Horizontal order picker driven by a direct methanol fuel cell

Abstract

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) directly convert liquid methanol into electric energy. In addition to the very high energy density of methanol, the DMFC is characterized by easy handling and unproblematic refuelling. Direct methanol fuel cells are attractive for various applications, for example as replacements for batteries or accumulators, since DMFC systems permit longer operating times due to the high energy density of methanol. A market analysis was performed to find the best commercial application for the future. The results of this market analysis show that the best potential for systems lies in the material handling sector. Therefore, a DMFC system was designed for a horizontal order picker. In this paper, the system will be described in terms of process engineering and hybridization. For hybridization, the focus is on the used energy storage. The control strategy of the DMFC system was also described.