
cell stack) can be made sufficiently small, and the fuel can be provided in
easy to handle, high concentration cartridges, then a fuel cell will provide
extended time between recharge for comparably sized rechargeable
batteries
•  Fuel cells promise to provide more reliable, longer portable power than
batteries.
 Challenges:
• Despite their potential benefits, there are challenges associated with micro
fuel cells, including fuel storage, safety concerns, cost, and the availability
of hydrogen infrastructure. Research and development efforts are ongoing
to address these challenges and improve the technology further.
• miniaturization remains a design challenge despite much work being done
on this
 CONCLUSIONS
• Micro-fuel cell systems have progressed to the point where functional systems are
presently being demonstrated and are nearing the stage of commercial viability. From the
discussions presented, significant issues still remain to be resolved for future
improvements in fuel cell performance, necessary to compete directly with rechargeable
batteries for consumer electronic applications.
• It can be anticipated that additional innovations will emerge as part of this field. While
many of these innovations will be in the areas of components and design methodologies,
the area of materials science and nanotechnology will have perhaps the most significant
impact on the future of micro-fuel cells, particularly in the areas of catalyst and
electrolytes.
 REFERENCES
1)Micro-fuel cell power sources
Jeffrey D. Morse
First published: 19 January 2007https://doi.org/10.1002/er.1281
Citations: 146

2) Micro-fuel cells—Current development and applications

Arunabha Kundu, Journal of Power SourcesVolume 170, Issue 1, 30 June 2007, Pages 67-78

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2007.03.066

3)  MEMS-Based Micro Fuel Cells as Promising Power Sources for Portable Electronics

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-374713-6.00002-0

Micro Fuel Cells

Principles and Application
2009, Pages 51-97
THANK YOU