In situ μPIV velocity and μLIF temperature/concentration measurements in serpentine/dendrite μDMFC flow channels

We present an experimental study of the flow, as well as the thermal and concentration characteristics, of the flow channels of an active (anode) /passive (cathode) micro direct methanol fuel cell (μDMFC) through μPIV/μLIF optical visualization techniques. The flow channels of the μDMFC used consist of a one-channel, seven-pass serpentine flow plate at the anode and a dendrite type with an 80° angle flow channel at the cathode. For the anode, the channel has a dimension of 0.6 mm × 0.2 mm; while, for the cathode, the dimensions are 0.4 mm × 0.2 mm. Both have a land-to-channel ratio of 1 with open ratios of 55% (anode) and 49% (cathode), respectively. Methanol solution flow rates of 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 sccm with solution concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 M at the anode were used. The velocity, temperature, and concentration in the anode flow channels for 10≦Re≦52 were visualized and measured. Moreover, temperature measurements were conducted in the cathode flow channels. The results are presented and discussed with the related correlations in the anode channels, which were developed in terms of relevant parameters.