Development of a maximum-power-point-limiting control system for a direct methanol fuel cell

A new maximum‐power‐point limiting (MPPL) control method for a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) was proposed. In regard to achieving MPPL, it was affirmed by experiment that it is possible to control the DMFC by simply ensuring that its voltage does not fall below a certain level regardless of its state. An MPPL control system that accomplishes the DMFC voltage limitation required for MPPL control by using a ‘soft‐start function’ fitted in a ready‐made DC/DC converter was developed. It was confirmed by experimental tests that the circuit board of the developed MPPL control system can perform DMFC voltage limitation control. © 2011 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.