Sharp boosts methanol fuel cell power density

SHARP HAS unveiled a high density, 0.3Wcc direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC), which boasts the highest level of power density yet achieved.

The diminutive cell volume, whose tiny frame measures 50 x 30 mm, has a longer lifespan than commonly used lithium ion batteries and is well matched for notebooks, mobile equipment and even electronic dictionaries.

Sharp showed off the device at the 15th Fuel Cell Symposium in Tokyo.

At 0.3Wcc the cell's power density is about seven times more than Sharp’s previous attempt.

Fuel cells use energy produced by the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, and are claimed or have a small impact on the environment.

The high generating efficiency comes from converting chemical energy directly into electrical energy.

Sharp’s DMFC uses methanol, and controls fuel supply with a tiny pump, making it into an active fuel cell system. Power is generated through a chemical reaction between methanol supplied directly to the power generation part and oxygen in the air.

There are still problems that need solving, according to Sharp, who says that the cells’ low power density means increasing the size of the power generation part, resulting in overall increases to the total cell volume.

The company boasts a three dimensional integrated stack structure to secure uniform and continuous spaces, which allows for increasing cell surface area and smoother circulation of air, essential for power generation. µ