EQUIVALENT CIRCUITS AND EFFICIENCIES OF FUEL CELLS,
Abstract
A thermodynamic equivalent circuit which yields the correct current-potential curve for low current is determined for a fuel cell. A linear electrical equivalent circuit is constructed which represents closely the electrical performance of the cell over a wide range of current (not approaching zero). Polarization processes are taken into account through a single constant parameter. Introduction of the equivalent thermal potential into the circuit yields a thermodynamic equivalent circuit whose output coincides exactly with that given by the electrical equivalent circuit. The correct electrical properties, thermodynamic power balance, and thermodynamic efficiency follow directly from the circuit. A general theorem is formulated, independently of the validity of an equivalent circuit, connecting the thermodynamic and electrical efficiencies of a fuel cell. Confirmatory experimental results based on hydrogen-oxygen cells are presented. The experimental results underline the large reduction in available power brought about by polarization processes in a fuel cell, in addition to that produced by the entropy change in the chemical reaction. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1953
- Accession Number
- AD0282283
Entities
People
- R. B. Theus
- V. E. Scherrer
- W. R. Faust