Reformed Methanol Fuel Cells Act as a Recharging Unit for an Electric Traction Battery

This paper presents comprehensive investigations into methanol-reformer fuel cells based on using an H3 5000 power source as a recharging unit for an electric car battery. The electrical investigations into the 5 kW high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFC) stack under variable electrical loads were carried out in parallel with the methanol-reformer system operation at different stages. It was found that the average fuel consumption (60% vol. CH3OH, 40% H2O) per production of 1 kWh was ~ 0.9–1 dm3. The electrical efficiency of the power system involving the HT-PEMFC stack varied from 37 to 40%. The analysis of waste heat recovery from outlet exhaust gases versus electrical power derived from the H3 5000 methanol power system is also provided. The process of charging the electric car battery from an HT-PEMFC fuel cell is also demonstrated. The results of the electrical investigation into using a 5 kW low-temperature polymer membrane fuel cell stack (LT -PEMFCs) as a possible power unit for charging a battery are also presented. The variation of hydrogen consumption on the electrical energy production as well as utilized for purification or humidification processes of PEMFC cells in a 5 kW PEMFC fuel cell stack is determined. In the case of an LT-PEMFC stack, the average hydrogen consumption for operating is ~ 780 Ndm3 H2 per 1 kWh for 50% efficiency.