Slow rate of methanol oxidation and its crossover are two major challenges for direct methanol fuel cells(DMFC).The sluggish kinetics can be relieved by elevating cell temperature which

however

leads to other problems like membrane dehydration.To solve these problems

it is proposed that a methanol electrolytic reformer (MER) is combined with polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell(PEMFC) system.Working at elevated temperature

the MER provides hydrogen for the PEMFC and is driven by power provided by the PEMFC.Essential components included in this system are described and flows of mass

enthalpy and exergy are presented.Thermodynamic analysis shows that exergy destructions occur in main components

i.e.

PEMFC and MER.The voltage of MER is an important parameter influencing the efficiency of the system. Rising temperature in MER

MER voltage required significantly decreases

but exergy losses caused by heat dissipation and heat transfer increase exponentially due to the intensified evaporation of methanol solution.To mitigate evaporation

low methanol concentration and high pressure could be necessary.When MER works at higher methanol concentration

higher pressure is required for efficient operation.The overall performance and efficiency of this system is much better than that of a DMFC.Without carbon monoxide in hydrogen generated

comparing with a competitive system in which a thermal methanol steam reformer is incorporated

this system has potentials to be built simplier.