Why Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFC)?
For mobile applications, so called “Low Temperature Fuel Cells” are the most suitable fuel cells, since their operating temperature is rather low. The main fuel cells in this category are the hydrogen and the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). IQ has made a clear decision for the DMFC because methanol is a safe and inexpensive fuel for fuel cells. Hydrogen is normally stored in heavy and bulky metal hydride cartridges which are expensive to manufacture and refill. The content of such cartridges lasts only for a short time and the transport of hydrogen is subject to very strict restrictions. Methanol is distributed in safe and easy to handle fuel cartridges. The fuel cartridges can be changed in seconds, even during operation (hot-swap). Therefore recharging time, such as with batteries, is completely eliminated, and uninterrupted operation is now possible. The IQ fuel cartridges are equipped with a safety valve which prevents the spillage of methanol, thereby protecting the user from co
