Experts approved research proposal on micro-DAFC system
A proposed research into micro-power system of direct alcohol fuel cell (DAFC) was approved by a panel of experts at an evaluation meeting held under the auspices of CAS Bureau of High-tech Development on Oct. 28 in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province.
A DAFC, which works at low temperature and employs methanol and ethanol as fuel and oxygen as oxidant, converts chemical energy directly into electrical power. The technology attracts worldwide attention due to the fact that methanol and ethanol are abundant and cheap as natural resources, easy to store and transport, high in energy density. In addition, the structure of a small-volume DAFC system is flexible in designing and manufacturing. It can provide electricity stably and continuously as provided fuel exists so the working time only depends on the quality of the fuel and not limited to the capacity of cell with no or low emission.
The projected research, which was proposed by the CAS Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, is on the right direction, believed the expert, and its focus on a DAFC micro-power system with an output ranging from 10 –20 W will be suitable for notebook computers. The key problem to be addressed by the research, like the materials, designing, processing and system integration of DAFC, will pave the way for the development of micro-power system technology and its future industrialization in China.
