Masters Theses

Abstract

“Direct Ethanol Fuel Cells (DEFC’s) are becoming more important in current energy conversion devices because of their higher efficiency compared to other fuel cells. However, the performance of current DEFC’s is not efficient in providing energy to meet increasing energy demand. The objective of this work is to make the cell compact and at the same time improve performance. For this purpose, we have removed gasket and endplates to make structure compact and increased surface area by developing a new corrugated structure. This work also uses 3D printing technology Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) to make pocket backing case to improve sealing and production time. Studies of flow rate effects and elevated temperature impact on the performance of new cells have been made by comparing conventional cells. With the avoidance of the endplates and gaskets by using the proposed pocket model of assembly, the weight of the fuel cell decreases significantly. The corrugated structure has a surface area that is nearly 30% greater than conventional designs, which allows the use of membranes for wider catalytic coatings. Increased surface area greatly improves cell performance by enhancing available reaction sites. 3D printing cells can seal the better than the general structure of the cell and also reduce weight by removing the bolts. In summary, the proposed cells exhibit improved performance under all loading conditions, including increased flow rate and increased temperature”--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Park, Jonghyun

Committee Member(s)

Liou, Frank W.
Leu, M. C. (Ming-Chuan)

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Manufacturing Engineering

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Spring 2018

Pagination

vii, 30 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographic references (pages 27-29).

Rights

© 2018 Sindhuja Valluri, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 12058

Electronic OCLC #

1313117334

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